ISSUE NO. O3
•
FEBRUARY 2017
Niagara Vintage Wine Review THE WINE SMART MAGAZINE
10
VALENTINE'S DAY EDITION
Valentine Rosé Review • Icewine Festival Reviews • Focus on Charles Inn Days of Wine & Chocolate Guide • Wine Smart Guide Spotlight • Tannin Bombs
founder's note In the food & wine industry, Valentines Day is one of the most popular days of the year, if not just as popular as New Years Eve or Christmas. Restaurants are full, it's hard to get reservations at the local hot spots, and champagne is flowing to celebrate the love you share with that significant other. Sometimes we even celebrate with a special gift to mark the occasion. On February 14, take the love of your life out for a special day and let time slow down a bit. Put the cell phones away and concentrate on each other whilst surrounded by food, wine, and great company! What better way of celebrating Valentine's Day with a special someone than in one of the most romantic places in Canada. Travel across the countryside and heart of the Niagara Wine Country in one of Canada's wine havens: Niagara On The Lake! This Valentine's Day, take your sweetheart for a special day out and enjoy one of our Culinary wine tours which include lunch or dinner at the sensational dining room at the Charles Inn in the romantic town of Niagara On The Lake.
For over 7 years now we have had an amazing relationship with the Charles Hotel. It is home to one of the best and most romantic dining rooms in all of the Niagara Region. This unique restaurant is in a heritage building and one of the only buildings still standing from the war of 1812. The dining room is small, intimate and cozy. Accompanied by amazing culinary artistry, it is a great compliment to a day out in wine country where you have the opportunity to spend time with your special someone. Give your date a worldclass experience, paired with culinary dishes and rare wines surrounded by the most romantic ambience. Niagara wine country is surrounded by rolling hills and world-renowned vineyards. Couples should tour the many points of interest in the region. But what better way of viewing the area's fabulous beauty than by taking your special one on a wine & culinary adventure. And after a day of leisure and fun, couples may end their day by enjoying a spa date together or a musical performance at The Shaw Festival before heading to their hotel for even more romance!
Valentines is a day for lovers but also lovers of food and wine ! Enjoy ! Cin Cin
Christopher Fuccillo
Founder Niagara Vintage Wine Tours INC THE WINE SMART PEOPLE !
Shortly after reaching the legal drinking age, Jeremy grew an affinity for all things wine. He wanted to fully appreciate how alcohol was made, and what made certain products more desirable than others. It turned out that he had a love of agriculture flowing through his veins. Both sides of his family had a history in both the cultivation and production of wines. His mother’s family were Scottish immigrants and coopers, spending much of their time building and repairing barrels. His father’s family were farmers in the Eastern Townships.
NVWR SPOTLIGHT
JEREMY MIRON
Known as our most charismatic Wine Smart Guide, Jeremy has spent almost two decades working in the world of wine.
Jeremy’s thirst for knowledge prompted him to surround himself with winemakers, sommeliers, and educators in the industry. These tutors soon became friends and colleagues. For almost twenty years, Jeremy immersed himself in all things wine. He watched the trade develop and mature through his posts in almost every aspect of the industry. Over the years, Jeremy has worked for multiple properties: Hillebrand (Trius), Peller Estates, Wine Country Vintners, the Winona Factory and St David’s warehouses, Creekside, Jackson-Triggs, Inniskillin, Le Clos Jordan, Sumac Ridge, Hawthorn Mountain, See Ya Later, JT Okanagan, Inniskillin Okanagan, Nk M’eep, Oyosoos Larose and Konzelmann Estates. Upon leaving Konzelmann, Jeremy realized that although Niagara Wine Country had so many individual brands to celebrate, it was Niagara Wine Country as a whole that needed to be celebrated. And so, Jeremy found Niagara Vintage Wine Tours; a company that celebrates the very best of Niagara Wine Country and educates guests in the process. After spending years in parts of the industry where individual wineries were the focus, Jeremy has at last found a company that focuses on the industry in its entirety; where his knowledge is shared, and his infectious personality shines. N O M A D I C 2 4 |
Niagara Vintage Wine Review The Niagara Vintage Wine Review rates wines using a Diamond Standard of Excellence. This is partially in tribute to our logo design. All wine reviews are done by Chris Fuccillo, founder and president of Niagara Vintage Wine Tours. With over 25 years of experience in the food & wine industry, he is constantly exploring the Niagara Wine Region evaluating wines to better serve you.
If there’s one occasion to pull out a bottle of pink Champagne, then Valentine’s Day is the perfect one. But these sparkling wines have much more to them than just their colour. Sparkling rosé can be made by two ways — either by the traditional method of letting red grapes remain in contact with their skins so the liquid takes on a blush colour, or the "alternative” method of mixing red and white wines.
HERE ARE SOME GREAT SPARKLING WINES FROM NIAGARA TO CELEBRATE VALENTINES DAY!
VIENI MOMENTI DRY ROSE Bright pink cherry; fine and delicate, intense nose of ripe fruit, strawberry and cherry, bread crust and yeast; soft and balanced, persistent with a fruity finish of dried cranberry. 16.95 at the winery Great Value! $
MEGALOMANIAC PINK SLIP ROSE A blend of Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon balanced with a hint of residual sugar which helps express the ripe cherry notes. This attractive and well-priced bubbly is ripe and rich, with a floral scent and deep berry flavous. Ending with a dry, elegant mouthfeel. 19.95 at the winery
$
This sparkling wine is very well balanced. It is also very unique as it has a splash of Icewine in the dosage to offer a truly rich mouthfeel. Strawberry shortcake in a glass. Very nice bubbles and an effervescence that takes the lead. A hint of sweetness rounds out the berry flavours on the finish that is both refreshing and savoury! 34.95
$
BETWEEN THE LINES: ORIGIN A rare "Sparkling Wine in a Can"! Origin is an aromatic sparkling wine crafted with a kiss of Vidal Icewine. Pale gold with aromas of bright stone fruit and citrus, a crisp acidity runs across the palate to give a lingering and refreshing finish. A fine balance of sweetness and perlage, the mouthfeel is savoury, soft, and smooth. Tickling the palate with a sweet effervescence of peach, apricot, and honey. Fruit-developed characters surprise with dried fig, apricot, and honey. 17.95 for three 250ml cans
$
THE NIAGARA VINTAGE WINE REVIEW
PELLER ESTATES SIGNATURE SERIES ICE CUVÉE ROSÉ
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Red Grapes are packed full of healthy anti-oxidants, but most of these get left behind at the press long before they make it to your glass. We’ve packed our bath bombs full of these left-over anti-oxidants so you can soak up every last drop. EDITOR IN CHIEF
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ICEWINE
On January 20th, we visited the Sparkle and Ice Diamond icewine Gala. Surprised at the temperate weather that evening, we dressed in our fanciest attire, adorned with sparkles, and walked through the front doors of the old courthouse on Queen St. After our coats were hung, we followed the sounds of Latin music to the top floor. Ensconced in hues of blue, the rooms were full of shimmering branches and dangling garlands. In the middle of each room were tables with selected wines from prominent wineries in Niagara On The Lake, and along the perimeter of the rooms were delicacies crafted by artisan chefs of the area’s finest eating establishments. I tried foods I had never heard of, and combinations that were completely unexpected. We spent our time meeting guests; finding out what brought them to Niagara, and what drew them to the festival. We met couples like Steffy and Jason from Buffalo, NY who were celebrating 5 years of being together ( with a wedding planned for the summertime). Although they expected the evening to be somewhat “above” them, they were surprised by the welcoming atmosphere of the event and the notion that the wine culture in Niagara wasn't as lofty as they had expected it to be.
FESTIVAL By: Natalie Worden
NIAGARA
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We also met a lovely lady named Donna who was flying solo for the evening. That wasn't keeping her from having fun though! We saw her many times throughout the evening; every moment with a smile on her face, a fire in her step, and a new wine in hand. Just goes to show that this party wasn't only for couples! Interestingly enough, the first couple we had met that evening were the winners of the diamond draw!! The winners cheered and stated: “After 25 years of marriage, it’s about time to upgrade the ring!* Upon announcing the winners of the diamond of the evening, we were encouraged to go downstairs to grab our coats and enjoy the spring-like air and some Icewine out by the cenotaph. Accompanied by a fireworks show, we sipped Icewine out of ice glasses and enjoyed the perfect weather.
Winners of the $5000 Diamond!
After admiring the ice sculptures and finishing what was left of the Icewine in our glasses, we set for home to relieve our aching feet from our tall heels, and to enjoy the afterglow of a beautiful evening out.
NIAGARA
On January 29th I had the pleasure of attending the Niagara Icewine Festival at the Scotiabank Centre in Niagara Falls. The atmosphere was tame, but enjoyable. I heard stories about the hustle and bustle of Friday and Saturday, and was glad to have avoided the crowds. It seemed like Sunday was a day for locals. I ran into friends and colleagues from varying backgrounds; all brought together to enjoy the best of Niagara Wine Country. Wineries from all over the region were represented, including: Magnotta, Peller Estates, Sue-Ann Staff, Vieni, Flat Rock, and many more! There were also food pairings that offered a crosssection of Canadian cuisine. Vendors came from Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and as far as Eastern Canada.
FALLS
NIAGARA VINTAGE WINE TOURS OFFERS TRANSPORTATION FOR THE DISCOVERY PASS PROGRAM:
Days of Wine & Chocolate Discovery Pass Program WEEKENDS IN FEBRUARY FROM 11AM TO 5PM A great way to sample the very best of Niagara Wine Country! Local wineries pair VQA wines with chocolate-infused dishes that range from sweet to savoury. There's something for everyone!
NIAGARA
ON
THE
LAKE:
2017
DAYS
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PARTICIPATING WINERIES:
PELLER ESTATES WINERY
CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES
PILLITTERI ESTATES WINERY
COYOTE'S RUN ESTATE WINERY
PONDVIEW ESTATE WINERY
THE HARE WINE CO.
RANCOURT WINERY
HINTERBROOK ESTATE WINERY
RAVINE VINEYARD ESTATE WINERY
INNISKILLIN WINES
REIF ESTATE WINERY
JACKSON TRIGGS NIAGARA ESTATE WINERY
RIVERVIEW CELLARS ESTATE WINERY
KONZELMANN ESTATE WINERY
SMALL TALK VINEYARDS
LAILEY VINEYARD
STRATUS VINEYARDS
THE LAKEVIEW WINE CO.
STREWN WINERY
NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING WINERY
TRIUS WINERY AT HILLEBRAND
PALATINE HILLS ESTATE WINERY
TWO SISTERS VINEYARDS
NI
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VINT
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GIFT CERTIFICATES
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A 1 866 628 5428 LL
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NOW
V
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TO ORDER YOURS NOW
CCEPTING
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TIONS FOR
LENTINE S D
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JOIN US FOR
GENUINE NI
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A
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THE CH
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RLES INN
Part of the Niagara's Finest Hotels collection, The Charles Inn/Hotel has been a Niagara On The Lake landmark since 1832.
www.niagarasfinest.com
This immaculate Georgian-style Manor was built in 1832 by Charles Richardson, a Barrister who served as a Conservative Member of Parliament for Upper Canada for the riding of Niagara from 1834-1841. Richardson also was a Lieutenant in the Militia. He eventually married a local of the area; Elizabeth Clench. The Charles Inn received its name from its first owner, Charles Richardson, but has also been known as the Richardson - Kiely House. The property has gone through extensive renovations throughout the years, culminating in its grand presence today. The Inn offers 12 luxurious guest rooms, providing visitors a relaxing and unforgettable environment. The estate boasts lush gardens, a parlour, guest suites, and the 4 Diamond rated Hob Nob Restaurant.
www.tripadvisor.com
The Charles is within a short walking distance of the lake front and many unique shops. And if you fancy a round of golf, the hotel sits next to the oldest golf course in North America! At Niagara Vintage Wine Tours, we're proud of our partnership with Niagara's Finest Hotels, and we love to showcase the history of Niagara On The Lake during our tours. We feature The Charles Inn as one of our dining options for the Niagara Wine Tour with Lunch and the Evening Niagara Wine Tour with Dinner.
www.niagarasfinest.com
Join us and visit "a crown jewel of of Niagara On The Lake" (The Globe & Mail) on one of our tours!
DINING
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T THE CH
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Charles Inn provides an elegant dining experience at its restaurant located within the building. Chef de Cuisine Steve Sperling prepares exquisite French contemporary dishes infused with the Niagara region’s influence. Fresh Niagara produce is purchased to incorporate enriched flavors that add to every dish. The Charles Inn has been recognized as a top destination in Canada. Niagara Vintage Wine Tours is very proud to be associated with a partner who shares in our ongoing commitment to superior quality and service.
www.tripadvisor.com
We provide intimate gourmet lunch and dinner programs at the Charles Inn in association with our full wine country programs, leading us to be the top food & wine experience in Canada. The Hob Nob restaurant, located inside the Charles Inn, has four unique dining areas. It includes the restaurant itself, a lounge, a verandah, and a patio. Each dining area offers a menu created by Executive Chef Steve Sperling, and a wine list that showcases VQA selections from neighbouring wineries.
www.niagarasfinest.com
The Hob Nob has menus for every taste, offering options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as afternoon tea. They also offer a delectable tasting menu with wine pairings.
209 Queen St. Niagara On The Lake Make a Reservation Online or Call 1.866.556.8883 www.tripadvisor.com
NIAGARA VINTAGE WINE REVIEW
PUBLISHED BY NIAGARA VINTAGE WINE TOURS INC. CHRIS AND GABRIELA FUCCILLO EDITOR (Creative & Design) — Natalie Worden CONTRIBUTORS: Chris Fuccillo, President & Founder of Niagara Vintage Wine Tours INC Jeremy Miron, Niagara Vintage Wine Smart Guide Natalie Worden, Sales & Social Marketing Coordinator
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Niagara Vintage Wine Review is a publication under Niagara Vintage Wine Tours, Inc. No part of this publication may be distributed, reproduced or republished in any way without the sole permission of the publishers. For more information and exclusive content, visit www.niagaravintagewinetours.com. For inquiries, contact Niagara Vintage Wine Tours at: 1 866 628 5428 info@niagaravintagewinetours.com www.niagaravintagewinetours.com
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