By Lucie Trépanier

To highlight Earth Day, celebrated every April 22nd in Canada, LCBO’s Vintages released some delicious, eco-friendly wines at an event named Green Evolution.

Before providing a summary of featured wineries, here is an overview of the 3 major buzzwords relating to eco-friendly farming, which were well explained by Vintages at the tasting.

Sustainable:
Sustainable relates to viticulture and winemaking. It is a way of life in the vineyard and in the winery, where a long-term vision aims to integrate people, soil, plants and fauna. Sustainable agriculture adheres to 3 fundamental principles:
• environmental health
• economic profitability
• social and economic equity

Major green solutions linked to sustainability include water conservation, waste reduction and liveable wages and benefits for workers. Sustainable producers today tend to adhere to such principles on a voluntary basis, monitored by self-regulating bodies rather than official government-run certifying bodies.

Organic:
A return to natural farming methods. Organic practices take sustainable farming one step further as they encompass jurisdiction, which varies per country. Main rules of organic viticulture include the ban of chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides in the vineyard. Certification is granted only after a winery adheres to organic methods for three years.

Biodynamic:
The most radical agricultural system in terms of eco-friendliness. Developed in the early 1900’s by Austrian philosopher and scientist Rudolph Steiner, biodynamic agriculture was the first modern ecological farming system. In relation to winegrowing, it is a holistic approach, where a vineyard is treated as a single, harmonious organism. As with organic viticulture, it forbids the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides but includes further steps towards natural farming. Methods may include unique practices such as using compost and field sprays crafted from fermented herbal and mineral preparations, the use of astronomical sowing and a planting calendar which follows the lunar cycle.
Certification is required for wineries wishing to become biodynamic. Although biodynamic viticulture is not new to the wine world, Southbrook Vineyards is the very first Canadian winery to be certified biodynamic since 2008.

Wineries featured at Green Evolution included:

Southbrook Vineyards

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

This year, on Earth Day, Southbrook Vineyards released two new certified biodynamic wines. The 2008 Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2009 “Fresh” White joined their Cabernet Rosé, already biodynamic since 2008. These wines are all certified by Pro-Cert Organics and Demeter.

www.southbrook.com

Domaine Weinbach
Alsace, France

This winery was a pioneer in eco-friendly winegrowing and winemaking and has been cultivating its grapes according to organic and biodynamic principles since 2005. Official certification is anticipated for 2010.

Domaine Weinbach products available at Lifford Wine Agency

www.liffordwine.com

www.domaineweinbach.com

Pommery

Champagne, France

Pommery’s NV Champagne Pop Earth was released this Earth Day. This predominantly Pinot Noir-based bubbly is made according to sustainable practises and bottled in a lightweight glass bottle (1.85 lbs versus the standard 2 lbs Champagne bottle) which will considerably reduce pollution and energy costs during shipping. The new Pop Earth also features recycled labels printed with water soluble inks.

www.pommery.com

Viña Arboleda

Valle de Aconcagua, Chile

Another direct project of Chile’s Eduardo Chadwick (owner and president of Viña Errázuriz, and founder of Viñedo Chadwick, Seña and Caliterra brands), Viña Arboleda is a boutique winery featuring sustainable handcrafted wines from the Aconcagua Valley.

A thorough detailed conversation with winemaker Soledad Meneses shed light on the term sustainability and provided concrete examples of everyday actions it entails. Key points adopted by sustainable viticulture include:

• Precision farming: Farm management at a level that allows inputs to be tailored to variable conditions across short distances in a single field.

• Integrated pest management: An integrated, ecological approach of crop management to solve ecological problems when applied in agriculture. It’s main goal is to significantly reduce or eliminate use of pesticides in the vineyard through prevention, observation and intervention.

• Water waste reduction: the rational use of water resources by developing and improving irrigation strategies to maximize the efficient use of water and reduce unnecessary energy use.

• Ongoing staff education and improved conditions for vineyard workers

www.arboledawines.com

www.sena.cl/Eng/default.asp

Benziger Family Winery

Lake and Sonoma Counties, California 

Sonoma’s Benziger family has been leaving its trace—or working at reducing it—for thirty years. All its wines are certified organic, sustainable or biodynamic and all of their estate vineyards are certified biodynamic by Demeter. With the increasing effects of water shortage being felt in California, viticulturists will need to innovate and find solutions to survive. At Benziger, initiatives to reduce land, air and water waste are not simply seen as the most concrete action in favour of Mother Earth, but has also become a company trademark as it is the best way to make distinctive, quality wines for today’s competitive market.

www.benziger.com

View a complete list of Vintages Eco-Friendly Releases.

The annual California Wine Fair, held at the Westin Hotel on April 21st was yet again a great opportunity to enjoy and discover some beautifully crafted wines. With spring now well under way, several wines were a tease for the senses and a great source of inspiration for upcoming barbecues and backyard gatherings. Although sometimes disappointing to find out that many wines featured at such wine shows are consignment products (not available at the LCBO) they are often available through direct contact with the responsible wine agent. You may also keep an eye out for these wines at upcoming visits to local restaurants.

Here are some personal highlights from the California Wine Fair:

Schramsberg 2006 Blanc de Blancs, North Coast (44.50$ - private order)

A long time American favourite, this complex traditional method, hand-riddled sparkling wine   can shamelessly compete with many fine Ch

ampagnes. With generous notes of citrus fruit, honey dew

melon, elderflowers, fresh pastry and marzipan, refreshing acidity, underlying minerality and pleasant yeastiness, this wine is ideal to highlight any special occasion or to kick off your next gathering. It will drink beautifully on its own or alongside richly textured finger foods such as coconut shrimp, crab cakes, beef satay, or smoked mackerel canapés. For a lighter, fruit-forward version of this bubbling sensation, opt for their 2006 Brut Rosé.

View this wine’s fact sheet (pdf) or contact The Vine Rob Groh Agency for orders.

Duckhorn Vineyards 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
29.95$ –LCBO Vintages Release, May 29th 2010 / private order

Tired of hearing the same comments about California Chardonnays? The same lingo being tossed around for years about over-oaked California whites, wines stripped of all freshness and pure fruit expression…and that over-played, narrow-minded “ABC” catchphrase (Anything but Chardonnay)?

This Chardonnay will surely provide a different point of view! A perfect wine to cellar for the next 5-8 years, already showing extreme balance and charm and finesse. Beautifully crafted, this unfiltered wine is a benchmark expression of Carneros Chardonnay, with lively acidity and flinty minerality, a smooth buttery texture, well integrated oak and a complex array of aromas and flavours of stone fruit, orange blossoms, mango, fresh vanilla bean and grilled almonds.
A wine to save for a very special occasion, perhaps, but definitely worth every dollar invested.

View this wine’s factsheet:
http://www.vinecliff.com/wines/los-carneros-chardonnay-2007.html

Represented by Vinexx
jdesautels@vinexx.com
www.vinexx.com

 
Paul Dolan 2007 Zinfandel, Mendocino
21.95$ - private order

Nothing spells out “b-a-r-b-e-c-u-e” as clearly as a juicy, ripe Californian Zinfandel and Paul Dolan’s 2007 vintage Zin is no exception. This easy-sipping wine is rich in flavours of ripe cherries, coffee and chocolate but also has the intriguing spiciness of capsicum and pepper, which was demystified at the tasting; the flavour profile of this affordable wine is the result of blending jammy Mendocino County fruit (79%) with leaner, spicier Amador County fruit (21%).

To step it up a notch, keep an eye out for the outstanding Paul Dolan 2006 Deep Red. Ripe, round, full-bodied and biodynamic (57% Syrah, 31% Petite Syrah, 12% Grenache - 56.00$ private order)

Available through Calibrium International
sales information: irubin@calibrium.com / 1 (877) 320-0140
www.calibrium.com

***************
 
Ca’ del Solo Estate 2006 Sangiovese, San Benito County
21.60$ - private order

Bonny Doon Vineyards and founder/winemaker Randall Grahm are most commonly associated with the biodynamic wine movement and the establishment of Rhône varieties (hence the term “Rhone Rangers”) in California. Stepping outside the box yet again with their medium-bodied, astringent 2006 Sangiovese, this wine is an ideal companion for just about any red meat-based dish, including grilled marinated flank steak, barbecued short ribs or pasta in tomato sauce. It is a great alternative to fuller reds which can sometimes over power your dish. Plenty of red fruit and moderately firm tannins without the excessive weight and sweetness often associated with cask ageing (this wine is moderately oaked). It has a pleasant, refreshing earthiness reminiscent of tea leaf, sour cherry and smoke.View this wine’s factsheet: http://www.smallwinemakers.ca/ProductDetails.aspx?pID=BDSan06

Available through Small Winemakers Collection
Private Client Sales: robe@smallwinemakers.ca
www.smallwinemakers.ca

We had a great tasting last weekend featuring some wines from New Zealand as well as some cheeses from Quebec.  It was so much fun we thought we should share what we tried in the form of a Groovy Grapes Guide (pdf).  Have a look at the wine and cheese notes (cheese notes are on page 2):

Have a look at the groovy grapes guide you can download or share with friends.  If you are looking for a chance to try up to 200 different wines from New Zealand you won’t want to miss the New Zealand Winegrowers fair Apr 27 at Westin Hotel.

The Wines of Ontario Winter WineFest is part of the Taste of Winterlude Fine Dining Experiences programming.  It’s a casual cocktail style tasting with a serious list of wines and 23 confirmed Ontario wineries. 

Hosted at the National Arts Centre in the Panorama room with views of the Rideau Canal it promises to be one of the highlights of the Taste of Winterlude Program. 

Grab a ticket before they are gone by visiting http://ontario-wine-fair-2010-ggblog.eventbrite.com

** groovy grapes clients and friends we’ve arranged for a couple of special benefits for you.  Email sean at groovygrapes.com and ask about Your Personal Restaurant Conceirge (we’ll recommend restaurants for you to check out during Taste of Winterlude) as well as a special rate on the Feb 17/10 Winter WineFest.

Just had a really good question come in about what’s your favourite value wine pick. 

Of course value is a matter of opinion but for the purpose of this post I’m going to look at something we’ve tried recently that is the under $10 price range. 

I stopped by the Wines of Spain booth during the Ottawa Wine and Food Show and sampled a number of really interesting wines.  I was pleasantly surprised by a red wine from the region of Yecla in Spain.  The fact that it’s whopping $8.90 is quite amazing.  I think it delivers twice the value.  The grape is monastrell (or mourvèdre) and it’s typically a blending grape so I haven’t seen many single varietal versions.  We picked up a few bottles to have around and it’s a guilt-free go to red for everything from burgers and pizza to braised and bbq meat.  Leave us a comment if you pick it up to let us know what you think. BODEGAS CASTANO LA CASONA MONASTRELL LCBO 143743 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 8.90

Listen in as I chat with Katfish and the rest of the morning crew over at LIVE 88.5 - we’re talking La Vendemmia, but keep on listening through the out-of-date event info (sorry about that!) for some great ideas for simple Italian nibbles you can pick up, throw on a platter, and serve with Italian wines to match. Click here for the audio clip.

 

 Stacey talks about Italian wines and Preston Street with Live 88.5FM [10:47m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Wine selections:

TOMMASI CHIARETTO 2008
VINTAGES 685057 | $12.95 | Veneto, Italy
(paired with homemade bruschetta from Luciano’s Fine Foods, 106 Preston Street)

VILLA RUBINI SCHIOPPETTINO
Consignment only - $19.95 (contact us if you’re interested in ordering)
(paired with Pingue Prosciutto, available at fine food shops including La Bottega, Nicastro shops, and The Piggy Market)

SANTERO BRACHETTO D’ACQUI
VINTAGES 119495 | $16.20 | Piedmont, Italy
(paired with “Turtles” - chocolate pots de crème with caramel and nuts, homemade at Pasticerria Gelateria Italiana, 200 Preston Street)

 

 Stacey talks about Italian wines and Preston Street with Live 88.5FM [10:47m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Too busy to cook?  The Red Apron is a brilliant business that offers a fresh meal service for delivery or pick-up, plus a retail store well stocked with a selection of fresh and frozen prepared meals, fresh bread, local preserves and sweet treats.  And here’s the big bonus - they cook all of their meals from ’scratch’!   Their philosophy is to give clients an opportunity to rediscover the taste of good food that takes time to prepare, and to get people ‘back to the table’ around fresh, wholesome meals made with local and seasonal ingredients.  The Red Apron cooks with local, hormone and antibiotic free meat, organic dried goods (beans, pasta, rice, flour, sugar), and fresh produce from local growers.  You can check them out at www.redapron.ca, or at their retail shop at 571 Gladstone Avenue. 

Jennifer and Jo-Ann, the lovely ladies at the Red Apron, have shared with us a simple seasonal recipe for Ratatouille Strudel.  Here’s the recipe, and read on below for my wine picks!

 Ratatouille Strudel 

Check out Geoffrey’s segment on Summer wine and beer selections with A TV Ottawa.

Listen in to our discussion on hot summertime wines on CBC’s All in a Day. Host Adrian Harewood chatted with me and Rod Phillips about summertime trends and some great values. 

 

 CBC Radio Interview With Stacey Metulynsky Summer 2009 [13:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Read on for our wine picks.

Stacey’s picks:
Cono Sur Viognier ($9.95, LCBO 64287, Chile)
A medium to full bodied white with juicy, ripe tropical fruit flavours and a mouth-filling texture.  Pair it up with grilled scallops topped with Niagara peach salsa.

Freixenet Brut de Noirs Cava Brut ($12.95, LCBO 352369, Spain)
A rosé bubbly that’s crisp, refreshing and food friendly.  Perfect for welcoming guests, or pair it up with chorizo sausage or other simple tapas and charcuterie.

Candidato Oro ($7.95, LCBO 523811, Spain)
A blend of Tempranillo and Grenache creates an easy-drinking, spicy-fruity red wine that’s medium in body and a great match for grilled burgers, sausages, or spiced chicken or pork.

Rod’s picks:
Marques de Riscal Rueda Blanco ($12.35, LCBO 36822, Spain)
Made from Verdejo grapes, this white is fresh but full of ripe fruit flavour - a great choice for summertime.  Pair it with seafood paella, light tapas, or grilled chicken with lemon and herbs.

Remy Pannier Rosé d’Anjou ($11.95, LCBO 12641, France)
Intense strawberry flavour, refreshing acidity, and light body combine in this rosé from the Loire Valley in France that is delicious on its own as well as with any manner of grilled fare - Rod even enjoys it with steak!

Montalto Nero d’Avola/Cabernet Sauvignon ($9.95, LCBO 621151, Sicily)
Big body, big flavour, and perfect for your grilled red meats this summer.  Nero d’Avola is a grape native to Sicily that creates spicy, full-bodied reds that are often priced to provide incredible value.

 

 CBC Radio Interview With Stacey Metulynsky Summer 2009 [13:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Camping truly is one of the best ways to get back to the basics – spending time with nature, leaving behind modern conveniences, and cooking over a fire.  But that doesn’t mean you have to skip a delicious meal with the perfect wine pairing, does it? Not if you ask me! 

The most important thing when organizing your camping meals is to plan ahead, packing your cooler wisely with solid ingredients that have lots of flavour.  An easy way to make your campsite dinners taste great is to make a versatile, flavour-packed barbecue sauce in advance that can be stored in a jar and used to season whatever you throw over the fire.  This recipe has a tasty balance of sweet, spicy and sour – perfect to dress up a simple chicken breast , flank steak, or pork tenderloin.  Add to that the intense, smoky flavour of cooking over a campfire and you’ve got yourself a gourmet main course without even trying!

Now to pick the perfect wine.  Since you could use the sauce on just about anything, what you want to focus on is the sweet-spicy-sour flavours of the barbecue sauce.  Because the sauce is tomato-based, you need a wine that has lots of acidity to balance that out, and you definitely need something that has ripe, fruity flavours to stand up to the sweet and spicy elements.  A smooth, fruity, medium-bodied red wine would be perfect.  Try something Spanish made from Tempranillo or Grenache grapes, or Nero d’Avola from Sicily.  Canadian Gamay, Pinot Noir, or Merlot are also great choices.  These will be a perfect contrast to the smoky flavour from the campfire too.  And don’t forget – please, please, please don’t drink your red wine warm!  A slightly cool red wine, especially when fruity and low in tannins, will taste much better than one that’s been sitting in the sun all day.  If you’re short on cooler space, try lodging your bottle underwater in the lake or river for an hour or so to bring the temperature down a bit – just make sure it doesn’t float away!

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind when choosing your campsite wines:

• Go for fruity, easy-drinking styles of wine with low to medium alcohol levels – light to medium bodied reds and fuller styles of white that will quench your thirst and satisfy your palate without being overwhelming.
• Look for convenient packaging – screw-top bottles make opening and resealing easy and there are loads of great quality wines under screw-cap available.  You can also find a good selection of wines in alternate packaging that is lighter than glass bottles, including tetra pak, plastic bottles, and cans.
• Don’t break the bank!  Camping is about keeping things simple and remembering how to enjoy the basics.  Great value wines abound in liquor stores, you just need to experiment to find ones that you’ll love.  Look for fantastic values from countries such as Argentina, Chile, Spain, Italy, and of course, locally-produced wines.  And here’s a tip – wines made from grapes that are lesser known (e.g. NOT chardonnay, shiraz, or cabernet sauvignon) can be some of the best hidden values on your liquor store’s shelves.