Advertised as "The 'WILD for Chardonnay': An Exclusive Luncheon at Rosewood Estates Winery" the tasting experience began at 11am with vineyard tours, a wine fair, then a 4 course luncheon featuring many Chardonnays. Chef Michael Pasto of Good Earth Winery designed the tasting menu to pair with the exclusive lineup of Chardonnays.
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| On the way to a gourmet 4 course Lunch |
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| Eugene Roman starts the Luncheon |
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| Mingling |
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| Setting up Tasting 'stations' |
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| More 'stations' |
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| @TheSpitter sets the venue |
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| Winemakers' row |
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| Go for the Glasses |
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| Passed the Tanks |
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| Table Talk |
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| Jean Francois Bourdy Hosts our Table |
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| A Good Time for All |
The weather cooled for this visit and the shade of the pavilion included a welcoming breeze. To add, a pouring of Blue Mountain Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine was a refreshing start. Renown editor, taster and writer Anthony Gismondi expanded on the term 'WILD' then introduced the winemakers representing the wines to be featured. He then guided each winemaker through a short Q&A on the differences to be looked for in their wines.
We, the guests, were given time to blind taste wines #1 through #9 set out on barrels and small tables around the pavilion. Each guest was given a score card on which the country of origin and a YES or NO, whether a clone was used in the fermentation or if the grapes were left to their devices, ie. a WILD (indigenous) yeast either cultured or allowed to start fermentation 'naturally'.
There was a crowd of about 70 paying guests and we had the opportunity to mingle with the winemakers: Norm Hardie of Prince Edward County, Sebastien Jacquey of Le Clos Jordanne, Matt Mavety of Blue Mountain Vineyards, Jean Francois Bourdy of Jura, France, Natalie Spytkowsky (image 3 of 8) of Rosewood Estates, Fintan du Fresne of Chamisal California , Shauna White(?) of Ravine Vineyards , Bryan Croft of Oregon, Cristina Cifuentes (Export Manager) of Chile. Then on to the 4 course luncheon served in the winery ... and more chardonnays. Evidently the LCBO had a retail centre nearby so guests could purchase many of the wines. For a link to chardonnays listed, not necessarily available, at the LCBO click here.
We thank everyone that made this event such a success... We had a great time!!! Ww
WINES PRESENTED DURING THE EVENT (Check for availability here):
- Blue Mountain Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine 2006 VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia - #238196 $35.00
- Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2008 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara - #056929 $40.00
- Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2009 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara - #033936 $30.00
- Norman Hardie County Chardonnay 2010 VQA Prince Edward County, PEC - #149054 #149054 $35.00
- Norman Hardie Cuvee L Unfiltered Chardonnay 2008 VQA Prince Edward County, PEC - #184432 $49.00
- Blue Mountain Stripe Label Reserve Chardonnay 2009 VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia - #287946 $26.00
- Chamisal Unoaked Stainless Chardonnay 2011, California - #289322 $25.9
- Chamisal Califa Unoaked Stainless Chardonnay 2011, California - #289330 $49.00
- Caves Jean Bourdy Cotes de Jura White 2007, France - #286427 $24.95
- Caves Jean Bourdy Cotes de Jura White 2006, France - #286427 $29.00
- Rosewood Estates Reserve Chardonnay 2010 VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara - #266676 $28.00
- Ravine Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 VQA, Niagara - #173337 $24.00
- Ravine Vineyard Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2010 VQA, Niagara - #306902 $40.00
- Firesteed Cellars Citation W3 (Walla Walla and Willamette) Chardonnay 2008, Oregon - #287896 $36.00
- Firesteed Cellars Citation W3 (Walla Walla and Willamette) Chardonnay 2009, Oregon - #287904 $36.00
- Vina Haras de Pirque Equus Chardonnay 2010, Maipo Valley, Chile - #287557 $13.00
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