Region: Armavir Armenia
Agent :unitedstars.ca
Grapes :Areni 65% and Karmrahyut 35% 
Alcohol : 13%
Sugar : 2g/l

Year :2024
Price :$22.95
​Robert rating : 91

This wine commemorates the founding year of Yerevan,the capital of Armenia. It is primarily sourced from high-elevation,volcanic soil vineyards in regions like Aragatsotn and Armavir.

Excellent red wine

​It is the first time that I have tried this armenian red wine and I have really enjoyed it. Dark red in colour, blackberry ,medium to full body, light tannins, easy to drink pleasant fruity aroma. I have matched it with tomatoes and grind pork based dishes. Highly recommended

John Szabo hosting -2 hrs

List of 11 Pinot Noir tasted :

1.Miguel Torres Codillera Pinot Noir Extra Brut 2022 100% Pinot Noir, Curico Valley
2.Cono Sur Organic Pinot Noir 2021 100% Pinot Noir (3 vineyards: San Antonio,

1. Colchagua, BioBio)
2. 3.P|K|N|T Gold Pinot Noir Grand Reserve 2022 100% Pinot Noir, Casablanca
3. 4.Santa Rita Cigar Box Pinot Noir 2021, Leyda Valley
4. 5.Santa Carolina Leyda Pinot Noir 2023 100% Pinot Noir, Leyda

 6.Leyda Reserva Pinot Noir 2022 100% Pinot Noir, Leyda
7 .Luis Felipe Edwards Marea Pinot Noir 2021 100% Pinot Noir, Leyda
8.Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2022 100% Pinot Noir, Aconcagua Costa
9.Maycas del Limari (Emiliana) TBA 100% Pinot Noir, Limari
10.MontGras Organic Pinot Noir 2023 100% Pinot Noir, Bio Bi
11.San Pedro Tarapaca TAYU 2021 100% Pinot Noir, Malleco
 
 

Recommended Pinot Noir 

​2022 Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir 
Aconcagua Costa
$15.95 Vinages #37937

Region: Maule Valley, Chile
Agent :unitedstars.ca
Grapes : Carmenère
Alcohol : 13.5%
Sugar : 3g/l

Year :2019
Price :$19.95
​Robert rating : 91
​
Superb !
Deep purple in colour,full body, blackberry notes, very smooth, long lasting to enjoy it to the last sip. Pair well with meat like beef , lamb, chicken and pasta dishes. I enjoyed at dinner paired with chicken snitzel and potatoes. Excellent value at $20 . Highly recommended!

First course :Antipasti

Speck, quail egg with white anchovy, caviar with bread and butter, Grana Padano

​Paire with: Prosecco Mille Extra 2022, The Gruppo I Vinai, Veneto, Italy
​

Second curse :Pesce

Tortelli Piemonte's (Pan-seared trout fillet with sauteed vegetables, fresh herbs, pine nuts, garlic, and white balsamic vinegar)

​Paire with: Cortese Alto Monferrato Proposta 2022, Azienda Vitivinicola Berta Paolo, Piedmont, Italy
​

​

Third Course: Risotto

Risotto all 'NERO con Fontina (BLACK risotto with Fontina cheese and crisp guanciale)

​Paire with: Gattinara Riserva DOCG 2017, Anzivino Di Anzivino Emanuele, Piedmont, Italy

​

Region: Georgia
Agent :unitedstars.ca
Grapes : Saperavi 
Alcohol :11.5%
Sugar : Semi-sweet

Year :2022
Price :$ 17
​Robert rating : 89

Good semi-sweet wine

​This medium bodied Georgian wine is semi-sweet , dark red colour in the glass , easy to drink. I have enjoyed it with a sweet & sour green beans meal. Also as a dessert wine is very good with dark chocolate. I recommend it

Region: South of France
Agent :unitedstars.ca
Grapes : Chardonnay 
Alcohol :13.5%
Sugar : Extra Dry

Year :2022
Price :$15.95 (on sale now at LCBO)

​Robert rating : 90

​Excellent wine
This wine was recommended by a friend and I am happy that I got it. This Chardonnay from South of France is one of the best I had. The light yellow gold colour in the glass and the beautiful fruity aroma , the burst of various fruits taste is a pleasure to drink. The wine has medium body, extra dry well balanced finish and length. Recommended

Mukuzani Red Wine Georgia


Region: Georgia
Agent :unitedstars.ca
Grapes : Saperavi 
Alcohol:13 %
Sugar : Dry
Year :2021

Price: $20

Robert Rating : 91


​This is an amazing wine at a good price. Intense red colour in the glass , berry and blackberry impressive nose , smooth, easy to drink , long lasting, imense pleasure to drink alone or with friends .Best match steak , lamb ,tabaka chicken .Highly recommended .Buy one or two cases

Wines of Vulcanesti

Muscat Regala
Region: Moldova
Agent :unitedstars.ca
Grapes : Muscat Blanc 85%,
Feteasca Regala 15%
Alcohol:12.5 %
Sugar : Semi-sweet
Year :2020

Price: $15

Robert Rating : 88

This is a beautiful  crafted wine from Moldova at an incredible price. Light yellow/gold colour in the glass, fruity ,citrus with a dominant grapefruit and lemon nose, fresh and long lasting taste.  It is perfect as an aperitif and delightful   with desserts and fruits.
Serve at 12C
Drink now 
Buy a case or two to drink with friends

Purcari Chateau (Moldova)
White Wine
2021

Price :$25
Alc.13.5%
Sugar :Dry-below 5g/l residual
Agent : United Stars www.unitedstars.ca

Robert Rating: 88

Nice crispi on the nose ,bright golden colour in the glass, fruity,citrusy with lemon accents,fresh,lighter body, balanced acidity,long lasting taste.
Pair excellent with baked chicken prepared with garlic, onion and white wine.
Cheese pairing : Goat's cheese
Drink now
Buy a case

​



Freedom Blend 2020

Tribute Edition to Ukraine
Purcari (Moldova)

Price :$40
Alc.13.5%
Sugar :Dry
Aged :6 months in French oak barrique
Agent : United Stars www.unitedstars.ca

Robert Rating: 92


 


This red wine is a manifesto celebrating the free spirit from the famous winery Chateau Purcari of Moldova ,dedicated to people of Ukraine ,fighting the Russian aggression.

it is smooth and well-rounded red wine,it is a nice blend of three indigenous grapes varieties , 65%Saperavi (Georgia), 20% Rara Neagra (Moldova) and 15% Bastardo (Ukraine)

Intense red colour in the glass,medium to full body,low acidity,medium tannins,nuances of plum,smoky tabbaco,long lasting,opens up to the nose after 15 minutes in the glass,touch of oak to ad to the enjoyment.

Drink now or store it for later.
Pairing is perfect with red meat, ryb-eye meat and pork steak.dessert with black chocolate

Recommended to buy a case or two

Per Wikipedia,California Wine Club is a wine club co-founded in 1990 by Bruce and Pam Boring in Ventura, California and is considered one of the largest mail-order wine businesses in the United States.The club offers hand-selected wines on a monthly basis from boutique and small, family-owned wineries in California, Oregon and Washington State, and other countries such as France, Italy, and Austria.

I recently joined  California Wine Club affiliate program, to help promote artisan wineries small-batch wines with wine lovers in United States and wine enthusiasts everywhere.
​
I have discovered that being a part of The California Wine Club is a true wine adventure!   
​There is a wine club level for every taste, and every budget. Whether for yourself or as a gift the wine club is unmatched for quality wine and impeccable service.

California Wine Club has some amazing deals for Galentine's and/or Valentine's Day to celebrate with your girlfriends or a cozy dinner with your loved one.

Amazing Valentine's Day Gifts :

1.  A 3 Bottle Gift Set! Each gift set includes three unique bottles of handcrafted wine. These one-time shipments include a custom gift message from you, plus detailed tasting notes and pairing recommendations.

2. A Premier Series Wine Club membership for yourself and get two bonus bottles of wine in your first delivery with code WINEBONUS. (Does not apply to gifts, case purchases, nor to other wine series.)

3.YES10- Save 10% sitewide with code YES10. Not valid on Case Club, cases during $1 shipping sales, or on discounted skus.

​4. $1 wine shipping

I hope that you all my friends will cheer Galentine/Valentine's Day with amazing wines from   
California Wine Club !

​Cheers !​

I am starting a new series of Blogs about pairing wines with amazing art of my wife Lavinia Szasz instagram @lavinia_szasz. Every time I will open a wine for dinner or I will taste a wine I will pair with one of her creations. You need to put a lot of work , talent and passion to produce a great wine. You can say same that you have to have talent ,imagination ,passion to produce great paintings.
I am also an Affiliate with California Wine Club who are art lovers and offer a great selection of wines you can  pair  with works of Lavinia Szasz instagram @lavinia_szasz or other artists. The California Wine Club is ready for Valentine's Day with some amazing deals for any evening- hanging with your girlfriends celebrating Valentine's Day or a cozy dinner with your love! Their personal wine consultants are ready to help you and your readers with favorite pairings to make sure the holiday is celebrated in style. You can inquire about Lavinia's art on instagram @lavinia_szasz or email robert@wineregionrentals.com

I attended Monday December 13,2021 at 7:30 p.m a free on line one hour course of Wine & Food Pairing with above Title presented by Award Winning Canadian Writer and Wine Critic Natalie MacLean. www.nataliemaclean.com
​
I was going to learn how to:
* Fix the 5 pairing mistakes that many people make
* Create mouth-watering, moan-worthy pairings I will love
* Understand WHY we like certain wines and pairings and not others
* Become the expert on YOUR OWN

After I got the invitation I was on a fence for awhile either to attend or not. The last chance to register marketing email I received was saying that even if I learn ONE tip only will be worth it. Indeed there is ONE tip I learned which I did not know before attending this one hour course.
Here it is :
Pair the wine with the sauce and not the protein

However I got  in total 12 tips which you can get them and much more if you ENROLL NOW
to Natalie MacLean Wine Smart Course 
A Full-Bodied Framework to Taste, Pair & Buy Wine Like a Pro

The Wine Smart Course is your online experience to make you the go-to person on wine among your colleagues, friends and family!

 .HereAbout this event
Ace Your Holiday Hosting!

I have attended virtual a very entertaining and informative evening with Canadian Wine Writer Natalie Maclean, on Thursday December 10,2021 at 7:00 p.m EST
• Natalie has get us ready for holiday entertaining: how to pair wines with turkey dinner and all the side dishes as well as gingerbread and chocolate Santas
• Discover how to plan the wines for larger gatherings and parties: how much to buy, what mix of wine types, proper glassware, temperatures and decanting tips
• How to choose great gift wines, even when you don't know the recipient's taste

Featured Collection:

• Peller Estates Private Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2020
• Wayne Gretzky Whisky Oak Aged Red 2019
• Trius Red 2019
• Thirty Bench Effervescent Riesling 2018
• Peller Estates Vidal Icewine 2018 - 50mL

I am planning to buy and review in the next post Wayne Gretzky Whisky
Oak Aged Red 2019. Here is Natalie MacLean's review :

​Wayne Gretzky Whisky Oak Aged Red 2019

• VQA Niagara Peninsula • Blend: Cabernet Franc (44%), Merlot (42%), Cabernet Sauvignon (14%)
• Grapes aged separately for six months in French and American barrels, then blended, 75% aged another two months, 25% aged one month in red cask whisky barrels

Taste Profile
• Full-bodied, smooth, generous
• Aromas of black cherry, spice, vanilla, cassis
• Serve at 17 to 18 degrees Celsius in red wine glass
• Drink until 2025

Pairing Tips
• Spicy chips, nuts, hard cheeses, dark chocolate
• Grilled steak, leg of lamb, pot roast, walnut bread
• Turkey dark meat, stuffing, bacon Brussels Sprouts

About Natalie MacLean
Natalie's first book Red, White and Drunk All Over: A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass and her second book Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World's Best Bargain Wines were both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year. She is the wine expert on CTV's The Social, Canada's largest daytime television show; CTV News; and Global Television's Morning Show.
Natalie was named the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards and has won four James Beard Foundation Journalism Awards. She is the only person to have won both the M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award from the James Beard Foundation and the M.F.K. Fisher Award for Excellence in Culinary Writing from Les Dames d'Escoffier International. Natalie is the editor of Canada's largest wine review site at www.nataliemaclean.com

This guest post is by Lysa Allman-Baldwin, a seasoned travel writer and the Publisher and Editor of 
​Authenticity&Purpose​

From Maine to California, Washington State to Florida, and almost everywhere in between, while traversing along many of the country’s major highways and petite country roads you can find wonderful vineyards, wineries, wine trails (and wine related events) nearly year-round.
So whether you are a true wine aficionado, choose your wines based on how pretty the bottle looks, or fall somewhere in between, anyone can get out and enjoy tasting and learning about wines.
 
Here are a few places to get you started.
​

The New York “Vines”

​You may not realize this, but New York State is one of the country’s oldest commercial wine regions, and is said to produce the greatest diversity of wine from any one wine region in the world.
 
Statewide you will find close to 150 wonderful, flavorful and historic wineries, with vines originating from the French, Dutch and English who brought them from Europe when they settled here several hundred years ago. ​

Consider doing a little wine exploration through Long Island, where wineries can be found in The Hamptons as well as in Northeast and Southeast Suffolk. In the Hudson River Valley, some 500 acres of vineyards blanket both the west and east sides of the Hudson River. 

​The New York Wine & Grape Foundation, www.newyorkwines.org 
Long Island Wine Council, 631.369.5887, www.liwines.com
New York Wine Cork, 877.302.WINE, 518.632.9260, www.nywinecork.com
 ​

About the Author
Lysa Allman-Baldwin is the Publisher and Editor of Authenticity&Purpose.For over 25 years she has fed her wanderlust for "everything the world has to offer" by passionately writing feature articles and reviews covering a wide variety of topics including travel and tourism, cuisine/restaurants, events and festivals, just to name a few, for numerous print and online publications.She speaks,facilitates workshops and have authored a new book ​​

​

​Trade seminar - Toronto -ROM -November 7,2017

Seminar Host, Patricio Tapia, Wine Writer & Author of Descorchados

The objective of the seminar was to present the new generation of Chilean winemakers who are creating innovative wines using new methods and blends. Tasted a selection of ten (10) new wine styles selected by Patricio Tapia and learned why Chile should occupy a top spot in the commercial cellar.

"Regionality is the key to Chile's stylistic development, and winemakers are striving to reflect the different terroirs that the country can offer,especially in the cooler coastal areas and those in the Andeam foothills " - said
Mario Pablo Silva ,President, Vinos de Chile

Visited Domaines Schlumberger in Guebwiller, Alsace ,France  on September 20,2017 during my Alsace Wine Route tour to find the best wine tours to recommend to my followers and list on Wine Region Rentals website. We pre-booked the guided tour with Esther Lelievre who also conducted the 2 hours tour.
We were Welcomed by  Severine Schlumberger ,one of estate  owners and Esther Lelievre our knowledgeable tour guide.
​The entire experience from contacting Esther, arranging the tour and taking the tour was excellent !   
The  tour was conducted highly professional, very informative , educational and tasty.
It consists of general presentation of the over 200 years history , passion of their family estate , the entire process of wine making from growing the grapes in the vineyards to bottling , shipping and ending with a lovely wine tasting. 

​Domaines Schlumberger is one of the largest Producers in Alsace with 120 hectares of vineyards with 50% of its area planted with Grands Crus. The winery is going through a major renovation/expansion of the Reception and Tasting Room scheduled for completion in 2018.

If you follow the  pictures, you will see the grapes pressing tanks, the grape juice fermentation with yeast in 120 temperature controlled barrels (you see also the picture of the biggest barrel that can hold 17,500 litres) when they allow all the sediments to go to the bottom of the barrel, then the wine is collected and transferred in the stainless steel vats, followed by automated bottling, then stored until orders when the bottles are getting labeled and shipped

Now to my favourite part : We tasted  7 wines from different grapes  Riesling , Pinot Gris ,Muscat ,Gewurtztraminer from Princess Abes and Grand Crus range. Although I enjoyed most of the wine tasted my favourite was the Pinot Gris Grand Cru  Spiegel  well balanced,fruity ,fresh not to sweet,not too dry with a finish with beautiful length.I bought couple of bottles to enjoy them when I am back home in Toronto.
Want to visit the beautiful Domaines Schlumberger ?
Domaines Schlumberger kindly ask you to book your tour with Esther Lelievre by phone 03 89 74 27 00 or their contact form you can find at this  link 

  During our Alsace Wine Route trip we stayed at La Maison d'Emilie in Pfaffenheim ,a charming bed and breakfast in an authentic village house from 17th century​. The B&B location is about 20 minutes easy drive to Domain Schlumberger.  

 
The FORTÉ is now available in LCBO stores ​
$17.95 VINTAGES#: 361758   |   500 mL bottle

​Background

Union is the brainchild of Canadian winemaking legend Dr. Allan Jackson and sommelier Andrew von Teichman.

Port-style fortified 100% VQA certified from amazing Ontario premium grown grapes 

It is a perfect blend of Merlot,Cabernet and a hint of Shiraz fortified with 18%alc./vol ,aged in oak barrels for 3 years

Tasting notes

Dark purple,  oak character ,sweet in the palate 104g/L but not too sweet for a dessert wine, smooth, pleasant blackberry and cherry aroma on the nose,medium length.It has nice complexity with a balance of fruits/alcohol/tannins and acid.
​

I have tasted last night November 29,2016 with :

Dark chocolate - perfect on the palate, like sipping black cherries wine
Alexis de Portneuf-Brie De Saint-Raymond Double creme - the FORTÉ is smooth, blending well, excellent Brie cheese complement  
​Dessert wine - Great for sipping after dinner .Same amazing taste as described in Tasting notes 

Recommendation

Grab a bottle or two for Holidays before they disappear from the shelfs ! At this price is an amazing value dessert wine !

This weekend was the perfect weather to enjoy Niagara-on-the-Lake. During our adventure to the Niagara Food & Wine Expo 2016, we stopped by the much buzzed about Peller Wine Estates .  Upon arrival, the majestic entrance alone affirms the fact that this is somewhere you want to be. Driving down further reveals an elegant building with a cream hue that compliments the sun perfectly.  After entering the building, we are guided to the tasting room bustling with friends and families laughing and exchanging stories with their personal Tasting Attendant.
 
Now for my favourite part: tasting of the wine! Our Tasting Attendant recommends the 
Ice Cuvée Rosé, a sparkling wine that is unique because 100ml of Vidal Icewine is added to it, enhancing the delicious wild raspberry and cherry notes.  Our Tasting Attendant tells us that Sparkling Wine is often called Champagne however, the word Champagne is only allotted to Sparkling Wines created in the region of Champagne, France.  Nonetheless, this one is a winner!

A few more excellent wines were savoured but of notable mention is the 
_Cabernet Franc Icewine ​_.Peller Wines is no stranger to awards and accolades in Icewine production. ​