Wine Competitions

Wine competitions are interesting events taking place worldwide. The purpose of these is to acknowledge wines in specific categories that are exceptional in quality. How they work is after a producer enters their wine in a specific competition and category, all are then judged by numerous panels of experts. Each panel consists of tasters, often international, from many areas of the business: journalists, winemakers, educators, scientists, retailers, etc. The average marks for each wine are tabulated and appropriate medals (Gold, Silver and Bronze) are awarded them. These medals can then be placed on bottles, which in turn, can really aid in their sales. Nothing says “buy me” like a wine sporting a “gold medal”. 

French Country Wine

Looking for good value in French wine? Check out “Vins de Pays” or French Country Wine. The majority of these are produced in the south of the country on the Mediterranean in the Languedoc-Roussillon regions. Originally, they were the local wine producers sold in bulk or by the pitcher full at the side of roads next to their estates. However, these wines have seen a jump in quality level over the last number of years and are now varietally labeled or chateau-bottled. Here sun-baked vineyards produce many of your favourite varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.  So avail yourself of these. Simply look for “Vins de Pays” on the bottle. Cheers!

Drink Pink to Support Breast Cancer Research

Since the PINK ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness, it seems only fitting that a PINK wine should support the cause. Bottega, an award-winning, Italian grappa producer and winery, will donate a portion of the sales of its newly released Vino dei Poeti Rosé bubbly, sold in Ontario in October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month in North America), to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. This delightful, PINK sparkler, made from Pinot Nero and Raboso grapes, is delicately fresh and spicy with apple, raspberry, blackcurrant notes. At $12.45, it’ll put a smile on your face and a glow in your heart knowing you’re supporting such a fantastic cause, so buy some and feel good.

Higher Scores for Advertisers

Do wine magazines award higher scores to advertisers?

Apparently, there’s some evidence that suggests certain wine magazines rate advertisers’ wines higher than non-advertisers. A study awhile back in a Journal of Wine Economics implied that if a producer advertised in a publication and presented wines for review, it might garner a higher score; possibly have their wine retasted, if necessary; have unsolicited wines tasted and stand a better chance of making their “best of” list, as opposed to non-advertisers. Hard to say and/or prove, the only sure solution to this dilemma is as follows. Producers should simply not advertise in publications that are reviewing their wines and/or publications should not accept advertising from those producers.

Wining Your Turkey

With Thanksgiving a few short days away, you’re probably wondering what wine to serve with turkey. It’s pretty versatile when it comes to wine matches. As the dark meat possesses a little more flavour than the white, unstuffed, I like Chardonnay for the white and Cabernet Sauvignon for the dark. Stuffing, however, can really alter the wine match. For traditional sage or herb, Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Franc are great. Wild rice works best with unoaked Chardonnay or rosé. If you like chestnut, check out medium-dry Riesling or Viognier. How about Ham? You’ll require a fruity red like Gamay. For oyster, try Muscadet. Sausage sings with Valpolicella and for apple-walnut, medium-dry Riesling or Chenin Blanc. Bon apettit!