Cleanliness of Wine

We as humans live with our eyes, especially when it comes to food or drink. If you don’t like what you see or the product is not visually appealing, chances are you won’t taste it. Wine is no different in this regard. Cleanliness is the most important aspect. Aside from sediment in reds from age or non-filtering, all wine should be clear and clean. Any wine that is cloudy, hazy, has an oil slick on the surface, or has suspended particles floating in it, says there’s probably some sort of problem with it, ranging from chemical and bacterial to winemaking. You could ignore what you see and taste it, but chances are, most folks would not. Thus, visual cleanliness of a wine in a glass will ultimately determine whether you sip it or not.

Unfiltered Wine

Wine is usually filtered before bottling to remove any solids particles or sediment. This renders the wine visibly clear. Sometimes winemakers will decide to not filter a red wine feeling that filtration removes some of its character. As part of its regular evolution, red wine will throw a deposit in the bottle with age anyway, but if it is not filtered, it will most likely be cloudy with a deposit right away. Older reds are usually decanted off their sediment, but an unfiltered wine, even young, would benefit from this procedure. So if a young red wine you’ve just purchased is cloudy in your glass, chances are it’s unfiltered. Somewhere on the label, front or back, it will probably indicate such.

Emerging Ont. Wine Region

There’s a new wine region immerging in Ontario, presently known as “Ontario’s South Coast”. This region sits south of Lake Ontario, running west along the north shore of Lake Erie, between Stoney Creek and Port Stanley, almost seeming like an eastern extension of the Lake Erie North Shore wine region. Currently, there are about 7 wineries here, with another 4 opening soon. The region, known as Norfolk County was once the heart of tobacco growing in Ontario. Today, tobacco farms are being changed over to vineyards and wineries with some of the tobacco kilns being used to dry wine grapes. It’s an interesting area that could very well become the next official DVA (Designated Viticultural Area).

“Pinot Envy” Book Signings/Readings

It’s customary for authors to do personal appearances and book signings when he or she publishes a new book. With “Pinot Envy” just released and being about wine, this gig could be expanded to include a wine tasting and/or reading, as well. Something a little different! Maybe your group, organization, or bookstore may want to arrange such an event. Simply contact me to discuss the possibility. FYI - I’ll be at Pillitteri Estate Winery in Niagara on August 17, from 1 – 3 pm and at Vineland Estates Winery in Niagara on August 31, from 1 – 3:30 pm doing a meet and greet/ book signing. Drop by either venue, taste some vino, say hello, and purchase a copy of the new novel that I’ll personally sign for you.