Tasting Notes - Sept. 4, 2009

I've promised myself that I'd make more of an effort to blog. To be honest, I've just been having too much fun to be thinking about writing! But now that summer is drawing to a close, it's time to be serious and focused - at least for an hour. I've decided to also include video blogs in the near future to accompany the written ones. I'll begin posting the videos once I learn to stand myself on camera. =)

Domaine Jean-Pierre Sève Terroir Pouilly-Fuissé 2007 $26.95
What is a Pouilly-Fuissé you may ask? It's a region in Burgundy, France. Specifically in the Mâconnais region. This is in the south of Burgundy. The main grape variety from this region is Chardonnay. This wine may be on the pricier side but worth it. It's delicate and fruity with great minerality and only the faintest touch of oak. You can enjoy this with roasted chicken, fish, quiche or goat cheese. If you cook for me, I'll bring this to the table myself. Don't confuse Pouilly-Fuissé with Pouilly-Fumé. Pouilly-Fumé is in the Loire region of France and it is a white wine made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety.

This producer has a website that's worth reading. The winemaking practices are explained in detail, with pictures to match.
http://www.domainejeanpierreseve.com

Tenuta S. Anna Cuvée Rosé Brut $15.95
This tasty rosé sparkling wine is from Italy. It's perfect as a summertime patio sipper or as an aperitif before dinner. It should get the party started. This wine is a blend (cuvée) of Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero in Italy) and Merlot. It's a pale pink colour (fromthe skins of the grapes) with aromas of strawberry, redcurrants and pear. I just love sparkling rosés. It's like an Italian festival in your glass, complete with the kissing and "ciao-ing" (I don't think that's actually a word, but "ciao" is!). Don't expect anything complex like in a Champagne, but for the money, it's delicious. I'll do a full blog soon all about sparkling wines and the methods used to produce them. That should be a fun post!
http://www.tenutasantanna.it

Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Grand Reserve Gewürztraminer 2007 $18.75
This wine has been the talk of the town. Everyone is raving about this Gewurztraminer. Pronounced Ge - vertz - tra - meener. This is an aromatic white wine and the grape variety thrives in the regions of Alsace, France and Germany. Here in Ontario, we have a pretty cool climate so this grape variety does well here. This wine would go well with chicken, fish or spicier dishes. It's off-dry, with some lychee, peach fruits and floral notes. I always like Gewürztraminer because it reminds me of lychee martinis. :) I met one of the winemakers of Jackson-Triggs of the Niagara location recently at a wine show. His name is Marco Piccoli and he was really fun to talk to. He's from Italy. Viva Italia!
http://jacksontriggs.com/

That's if for now! Check out the new Facebook fan page for The Yummy Grape.