HOME GROWN

Hi all,

Just got back from a great trip to the vineyards in our own background in Niagara - with some of my students.  Below, a few stars that shone brightly on my travels over the weekend:

1.  Rosewood Estates Natalie's Sussreserve Riesling 2008 - $18

This one was a Gold Medal winner at the Niagara Wine Festival.  Sussreserve is a German method of adding sweetness back into the wine.  This is balanced with lovely acidity, and is a natural to go with Thai food.  Available at the winery in Beamsville.

2.  Malivoire Lady Bug Rose VQA 2009 - $15.95
One of my favourite Ontario pinks!  Dry and full of juicy fruit flavours, serve it chilled with tapas - hummus,  olives, grilled shrimp, etc.  You can order it on-line at www.malivoire.com.


3.  Flat Rock Sparkling Reserve 2006 - $35.20

Oh my, but is Ontario making amazing bubbles!  Flat Rock has just launched this latest wine - their pride & joy - well worth waiting for.  Festive & fine, weddings, birthdays & anniversaries are just waiting for this beauty from our own backyard.  Order it from the winery at www.flatrockcellars.com.

4.  Creekside Shiraz Broken Press Shiraz 2007 - $39.95

From the 2007 vintage which was warm enough to ripen Shiraz in Niagara (not always the case in cool, wet summers!) this serious Shiraz is made by an Aussie winemaker - although I would call it more French (Northern Rhone) in style.  Bring on the braised beef stew! Or sock it away in your cellar, this one will last for a bit.  Available from the winery at www.creeksidewine.com. 

Generally speaking, keep an eye out for the 2010's coming out of Niagara a while down the road.  Given the warm summer we are having and if the weather holds through the Fall with warm & dry conditions, 2010 will be a great vintage!

Later,

Mo