Winemaker Kyle Thompson, Saint Clair Family Estate

Next up… New Zealand and marvellous Marlborough, featuring Saint Clair Family Estate and Sauvignon Blanc!

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And to close off the show, the region that has come to be associated with this varietal as its signature grape. Three quarters of all vineyards planted dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand!

Our final guest Kyle Thompson, winemaker for Saint Clair Family Estate located in Marlborough. Since their first vintage in 1994 Saint Clair Family Estate has won awards every single year. We’ll get the scoop on NZ in general as a new wine region, about Sauvignon Blanc and of course about Saint Clair Family Estate.

Episode 45: Sauvignon Blanc Day 2016

Listen to Kyle Thompson at 45:25 minutes in the show

On this week’s radio show…

Celebrate Sauvignon Blanc Day! Get Sauvignon Blanc savvy with three unique styles from three different continents.

Coming up on today’s show we are going to be celebrating a very special day in the world of wine, saluting one of our favorite grape varietals, grown in many wine regions around the globe and growing in popularity day by day.

Saint Clair Family Estate wines distributed by PMA,Peter Mielzynski Agencies Ltd.

 

 Midlife Chaos band practices at Georgia’s house always include a bottle or two of Saint Clair Family Estate Sauvignon Blanc courtesy of Jeff the “piano man” of the group! Georgia’s husband Ken shown here showcasing this delicious Sauvignon Blanc.
Meet the band from right to left: Jeff, Val, Ken, Gary and Tim. Book the band

And we are so on board, 100% ready to celebrate, to educate and introduce you guys to three very distinct Sauvignon Blancs all coming from diverse regions around the world, in fact from 3 different continents, all with their own unique style… France, California and New Zealand.

Meet Emma Swain, CEO, St Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, the founding winery of International Sauvignon Blanc Day. Hurrah!

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This winery actually started the whole International Sauvignon Blanc event.

Next we turn our attention to a very different style of Sauvignon Blanc, that of the award winning winery St Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery.

St Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery with CEO Emma Swain.

St Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery with CEO Emma Swain.

They are located in Napa Valley California.CEO Emma Swain will join us.Emma has been working in the wine industry for over 20 years and serves as a board member for the Napa Valley Vintners. Emma to share the Napa Valley and specifically St Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery’s interpretation of this delicious, sultry, rich Sauvignon Blanc, a blend partnered with the grape varietal Semillon.

EPISODE 45

Listen to Emma Swain at 26:00 minutes into the radio show.

St Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery wines distributed by Von Terra Wine, Beer and Spirits.

COMING SOON to our market 2014 St. Supéry Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc – $39.95 .. We’ll let you know when it has arrived!!!

On this week’s radio show… Celebrate Sauvignon Blanc Day! Get Sauvignon Blanc savvy with three unique styles from three different continents.

Coming up on today’s show we are going to be celebrating a very special day in the world of wine. Saluting one of our favorite grape varietals, grown in many wine regions around the globe and growing in popularity day by day.

Sauvignon Blanc

How would you describe me, this grape and the wine that I make? Well, you are zesty, fresh and crisp. I smell like citrus, grapefruit, tropical fruit and sometimes gooseberries and even cats pee! But that’s  a good thing!

And you originated in France but as you are planted prolifically in many different regions. You could only be one grape and that is Sauvignon Blanc.

Celebrate #SAUVBLANCDAY

Celebrate #SAUVBLANCDAY

This special day, International Sauvignon Blanc Day, the 7th annual, is celebrated on May 6th, as well as April 24th, as National Sauvignon Blanc Day.

There will be loads of tastings and events going on all honouring this diverse, very expressive, and delicious grape so why not join in!

And we are so on board, 100% ready to celebrate, to educate and introduce you guys to three very distinct Sauvignon Blancs all coming from diverse regions around the world, in fact from 3 different continents, all with their own unique style… France, California and New Zealand.

On this week’s Audio Podcast… Remy Pannier Sauvignon Blanc. Perfect for #SauvignonBlancDay

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Kicking off in our first segment we’ll welcome a producer from the “old world” from a region that is known for Sauvignon Blanc, that dates back to the 18th century, where the grape is said to have originated and that is the Loire Valley of France.

Joining us, the Export Director of Remy Pannier, a company with its roots firmly planted in the Loire, with a fascinating history, scrumptious story and wines, Julien Cothenet will join us.

Listen to Julien Cothenet at 8:17 minutes into the radio show.

Remy Pannier Wines distributed by Eurovintage Wines & Spirits 

On this week’s radio show… 

Celebrate Sauvignon Blanc Day! Get Sauvignon Blanc savvy with three unique styles from three different continents.

EPISODE 45

Coming up on today’s show we are going to be celebrating a very special day in the world of wine. Saluting one of our favorite grape varietals, grown in many wine regions around the globe and growing in popularity day by day.

Sauvignon Blanc

How would you describe me, this grape and the wine that I make? Well, you are zesty, fresh and crisp. I smell like citrus, grapefruit, tropical fruit and sometimes gooseberries and even cats pee! But that’s  a good thing!

And you originated in France but as you are planted prolifically in many different regions. You could only be one grape and that is Sauvignon Blanc.

Celebrate #SAUVBLANCDAY

Celebrate #SAUVBLANCDAY

This special day, International Sauvignon Blanc Day, the 7th annual, is celebrated on May 6th, as well as April 24th, as National Sauvignon Blanc Day.

There will be loads of tastings and events going on all honouring this diverse, very expressive, and delicious grape so why not join in!

And we are so on board, 100% ready to celebrate, to educate and introduce you guys to three very distinct Sauvignon Blancs all coming from diverse regions around the world, in fact from 3 different continents, all with their own unique style… France, California and New Zealand.

 

Additional 6 Bonus Air Miles May 22nd, 2016-June 18th, 2016

 

Clos du Bois Calcaire Chardonnay 2013, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

This week Georgia and I visited the annual California Wine Fair that took place here in Toronto. Over 150 producers were represented and we thought it would be fun to each select our favourites from the show for this week’s wine pick. There was a lot to choose from, we didn’t try everything but we found some lovely wines.

Susanne enjoys glass of the Clos du Bois Calcaire Chardonnay 2013 at the Toronto California Wine Fair.

 Listen to my review at 7:10 minutes in the show on episode 

I picked a Chardonnay, mine is from the esteemed region well known for their Chardonnay and that is of course Russian River Valley, in the Sonoma Valley. My wine is the 2013 Clos du Bois Calcaire Chardonnay. Just  released in Vintages April 2nd – $29.95 Vintages # 421941

Clos du Bois has been making wines for 4 decades now combining the best of California wines that are both fruit forward with the elegance of the French resulting in wines that are both elegant yet approachable. And this wine certainly is that.

Delicious from the 1st sip as well, with hints of citrus oranges and lemons, beautifully balanced acidity and a lovely long finish. I say a resounding YES to this wine!

On this week’s radio show… Celebrate Sauvignon Blanc Day! Get Sauvignon Blanc savvy with three unique styles from three different continents.

EPISODE 45

Coming up on today’s show we are going to be celebrating a very special day in the world of wine. Saluting one of our favorite grape varietals, grown in many wine regions around the globe and growing in popularity day by day.

Sauvignon Blanc

How would you describe me, this grape and the wine that I make? Well, you are zesty, fresh and crisp. I smell like citrus, grapefruit, tropical fruit and sometimes gooseberries and even cats pee! But that’s  a good thing!

And you originated in France but as you are planted prolifically in many different regions. You could only be one grape and that is Sauvignon Blanc.

Clos Pegase Chardonnay

Clos Pegase Chardonnay 2013, Georgia’s Wine Pick

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Clos Pegase Chardonnay

Clos Pegase Chardonnay

This week Susanne and I visited the annual California Wine Fair that took place here in Toronto. Over 150 producers were represented at the Fair. We thought it would be fun to each select our favourites from the show for this week’s wine pick. There was a lot to choose from, we didn’t try everything but we found some lovely wines.

My pick this week is the Clos Pegase Chardonnay 2013, represented here in Toronto through Azureau Wines & Spirits, and available by special order. Not only is it a beautiful wine but there is a beautiful story behind the winery. In fact Susanne and I visited this winery several years ago while in Napa, California.

Close Pegasus Renaissance Fountain

Close Pegasus Renaissance Fountain

 Its a stunning spot with 20,000 square feet of caves dug into the volcanic knoll, a spectacular heritage garden and incredible architecture, in fact  according to House and Garden Magazine, Clos Pegase Napa Valley “has raised two ancient arts – architecture and winemaking- to a height that resonates with echoes of the ages”!  A must see when in Napa!

Its also a beautiful love story. So the story goes that Jan Shrem one day gave his wife Mitsuki a tiffany box and inside was only dirt and soil. She loved him so much she didn’t care what it was he gave her. He told her that he had just bought a vineyard that was 365 acres, and each acre representing everyday of the year that he would show his love for her.

Georgia at the California Wine Fair, Toronto, May 2016 tastes the Clos Pegasus Chardonnay 2013 with Mike Gilroy, SVP Sales & Marketing Vintage Wine Estates.

EPISODE 45

   Listen to my review at 4:09 minutes into the radio show 

This 100% Chardonnay wine is made from grapes located in the cool Carneros region from the Mitsuki Vineyard and is a beautiful balance of opulence and minerality, delicious pineapple and tangerine fruit with some subtle oak… I fell in love from the 1st sip! Available through Azureau Wine & Spirits for $37.95 per bottle. 

On this week’s radio show… Celebrate Sauvignon Blanc Day! Get Sauvignon Blanc savvy with three unique styles from three different continents.

Coming up on today’s show we are going to be celebrating a very special day in the world of wine. Saluting one of our favorite grape varietals, grown in many wine regions around the globe and growing in popularity day by day.

Sauvignon Blanc

How would you describe me, this grape and the wine that I make? Well, you are zesty, fresh and crisp. I smell like citrus, grapefruit, tropical fruit and sometimes gooseberries and even cats pee! But that’s  a good thing!

And you originated in France but as you are planted prolifically in many different regions. You could only be one grape and that is Sauvignon Blanc.

Celebrate #SAUVBLANCDAY

Celebrate #SAUVBLANCDAY

This special day, International Sauvignon Blanc Day, the 7th annual, is celebrated on May 6th, as well as April 24th, as National Sauvignon Blanc Day.

There will be loads of tastings and events going on all honouring this diverse, very expressive, and delicious grape so why not join in!

And we are so on board, 100% ready to celebrate, to educate and introduce you guys to three very distinct Sauvignon Blancs all coming from diverse regions around the world, in fact from 3 different continents, all with their own unique style… France, California and New Zealand.

 

Pascual Toso, Malbec World Day

Celebrating Malbec World Day in style with Pascual Toso Malbec!

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Celebrate Malbec World Day April 17th, 2016

Tune in April 14th, 2016 to The Wine Ladies radio show

We shift our focus next to one wine producer in particular. This winery is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine producers in Argentina and is quickly becoming one of the leading quality wine brands from the country, with Robert Parkers Wine Advocate awarding 90 points to their most recent Limited Edition Malbec.The winery is Pasqual Toso, and our guest Julian Orti, Export Director to tell all in our second segment.

Listen to Julian Orti at 21:50 minutes in the show. 

Episode WL 04-13-2016

 

Pascual Toso’s, Paul Hobbs, the ‘Steve Jobs of wine’, reknowned winemaker and consultant having worked at Simi and Robert Mondavi –  Opus One no less!

Pascual Toso wines distributed by Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.

 

Pascual Toso Limited Edition Malbec- Susanne’s Wine Pick

A dream come true…Los Flâneurs, Mendoza, Argentina, a partnership as perfectly balanced as the wines.

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Dr. Gary Glassman of the winery Los Flâneurs, Mendoza, Argentina

Dr. Gary Glassman at Los Flâneurs, Mendoza, Argentina.

Dr. Gary Glassman at Los Flâneurs, Mendoza, Argentina.

Flâneur is an attitude, a way of existence, a state of mind, and a philosophy of living each experience as a unique moment by observing ones surroundings and embracing the beauty within it. Through our wines we invite you to become a Flâneur of our terroir.

Follow us on Twitter @LosFlaneurs

TUNE IN  April 14th, 2016 on The Wine Ladies radio show.

And finally, so many are seduced by and drawn to this beautiful country. To close off the show we’ll welcome back, he’s a favorite returning guest of ours, Dr. Gary Glassman. Dr Glassman is an endodontist to be specific, but also a wine lover and proud co-owner of a vineyard located in heart of the “Tiera de Malbec” Lujan de Cuyo, in Mendoza.

The winery is Los Flâneurs. Gary will join us to talk about his journey to fulfilling a dream in wine and also give us a few tips on wine and oral health, and it’s good news, so be sure to stay tuned.

Listen to Dr. Gary Glassman at 37:46 minutes in the show.

Episode 44

 Los Flâneurs, Mendoza, ArgentinaLos Flâneurs, Mendoza, Argentina

 Our single-vineyard Malbec and super premium Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine will be available mid-2016 and we hope that you will enjoy them as much as we have enjoyed the process of making them!!

Los Flâneurs, Mendoza, Argentina

“The Wine Guys”, Enrique, Hernan, Gary, and Steve (left to right), two Argentines and two Canadians sharing their passion for wine and food resulting in a dream come true, Los Flâneurs.Their partnership is as balanced as their wines! 

Los Flâneurs, Mendoza, Argentina

 Follow me on Twitter @DrGaryGlassman 

Oral health benefits of wine.

Studies about antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols, which may help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. A polyphenol called resveratrol, is one substance in red wine that has garnered a lot of attention over the past five years.

Resveratrol is now considered to be a key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and prevents blood clots.

According to these studies, chemicals found in red wine, called proanthocyanidins, contain antioxidant properties that may prevent the bacteria that causes tooth decay from sticking to saliva and teeth. Interestingly, these phytonutrients are also found in foods like grapes, apples and chocolate – good news for non-wine drinkers!

Passion turns to Purpose, Celebrity Endodontist turned winemaker!

La Crema Winery

La Crema Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2013, Georgia’s Wine Pick

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La Crema Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2013

So my wine pick comes from sunny California, which is where we were around this time last year,in Sonoma County.
Strolling through the LCBO at the latest vintages releases, which I always love to do, like a kid in a candy shop, I came across what was one of our favorite wines and tastings rooms we visited in Healdsburg, and that was La Crema.

So one of the new releases is the La Crema Pinot Noir 2013 Sonoma Coast
I wanted to get that feeling back, so I picked up a bottle and voila! Memories flooded back! This is my kind of Pinot Noir!

It was bright red in colour, seductive aroma with raspberry, cherry and strawberry, fruit balm, lovely and hints of spice, a little earth and touch of well integrated oak. I really enjoyed this Pinot Noir. Thank you to the winemaker, who is Canadian! Elizabeth Grant-Douglas is a Niagara Falls native and translplanted herself into Sonoma County wine country!

Price in our market $31.95 and also half bottle $17.95

Tune in April 14th and listen to my wine review at 3:51 minutes in the show

Remind everyone to check out our visit to the La Crema tasting room in Heidleburg,  One Sip at a time, The Wine Ladies La Crema Winery Episode 2.

On this week’s Audio Podcast… Malbec Madness and #MalbecWorldDay April 17th, 2016

Episode 44

Pitars Winery

Pitars Prosecco DOC, Susanne’s Wine Pick

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My discovery, the Pitars Prosecco DOC made from a fourth generation, historic and stunning winery located in Friuli. This Prosecco  is lively with zesty fruits and floral notes and  of course, BONUS  its affordability at just  $17.25 per bottle. It’s pretty exclusive too as its not sold through the LCBO but is available exclusively by the case (6) here in Ontario through www.VDFwines.com.

So I an kicking Spring off is style with my Pitars Prosecco!

Spring fever is finally upon us and I wanted to kick of the season in style! What better way to celebrate than with a beautiful glass of bubbly. Although I do enjoy a glass of Champagne from time to time its not always in my budget. Therefore,I searched out for one of the most popular bubblies out there and that is of course Prosecco.

We know, this sparkling wine must come exclusively from one of two wine growing regions in north eastern Italy.

The two regions are  Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. In fact the name comes from the Italian village of Prosecco near Trieste. It is also the name of the wine and was until recently the name of the grape. Due to a change in regulation in 2009  the “Glera” grape which is a long standing synonym for Prosecco was officially recognized as the proper grape name used to identify this iconic Italian export.

$17.25 per bottle (case of 6). Available through VDF Wines & Spirits.

My discovery, the Pitars Prosecco DOC made from a fourth generation, historic and stunning winery located in Friuli. This Prosecco  is lively with zesty fruits and floral notes and  of course, BONUS  its affordability at just  $17.25 per bottle. It’s pretty exclusive too as its not sold through the LCBO but is available exclusively by the case (6) here in Ontario through www.VDFwines.com.

So I an kicking Spring off is style with my Pitars Prosecco!

TUNE  to listen to my review at 5:20 minutes in the show. 

Episode 44

 Here we are again, on the cusp of the 6th Annual #MalbecWorldDay coming up on April 17th on which there will be tons of tastings, events and parties all going on around the globe, honoring this luscious, spicily rich, very delish red grape!
We’ve decided to honour the Malbec grape once again, as well as the country that has become synonymous with Malbec, just as Shiraz is to Australia, Sauvignon Blanc to New Zealand and Carmenere to Chile, Malbec is to Argentina!

Tweet to WIN Tickets to The Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour! Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto! Enter here!

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Maori People from New Zealand performing the traditional Haka (war dance)

Kiwis love setting off on a Tiki Tour. It’s a trip where you take the scenic route, sidetrack a little, linger and experience new things. We invite you to join us on the Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour. An evening of meandering, digressing, indulging and awakening the senses.

Buy tickets here – Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto.

Who knows where, what or whom you’ll discover! What we do know is there will be amazing New Zealand wines, fascinating people and memorable photo opportunities. It’s time to escape and explore!

Three super events!!!

 Congrats to our winners @BrendaKennedy76  @CDNCountryGal1  @tinetravelhippo  @LammieLammie 

It’s as easy as 1-2-3 to win!!!!!

Five (5) prize packages to be given away. Total Value: $400.00!! Each prize package worth $130.00 and up! 

Each prize includes one pair of tickets to The Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour.( 2 pairs of tickets for Vancouver, 2 pairs of tickets for Ottawa and one pair of tickets for Toronto). Meet the wine makers and/or their representatives from 21 different wineries from New Zealand. Enjoy an array of scrumptious appetizers while you enjoy a variety of superb Sauvignon Blancs , the explosive varietal that awoke the world! Let us take you on a journey of taste and experience how terroir and winemaking results in the many unique styles of New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc accounts for around 70% of wine exported from New Zealand. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc exports are worth over $1.1 billion annually.



May 5th, 2016

Tweet #TWLNZTikiTourVancouverWIN and re-tweet as often as you like! Two winners ( two pairs of tickets, Value: $130.00 per pair) will be picked at random.

May 9th, 2016

Tweet #TWLNZTikiTourOttawaWIN and re-tweet as often as you like! Two winner ( two pairs of tickets, Value: $130.00 per pair) will be picked at random) will be picked at random.

May 11th, 2016

Tweet #TWLNZTikiTourTorontoWIN and re-tweet as often as you like. One winner (one pair of tickets, Value: $140.00 per pair) will be picked at random.

Contest Rules

1.Make sure that you follow both of us on Twitter @TheWineLadies @NZWineCanada 

2.Enter as many times as you like from Friday, April 8th,2016 at 12:00pm until Friday, April 29th at 11:00am tweet and re-tweet and follow @TheWineLadies and @NZWineCanada

Below is an example that you can use and modify as you see fit.

Example Tweets:

 @TheWineLadies  @NZWineCanada #Vancouver #WIN #tickets #TWLNZTikiTourVancouverWIN  May 5 #SauvBlanc Enter me!

 @TheWineLadies  @NZWineCanada #WIN #Vancouver #TWLNZTikiTourVancouverWIN  Pick me please!

 @TheWineLadies  @NZWineCanada #Ottawa #WIN #tickets #TWLNZTikiTourOttawaWIN  May 9 #SauvBlanc Enter me!

 @TheWineLadies @NZWineCanada Celebrate #SauvBlanc  I wanna #WIN #tickets #TWLNZTikiTourOttawaWIN

 @TheWineLadies  @NZWineCanada  #Toronto #WIN #tickets #TWLNZTikiTourTorontoWIN May 11 #SauvBlanc Enter me!

 @TheWineLadies  @NZWineCanada Crazy for #SauvBlanc #WIN #tickets  #TWLNZTikiTourTorontoWIN

@TheWineLadies  @NZWineCanada  ENTER ME #TWLNZTikiTourTorontoWIN Pick me please!

3.Each time you tweet (or re-tweet our Tweets) using the hash tag #TWLNZTikiTourVancouverWIN or #TWLNZTikiTourOttawarWIN or #TWLNZTikiTourTorontoWIN your name will be entered into our draw for a chance to win the prizes. Keep entering as often as you like. Be sure to add @TheWineLadiesat the end of your Tweet as well to help track it.

4. If you don’t TWEET you can also enter on The Wine Ladies FACEBOOK Fan page too right here.

The winners will be randomly selected at noon on Friday, April 29th, 2016 at noon and will be notified via TWITTER and FACEBOOK.

Have some fun and Tweet with the participating wineries of The Great New Zealand Tiki Wine Tour, then meet them in person on May 5th, May 9th or May 11th!!!

#AraWines  @BabichWines  #Clark Estate  @InvivoWine  @MariscoWines  #MarlboroughWine  @MatuaWines  @MudHouseWine  #OysterBay  @Pernod_Ricard  @SacredHillWines  @SaintClairWine  @SileniWines #SpyValleyWines  @StaeteLandtWine   @Stoneleigh  @tePaWines  @ToiToiWines  @VillaMaria_wine  @WhitehavenNZ   @WitherHillsWine

 Coming up May 2nd…. on the radio show… Exploring Sauvignon Blanc and celebrating International Sauvignon Blanc Day. Representing New Zealand will be Kyle Thompson winemaker of Saint Clair Family Estate. We invite you to tune in.