Yes, part 1, because there are so many events and so many wines to try during the Festival of Wines, that one wine blog just won’t cut it. I went to my first event Wednesday evening, which was the “Tasting: The World of Wines Experience” at the Casino Nova Scotia. Only 120 tickets, and it’s all about the wine. I love it.
This is one of my favorite finds of the Festival of Wines so far, this beautiful sparkling Cremant from France. It is Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, and Muscadet and it is refreshing, bright and fruity. It’s also a fantastic price for a well made Cremant from Bordeaux. Cremant sparkling wines are made in the same method as Champagne, and is a great option if you have a ‘Champagne taste on a beer budget’, as my father would say. Bordeaux France is best known for its red blends, but this was a fabulous surprise find.
One of the thrills for me at this event was Chef Renee Lavallee, winner of Top Chef Canada. What was even more exciting was to learn she has teamed up with a Champagne house, Duval Leroy, who have been making Champagne for 160 years. Renee says this Champagne is in harmony with her own style of cuisine. It was well aged, but so very vibrant on the palate. When I tasted, I told her it woke my mouth up in a big way; A treat at $87 a bottle, but a great Champagne.
And my Wine of the Week,
The handsome Chris from the NSLC is pouring my favourite wine from Wednesday evening’s event, the 2015 Chateau Guillou Montagne Saint Emilion. Comprised mostly of Merlot, it also contains small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. I tasted wines Wednesday evening that were way over $100 a bottle, and this was still my favourite – it’s that smooth! And because I like great values, it is difficult to get a Bordeaux wine of this quality for this price point.
I have another festival of wines event this afternoon, the general tasting. Till next week, cheers
Darlene
Wine-It’s Just My Opinion 