An unquenchable thirst for wine and reading

Natalie Maclean's new book
Unquenchable

Happy Hallowe'en everyone! My treat today was the much anticipated arrival of Natalie Maclean's new book Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World's Best Bargain Wines. I can't wait to read this. I just loved her first book Red, White and Drunk All Over. Given to me for my birthday a few years ago, I couldn't put it down! Red, White and Drunk All Over was the only wine book ever to land on the national bestseller list. The Globe & Mail also named it one of the best books of the year. As a certified sommelier and wine critic, Natalie's passion for wine allows her to travel the world for those great anecdotes and stories. Her writing makes learning about wine that much more entertaining.  I'm sure I'll be laughing my cork off (haha, get it?!) while I read Unquenchable.

This is a great review that gives you an idea of what the book is about:

"If you're looking for unpretentious, forthright wine advice look no further. In Unquenchable, Natalie MacLean travels the globe with a curious palate and a meager pocketbook to search for the world's best wine values. The result is a delightful adventure--part travel story, part wine journal--that will convince even the most cynical wine lover that there are still affordable treasures to be had."- Dr. Deborah Harkness, author of A Discovery of Witches and blog editor of Good Wine Under $20

Natalie Maclean introducing her new book:

Mobile App

Natalie Maclean isn't only a wine writer.  She also runs one of the largest wine websites with over 123,759 members and growing. On the site you can find wines, their reviews, wine pairings, recipes and join a community of wine lovers. www.nataliemaclean.com

You can also have Natalie with you while you're at the wine shop:
www.nataliemaclean.com/mobileapp

The features of the mobile app include:
* professional tasting notes of the wine you're interested in
* wine and food pairings
* click to see how many bottles are in stock
* add wines to your virtual cellar
* share wines on Twitter and Facebook

Natalie Maclean is currently on a countrywide book tour and she's coming to the Toronto and Niagara area:

Join Natalie MacLean for an unforgettable evening of wine, laughter and story-telling to celebrate the launch of her second wine book, Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World's Best Bargain Wines. Natalie will be hosting a multi-course gourmet dinner and matching wines at Grano Restaurant in Toronto and hosting a wine tasting in Niagara:

Niagara-Grimsby: November 22

Author Series & Wine Tasting
Tickets: http://tktwb.tw/NiagaraWine

Toronto Grano Restaurant: November 23

Multi-Course Wine Dinner
Tickets: 416-361-0032 or ben@benmcnallybooks.com
Info: http://bit.ly/GranoDinner

Space is limited for these exclusive events. Reserve your tickets online now. Your ticket price includes a personally signed copy of Natalie’s new book, Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World's Best Bargain Wine plus a multi-course meal with wine in Toronto or wine tasting in Niagara. Following the session, you can purchase additional copies of the book as holiday gifts and Natalie will sign them. Natalie's tour will include 14 cities across Canada: http://bit.ly/Unquenchable

Show me that profile...

I'm so lucky to have friends who are wine agents. Yes, it's one of the perks of the friendship I must admit. The people at Profile Wine Group are not only super nice guys but they also know their wines and have a contagious passion for them. I was invited to their annual Profile Portfolio Tasting held at the Liberty Grand. Very fancy. There was no way that I was going to pass this generous invitation up!

Liberty Grand
ballroom

The annual portfolio tasting is a way for the agency showcase the various labels that they represent. You've most likely purchased some of their wine at the LCBO. They represent many wines in both General List and Vintages (in the LCBO system), including:

J. Lohr
Argento

Stag's Leap

Bodegas LAN

Farnese

Maison Pierre Sparr Successeurs

For the full list by country, visit:

www.profilewinegroup.com/our-wines.htm

Many of the Profile Wine Group agents also speak other languages such as French and Italian. It probably helps them with their travels around the world in search of wine to put into their shopping cart!

Bernard Sparr and myself

Minor Wild Yeast Chardonnay
California

There were so many wines to try and I didn't get through even half of them.  I spent a lot of time at the Miner table. When I was in Napa, I drove past Miner and didn't have time to stop for a visit. Good thing they now came to me! One of my favourites was their 2007 Wild Yeast Chardonnay. Another favourite table was Maison Pierre Sparr. The wines were tasty and Bernard Sparr was just so much fun to talk to. The 2007 Charisma Pinot Gris, Alsace was delicious. Hopefully after our conversation, he's now on Twitter. :)

Peter Franus wine
California

I always enjoy the wines from Peter Franus. The wines are great and the labels are pretty cool.  I tasted a wide selection of his wines including the popular 2007 Merlot and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. I also had a chance to meet John Howard from Megalomaniac (Ontario). He makes a popular Riesling called "Homegrown". John Howard is also responsible for getting those 100% Grown in Ontario stickers that you may see on the bottles of Ontario wine.

Megalomaniac Wine
Ontario 

Other highlights of the night were the Stag's Leap 2008 Fay Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley and a discovery of a wonderful white wine from Italy made from the Vermentino grape. This wine was the 2010 Solosole Vermentino, Tuscany.

Vincent Renais from Profile
John Howard and myself

Fanitel NV Rose Brut Collio, Italy 
A sparkling wine from Italy made with Pinot Nero and Chardonnay. It's a fun bubbly.

2007 Col Solare, Columbia Valley 
This wine was fantastic. It's a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Col Solare is a partnership between Marchesi Antinori from Tuscany and Washington State's Chateau Ste. Michelle. 

2008 Cryomalus Ice Cider
Quebec

What does a wine agency do?
A wine agency is an importer of wines (as well as spirits) from all over the globe. It acts as a representative for the producers and wineries. The agency submits the wine to the LCBO for review and if all goes well, the LCBO will purchase the wine directly from the winery or producer. The agency will receive a commission depending on how much wine is purchased. So, the agency acts kind of like a talent agent!

Yummy food!
The baked breads and meats
were delicious

Can anyone order from a wine agent?
Sure! Most likely you will have to purchase a case of wine. Sometimes you'll be able to order a six-bottle pack. If that's too much wine for you, go in together with some friends. Purchasing directly from the wine agency will get you access to wines you won't be able to find anywhere else. Well, unless you actually go to the winery which would be fun too! Purchasing from the agency might be more economical.

What is the LCBO?
Here in Ontario, we purchase alcohol mainly from the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. With stores set up all over the province, the LCBO is one of the largest single buyers of alcohol in the world. This includes wine, beer and sprits. There are over 60 stores in Toronto alone.

You can also sign up for their bi-weekly newsletter to receive updates on their events, listings at the LCBO and for private order: www.profilewinegroup.com

Happy Gobble Gobble!

Thanksgiving is around the corner and I know that I'll be thankful for that wonderful bottle of wine, of which I have yet to choose! Whether you're having a quiet thanksgiving at home, celebrating with friends or looking for some magic elixir to make family time a happy time, there certainly is a wine for the occasion. I have to admit that I'm not a foodie. I mean, I love to eat and I love great food but I often prefer to focus more on the wine than the actual pairing of it with food. I bet a few of you just gasped at that! Hopefully not. :)

Really, any wine that you enjoy would probably be a good choice. Here are some typical varieties that are often suggested for a turkey dinner...then lunch...lunch again....sick of turkey yet? You will be!

Sparkling wine from Burgundy
Made from Pinot Noir and Gamay
$18.95

Elk Cove Pinot Noir
Oregon
$36.95

Pinot Noir : Always a classic pairing with turkey. Try something from Oregon or Burgundy.

Sparkling Wine: Better yet, have a sparkling Rose!

Beaujolais: Made from the Gamay grape. Try a "Cru" wine (eg. Brouilly, Morgon) and serve slightly chilled. Ontario also has some fabulous Gamay.

Beaujolais Wine $18.95

A lovely Syrah
E. Guigal
Crozes Hermitage
$24.95

Have a blended white!
Henry of Pelham
Family Tree White
$17.95

Syrah: Try a Syrah from the Northern Rhone region of France.


Riesling: Great with food. Try an Ontario Riesling! If you want a slightly off-dry style (but not too sweet, save that for dessert), then try a German "Kabinett" Riesling.

Tawse Sketches of Niagara
Chardonnay $19.95

Gewurtztraminer: The spiciness of this grape variety should go nicely with gravy. Mmm...gravy.

If you want some other whites, try an Albarino, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris or a Viognier. Why not try a Rose wine? There is so much that you can do to pair your wine with the holiday bird. Whichever wine you decide on, just make sure to enjoy it with great company. Happy Thanksgiving!