I’m heading to the annual Festival of Wines this evening, and the theme this year is ‘Discover the Wines of North America’. The Festival has been going on most of the week, but I’m attending tonight’s grand tasting. I’m embarking on a journey through the wines of Canada and the United States, and its been exciting, because the NSLC has been previewing the Festival’s wine list over the past couple of weeks. So I’m able to give you a sneak peak at some of the wines on the list.
Both my friend Amber and I think this wine could take ‘Best Wine Under $20″. Amber works at our liquor store here and she has been selling this like hot cakes. I wrote about this wine a few weeks ago, so if you haven’t tried it, get it while you can. It’s a delicious full-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Syrah, and it’s priced under $20. I will let you know next week if this wine wins.
Although the Festival will feature wines from around the world, they are focusing on North America, Canada and the U.S. From Nova Scotia, the Tidal Bay wines from many of our vineyards are being featured.
Looking at the menu of wines being featured, we are being offered the opportunity to try Tidal Bay from Jost, Gaspereau Vineyards, Avondale, Blomidon Estate, Lightfoot and Wolfville, Luckett and Saint-Famille. Tidal Bay wines are always white, they are a little different from each vineyard, and were designed to reflect the terroir of Nova Scotia. The wines were created to pair perfectly with seafood.
One of the wines I’m looking forward to trying is this Renwood Zinfandel. We used to carry it here in Nova Scotia a few years back, and then, poof, it was gone. It’s a delicious expression of a Zinfandel with notes of vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon. Not too oaky and well balanced. I hope the fact its being featured in the show means its coming back to Nova Scotia.
And now for my wine of the week
The Asio Otus Vino Rosso comes to us from Sicily Italy, and I had to share this great value with you. It’s under $16 and is Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. In a word, delicious. Every day wine drinkers like us give this wine 4 out of 5 stars all over the world and why not. It’s full-bodied and spicy and priced to buy again and again.
Can’t wait to tell you all about the Festival of Wines next week. Till then, Cheers
Darlene
Wine-It’s Just My Opinion 