HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!

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Not that I ever need too much of an excuse to serve sparkling wine or Champagne, but Canada's 143rd birthday seems like a good enough reason don't you think?  I have listed them in order of $, $$, and $$$ depending on your bubbles budget:


($) GIOVELLO PROSECCO (Italy)
LCBO 85316 - $ 14.95
(4 Bonus Air Miles till Jul 17th)

Lovely, light & fresh - perfect for Brunch ! Mix with orange juice only if you must....

($$) DOMAINE CHANDON BRUT CUVEE (California)
LCBO 94946 - $24.90 

A bit more substantial, showing its sunny California personality, enjoy with  chicken Caesar salad.

($$$) POL ROGER BRUT CUVEE RESERVE CHAMPAGNE (France)
LCBO 51953 $58.55

In my opinion, Champagne (the real stuff - from France that is...) is always worth the price if you can afford it.  This one is pure elegance so bring on the oysters (try www.oysterboy.ca on Queen St. W.).

And for those of you who want a red wine to go with your Canada Day BBQ, try:

CHATEAU CANADA Bordeaux Superieur AOC (France) 
LCBO 559468 - $ 14.90

Can't think of  a better day to give this one a try - pair this dry  Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend with a juicy burger -- but hold the sweet BBQ sauce 'cause sweet sauces are not kind to dry wines....

Later,
Mo
 


 

ROSE COLOURED GLASSES

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Hey all,

Summer sunsets are upon us, so here's to pink wines !  BTW - in case you wondered, your girl is always pretty in pink and yes, real men do drink pink wines.  Rosés are fantastic with your summer picnic basket foods.  They're also great for you white wine lovers 'cause you serve them nice & cool....and you red wine lovers, they're like shedding your hoodies in the summer heat.

This week's wine are listed in order of sweetness, sweetest to driest:

1.  SIBLING RIVALRY PINK VQA (ONTARIO)
LCBO 171033 | $13.95

You know why I love this 'rock, paper, scissors' wine from the 3 Speck brothers of Henry of Pelham - three brothers working wine together yeah !   This pinkie starts off like a refreshing wedge of ice cold watermelon, finishes off a tad drier than that but still luscious = try it with a grilled turkey burger with a side of mango salsa.  Yum...

2.  STONELEIGH MARLOROUGH PINOT NOIR ROSE (N.ZEALAND)
LCBO 122275 | $16.95

New Zealand not only has a great rugby team, they also make great Pinot Noirs - even pink ones.  This lovely is fruity but dry, one my favourites from south of the Equator.  Try it with chicken souvlaki salad...and don't forget your sunglasses and a good book on the deck.
 
3.  DOMAINE HOUCHART ROSÉ 2009 (FRANCE)
VINTAGES 118653 | $13.95

The region of Provence in the South of France is a classic region for this style of wine.  This is the lightest and driest of the three this week so, ooooh la la! try it with a side of your favourite sushi or steamed mussels.

Next week - celebrate Canada's birthday with bubbles (we'll publish one day early on June 30th).

Like the blog?  Comment on it - pass it on - share it - forward it - talk about it.....

Later,
Mo


FIFA FEVER

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Oy!  Soccer fans far & wide - I see a lot of flags out there, are you sure you're all cheering for the right team ?

Here's a few Winners from host-country SOUTH AFRICA to slack your World Cup fever:

1.  THE BEACH HOUSE SAUVIGNON BLANC / SEMILLON
LCBO 122390 | $ 9.95

Wow - can't beat that price!  A fruity little white for all summer long, buy a few bottles to see you through  soccer frenzy and beyond.  Chill it down and try it with szechwan shrimp.

If the next wine seems a bit scary, do not fear.... it's really not dangerous at all - and you gotta love that caricature on the label:

2.  PORCUPINE RIDGE SYRAH
VINTAGES Essentials 595280 | $ 14.95

Shiraz by its other (French) name of course - a spicy red wine to have with lamb sausages or your favourite pasta with meat sauce.   Just been added to the Vintages Essentials portfolio - which means 'always available' in the Vintages section of the LCBO.

3.  AMARULA CREAM LIQUEUR
LCBO 342246 | $26.95

And for the after-party, have a shot of this African cream liqueur straight up, on the rocks or in your coffee...sweet-ish, creamy/nutty and delicious.

Later, 
Mo 

IS YOUR DAD A COOL CAT?

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We are now live(!), so welcome to our Blog....

Father's Day's coming up June 20th - you gotta ditch the whipper-snipper idea and get something he actually wants !

1.  LEAPING LEOPARD'S Family Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (South Africa)
VINTAGES 165753 | 750 mL bottle  $18.95

Guaranteed to hit the spot :) - This SB's dry, not too tart with a good mouthful of refreshing flavours, serve it chilled & get that side of goat cheese salad ready.

If RED is more Dad's colour - try this yummy Shiraz from DownUnder:

2.  SKILLOGALEE BASKET PRESSED SHIRAZ 2006  (AUSTRALIA)
VINTAGES 165753 | 750 mL bottle $24.95

From the Clare Valley region- Rich & full of peppery flavours, may cause you to need a second bottle to go with the beef tenderloin, and Oh - save room for a dark chocolate dessert so Dad can enjoy the last sip with that. 

AND.... IF you had a bonus payday this month, one last idea for your dear old man:  A wee dram maybe?

3.  HIGHLAND PARK 18 YEARS OLD ORKNEY ISLANDS SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY (SCOTLAND) - VINTAGES 500231 | 750 mL bottle  - On sale for $129.95 !

OK - could be a little rich for your wallet, but totally worth it.  Smooth as silk, a wee bit smokey,  downright awesome.  Serve 'two fingers' neat with just a drop of distiller water and Life is good......

Later,
Mo