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CCOVI Library Tasting - Monday, October 28, 2002  

The Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute has offered the Ontario Wine Society an unprecedented tasting opportunity. This will be a historic first vertical tasting of Ontario Riesling wines, 1994 to 1998, from the Canadian Wine Library. The tasting will be led by one or more of these Canadian Wine Library board members, Tony Aspler, Peter Gamble, Jean Pierre Colas and Andy Reynolds.

Viva Vincor - November 2002  This will be a wine fair of Vincor's Ontario and British Columbia Estates - Inniskillin, Jackson-Triggs, Hawthorn Mountain and Sumac Ridge.

Icewine Weekend - January 2003  

Rieslings of the World - February 2003  

Mail: P.O. Box 519, Station K
Toronto, Ontario
M4P 2G9

Voice Mail: 416 921 9798

E-mail: contact@ontariowinesociety.com

Web: www.ontariowinesociety.com

by Dean Tudor

"The Summer Cellar Dinner" was unveiled by the Ontario Wine Society at La Maquette. It was a clearout of single bottles that have been accumulating from past tastings -- and they were offered at "no charge" to the members. Robert Moore was "the man" and he delivered the goods, so to speak. About 80 different wines were available for the 80 or so people. We all sat at tables of eight, and each table received two blind bags of wine: a bag of two chilled whites and a bag of three reds. All unopened, and randomly delivered. Ultimately, there were a few corked wines throughout the room (and a non-VQA wine at my table), and these all got replaced. I'm not going to deliver any notes on specific wines, except to say a few general comments.

The reception wines -- all white -- were, of course, older than they should have been, mainly from 1996 - 1999. And many did not keep too well. But these were the not-too-prominent varieties such as Vidal, Seyval Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc (early vintages). I did have a Columbard from Stoney Ridge, 1996 and 1997. They were the best in the show, as far as I was concerned -- Jim Warren's wines usually are the best. The 1996 was aging well into the butterscotch tones, and the 1997 was ripe and fruity. So I mixed them together, and had a marvellous drink.

Chef Keith Roebuck planned a great menu to work with the mixed wines. The appetizer was wild mushroom strudel with baby spinach sauce and leeks.The cold poached salmon had a watercress salad and corn salsa. The whites we had at my table -- shared by renowned filmmaker Bruce Elder and his wife, and wine expert/history professor Ron Stagg -- Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay 1998 and Chateau des Charmes Riesling 1997 -- worked well, the off-dry Riesling being the better of the two with the mushrooms.

For the main course, roast veal sirloin with sweet potato mash and vegetable medley, Strewn Terroir Three 1997 stood out, followed by an Inniskillin Cabernet Franc and a Crown Bench Cabernet Franc. The non-VQA wine was traded in for the VQA Crown Bench.

Cheesecake with berries and creme anglaise completed the package, accompanied by a Hillebrand Icewine 1997, which stood up well, because of its barrel aging.

The evening was sort of a curate's egg: some parts good, some parts bad. It depended on the wines available. The food was excellent, and so was the service, but the wines were variable -- it depended on where you sat, what you liked, and the fact that wines from the late 1990s do not show any evidence of aging well -- at least at this price level.

Dean Tudor, Wine Writer and Professor Emeritus of Journalism, Ryerson University, Toronto.     www.ryerson.ca/~dtudor

The print version of the October edition of this newsletter describes a number of events occurring at the end of September. We have eliminated those listings here for brevity, but if you are interested in further information regarding those September events, please refer to the the print version which you can view as an Adobe Acrobat file HERE!

Age-Old Truths - October 5, 12, 19 & 26
Taste five older vintage wines and learn about the ageing patterns of different varietals, as well as the effect of cellar conditions on ageing. Please call 905 562 3581 for reservations. $5.00 per person.

2002 Harvest Festival - Sunday, October 6, 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Grape Tree will be hosting an afternoon of food, wine and live entertainment for 200 guests. All-inclusive tickets will be available from Grape Tree for $35.00 per person. As our events have sold out in the past, non-refundable advance tickets only will be available. So, get yours early. We look forward to seeing many of our old friends here, and meeting many more new ones! For information or tickets, please call Tina at 519 322 2081.

October 18 to 20
Many Ontario wineries will be there! Savour the culinary styling of Toronto's best restaurants. Enjoy live entertainment, interactive cooking demos and guided wine tastings. Improve your wine savvy with Vintage's Tutored Tastings Sessions. Tony Aspler, THE WINE GUY, will be hosting one of these tasting sessions. It is called "A Fine Wine in Your Own Backyard" (55$) on Saturday, October 19, 4:30pm - 6:00pm. He will guide you through the best wines that Ontario has to offer. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, Hall A. For more information call 416 410 0405 or visit www.foodandwineshow.ca.

Mondavi/Riedel Tasting - Advanced Notice. Wednesday, October 2, 2002, tutored tasting: 6:30pm to 8:30pm, reception: 8:30pm to 9:30pm, Royal York Hotel, Canadian Room
Tickets are now on sale for the return of Georg Riedel, famed Austrian wine glassmaker, with special guests Michael Mondavi, Chairman of Robert Mondavi Wines, and Donald Ziraldo, President and Co-Founder of Inniskillin Wines.

Georg Riedel will take attendees through an 'Extreme' tutored tasting featuring Vinum Extreme stemware, including the Vinum Extreme Icewine stem, with premium wines of Robert Mondavi and Inniskillin.

For tickets call Vintages Customer Service at 416 3655767 or toll-free at 1 800 266 4764, or for more information visit www.vintages.com or www.inniskillin.com. This event sold out very quickly last year.

Weekend BBQ Lunch - May to October, Saturdays and Sundays, 12:00pm to 3:00pm
"Echelon Catering" is grilling up scrumptious BBQ fare outdoors on our patio all summer long! $8.95 per person plus taxes. 905-935-3535

Star Gaze Craze - Friday, October 11 (Raindate: Sunday, October 13)
Goes on Rain or Shine. You keep coming back for more ... and we've got MORE. More stargazing that is, for the 4th big year in a row -with knowledgeable astronomers to answer your every question as you peer through their telescopes on our lawns. Stars in the sky, BBQ on the patio and wine in your glass! Admission $5.00 per person. $10 per family. 50% of all gate proceeds go to the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS). No charge for admission for this event in case of inclement weather...indoor program continues. BBQ & wine priced separately. Informative slide show in the barrel cellar by RAS.

Toronto Life, Wine and Food Experience - Monday, September 30. Hors D'oeuvres at 6:00pm. Dinner at 7:00pm.
This event will be co-hosted by James Chatto and Margaret Swaine. The menu will be created by Executive Chef Stephen Perrin. Ontario wines will be highlighted with either two Ontario wines per course or one Ontario and one international

$175 per person plus taxes. Gratuity is included. 8199 Yonge St., Thornhill, 905 731 6161.

Donald Ziraldo Wins Lifetime Achievement Award For Food & Beverage Excellence In Singapore

Donald Ziraldo recently attended The Sixth Annual New World of Food and Wine Festival which was held August 20 - 25, 2002 at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. He was pleasantly surprised to be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Food and Beverage Excellence.

This award was created to pay tribute to a distinguished member of the food and beverage profession for his or her contribution to the development of gastronomic culture worldwide, all the while embracing the ideals of the vocation. It acknowledges the individual's contribution to the Food and Beverage industry. The recipient is an individual who has dedicated his or her life to advancing the art of culinary refinement, wine appreciation or has been involved in a food and beverage related field in order to create greater awareness among both the public and connoisseurs alike. To qualify for this prestigious award, the recipient must be a consistent performer who has continuously dedicated and contributed throughout his or her career to the Food and Beverage world.

Upon hearing of his win and accepting it at the Festival, Ziraldo commented: "I was particularly gratified to be honoured at this spectacular event by the Ritz in the rapidly expanding Asian market."

At the event the Inniskillin Icewine Sculpture created by Canadian Artist, Brad Copping, was auctioned for $1750.00 with proceeds going to The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore Food & Beverage Scholarship Fund in recognition of an individual's brilliant performance for his or her food and beverage profession.

GOLDEN JUBILEE MEDAL   Ottawa, Canada

In an announcement from the Governor General's Office, Rideau Hall, Ottawa, Donald Ziraldo was notified that he will receive the Golden Jubilee Medal.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has approved the creation of a Commemorative Medal in honour of the 50th anniversary of Her accession to the Throne. The Medal will be awarded to citizens who have made a significant contribution to Canada, to their community or to their fellow Canadians.

Ziraldo met the criteria for the Golden Jubilee Medal having previously been selected as a member of the Order of Canada for demonstrating exceptional qualities and outstanding service to Canada.

Friday, September 27, 7:30pm to 10:00pm

A performance in six acts - back by popular demand! Join Brock President David Atkinson, members of the University and Niagara communities to celebrate the best of Niagara. Enjoy the creative work of some of the finest chefs, wineries, and artists in this spectacular event you won't want to miss! Don't be late, the performance begins at 7:30pm. Meet the chefs and discuss the art of food and wine pairings. Chefs to date will include Rob Fracchioni (Inn on the Twenty), Jan-Willem Stulp (Vineland Estates Winery Restaurant) and Mark Walpole (EastDell Estates Winery). Enjoy the performance and meet the artists ~ an exceptional evening of the finest food, VQA wines and the arts of the Niagara Region.

Tickets are $75.00 per person. The location is Pond Inlet. For more information, contact: Centre for the Arts 905 688 5550 x3257 or brockdays@brocku.ca.

This is a reminder to all members that this program is still in effect. Here's how it works.

Every new member, whether referred or not, will be entitled to one free tasting event.

An existing member will be entitled to one free tasting event for every two new members that they refer.

So, here's an opportunity for you to help us promote the Society. Make sure that the people you refer note your name on the form when they submit their application. Applications can be obtained by leaving a voice message at 416 921 9798, or writing to The Ontario Wine Society, P.O. Box 519, Station K, Toronto, Ontario, M4P 2G9. Or, you can apply through the web site at www.ontariowinesociety.com.

(This is the first of what we hope will be many feature articles by Canadian Wine Writers. -Ed.)

Magnotta, the third largest winery of Ontario, was founded in 1989 by a husband and wife team, owners of Fiesta Juice Company. When Charal winery in Blenheim was on the market, Gabe and Rosanna decided to buy it with plans to expand the operation.

An application for official listings was made to the LCBO. The Magnottas were assured the licence was a matter of formality, but only a few days prior to releasing their first wines, a letter arrived stating that no shelf space would be available.

What would have been a crisis for most was seen as a challenge and opportunity for the entrepreneurial Magnottas. They shifted strategy by distributing their wines directly from the winery, passing along considerable savings since the L C B O charges $18.00 per case for distribution. Other taxes are additional.

The strategy has been successful beyond expectation and Magnotta Winery Estates and Fiesta Juice expanded rapidly.

Magnotta produces fine wines, both VQA and blends for all market segments selling them directly, through its five stores in addition to delivering to restaurants and hotels.

The head office in Vaughan and main retail store deliver proof how well managed, innovative and art- conscious companies thrive. But a successful company also generates economic benefits for the community.

In 1996 Magnotta purchased a 350 acre property in Chile, and 150 acres on three favourable locations in the Niagara Peninsula in an attempt to grow the best grapes possible.

Some of the Chilean vineyard's wines are marketed as super-premium varietal wines at very reasonable prices. In several large-scale blind tastings with varietal wines from France, Italy and California at more than double the price of Magnotta's, Gabe's and Rosanna's products were clear winners. In fact Magnotta wines have to date won more international and highly regarded awards than any other in the country.

Gabe and Rosanna stated "We do not produce wines to win medals. We produce wines to win new customers. If we happen to win accolades along the way, we are proud to accept them on the basis that we will continue to produce wines of highest quality that our greatly expanding customer base will continue to enjoy."

Consumers can taste any Magnotta wine before making a purchasing decision. To my knowledge, there is no other winery in the province with such a policy.

While Magnotta ships to a number of provinces, numerous European and American agencies have been vying to represent the company's products, particularly late harvest and icewines, both of which represent excellent value.

Award winning alone has not satisfied Magnotta. True to their innovative, pro-active spirit, they recently added a brewing and distilling arm to their winery operations. The distillery products have already caught the market's attention. Magnotta icewine grappa snatched a gold award at Intervin and the Fine Alembic Grappa garnered a silver at the IWSC (International Wines and Spirit Competition in London).

"It all comes down to quality and honesty of product," concluded Rosanna "You cannot fool today's consumer. When something is good they come back. That is why we are always setting new and higher standards for all our products."

Magnottas seems tom to be doing everything right. In just over 13 years their winery has become Ontario's third largest winery by sales. This success is due to Gabe's and Rosanna's uncompromising passion for good wines, creativity, ambition, a little zeal and a fanatical devotion to quality."

Rosanna Magnotta highlighted, "our mission is to deliver the finest quality products to the general public at affordable prices. We have developed diverse and original lines of inexpensive wines that range from generics to reserves and as a consequence we have been successful in broadening our range of customers."

Currently Magnotta produces over 100 wines (VQA and blends), over 10 brands of beer, and a number of spirits, the most famous of which is grappa.

Of late Gabe started focusing on fruit wines - his iced apple, wildberry, raspberry and plum wines appeal to thousands of his loyal customers.

And the future? " ... we will have more things for more people" reflected Gabe Magnotta.

The wineries in Vaughan and Beamsville welcome visitors everyday of the week.

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