tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85513075913713872852024-03-12T19:05:47.963-07:00Wine BarbarianBill Tieleman is the Wine Barbarian, a Vancouver, BC wine drinker and collector who scorns wine snobs, is willing to drink 3rd growth Bordeaux with pizza and helps his friends find good, quaffable wine at reasonable prices. Based in Vancouver, Bill is also a communications consultant and political columnist and commentator.
Bill is an avid food lover and amateur cook who reviews restaurants and travel here too.Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-58389011739148844962024-03-01T11:10:00.000-08:002024-03-01T11:10:16.641-08:00Top Tables for the Vancouver International Wine Festival - Thursday, Friday and Saturday March 1 and 2, 2024 <p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Wine Barbarian Top Table picks for the International Festival Tastings for 2024</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-size: large;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinu9vOiLaXqpDHFLKEbn_FncmT53Gx2FbiX6KZM8zUQnpDR8x8jnZiY15XjniSHUAcWQGM-46wl6qMf7ld-2ygJbFAOECemBWKScwGHQaX212DaN7yosZGL1q7v0xsrES0gIYULtRXdzaSenJPATKzQqUzSBJUQ5xKZu4R8JpsubpxMN6tUqvBG531wq4/s4032/IMG_2019.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinu9vOiLaXqpDHFLKEbn_FncmT53Gx2FbiX6KZM8zUQnpDR8x8jnZiY15XjniSHUAcWQGM-46wl6qMf7ld-2ygJbFAOECemBWKScwGHQaX212DaN7yosZGL1q7v0xsrES0gIYULtRXdzaSenJPATKzQqUzSBJUQ5xKZu4R8JpsubpxMN6tUqvBG531wq4/w640-h480/IMG_2019.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The Wine Barbarian crew - Bill Tieleman, my wife Shirley Ross, friends Dan and Jenn</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><i><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The heart of the fabulous </span></i><b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Vancouver International</span> </i><span style="font-size: medium;">Wine Festival</span></a></b><span style="font-size: medium;"> every year is the <b>International Festival Tastings</b> - <b>Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 7 to 10 p.m. and Saturday afternoon from 2:30 to 5 p.m.</b> This is your chance to taste from <b>over 1,000 wines from 147 wineries</b> from around the world, with Italy as the regional focus this year!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And what fantastic choices you have! It's impossible for anyone to try every wine available - so <b>The Wine Barbarian</b> comes to your rescue with some recommended wine tables to visit where you just know you will enjoy their wines.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is a <b>very</b> subjective list of course, and <b>every</b> winery here for the Festival is pouring lovely wines - and many of these wineries I don't know - yet - so I encourage you to try any available table. You might just find a new favourite wine! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: verdana; white-space-collapse: preserve;">ITALY</b><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: verdana; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space-collapse: preserve;">With <b>71 wineries from Italy</b>, there is a wealth of choices of great wines! I can most definitely recommend the following but many more are pouring great glasses: </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: verdana; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Allegrini Table 2; </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: verdana; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Altesino Table 4; Tenuta di Arceno Table 5; </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: verdana; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Marchesi di Barolo Table 8; Azienda Abricola Bocale di Valentini Table 9;</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: verdana; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: verdana; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Carpineto Table 16; </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: verdana; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Damiliano Table 21Empson & Co Table 24; </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Frescobaldi Table 29; </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: verdana; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Castello di Gabbiano</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Table 30; </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: verdana; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Masi Table 41; </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Marchesi Mazzei Table 42; Pio Cesare Table 52; Ricasoli Table 54; Tua Rita Table 66</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>AUSTRALIA </b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Inland Trading Table 76; Majella Wines Table 77</span></span></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_TIQztTQHu2gZxvr9fO2yANROWVl-eTjs_HSydc_PRFuKMe4V1tB16-ypHUGPS4Q84ZfMj_Ki-DNcG4bg5g_LQ5wDpA3nB53pCTELv5opdp9c8pTey_aZTCU3fcm55l9YPyosmVCjyhlyYrgXkqGE0sXXixakKuRbkJcDykGcWAFvbW36wAoYK-gF_A/s1800/D46613ED-FA3E-4A7A-8B8C-56282909D164.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_TIQztTQHu2gZxvr9fO2yANROWVl-eTjs_HSydc_PRFuKMe4V1tB16-ypHUGPS4Q84ZfMj_Ki-DNcG4bg5g_LQ5wDpA3nB53pCTELv5opdp9c8pTey_aZTCU3fcm55l9YPyosmVCjyhlyYrgXkqGE0sXXixakKuRbkJcDykGcWAFvbW36wAoYK-gF_A/w320-h400/D46613ED-FA3E-4A7A-8B8C-56282909D164.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>Antonio Zaccheo, Owner - Carpineto Wines <br />& Bill Tieleman, The Wine Barbarian</i></span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #050505; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>CANADA</b></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: verdana; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Table 85; Moon Curser Vineyards Table 97; Osoyoos Larose Table 100; Phantom Creek Estates Table 101; Spearhead Table 103; Summerhill Pyramid Winery Table 105</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: verdana; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">CROATIA</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #050505; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space-collapse: preserve;">Stina Winery Table 112</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #050505; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>SPAIN</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Marques de Riscal Table 131</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>USA</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Harvey & Harriet Table 136; House of Smith Table 137; Lingua Franca -Table 139; Louis M Martini Table 140; Robert Mondavi Winery table 144 and </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: verdana; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Signorello/Edge/Trim Table 145 </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space-collapse: preserve;">And there's lots more - I will try to post additional Top Tables on my social media - <b>X/Twitter @BillTieleman</b> - <b>Instagram - WineBarbarian.ca</b> and <b>Facebook - Bill Tieleman</b> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Thanks and cheers! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; white-space-collapse: preserve; width: 16px;"><img alt="🍷" class="xz74otr" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t8a/2/16/1f377.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill;" width="16" /></span><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; white-space-collapse: preserve; width: 16px;"><img alt="👍" class="xz74otr" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t9b/2/16/1f44d.png" style="border: 0px; object-fit: fill;" width="16" /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-45400414665574972662024-02-24T12:32:00.000-08:002024-02-24T12:32:11.999-08:00TONIGHT - Saturday February 24, 2024 is OPEN THAT BOTTLE NIGHT! Do it! <p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><br />Do you have a special bottle of wine sitting in your cellar or closet or kitchen that you have been saving for years, waiting for a "special occasion" to open it?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Do it <b>TONIGHT! </b> Yes tonight, because this is international Open That Bottle Night - the last Saturday of February - when there's no more excuses, no more waiting for the perfect dinner, date, group of friends - whatever has kept you from opening that languishing bottle! '</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgGZZ-oCwOAId9SBwHLQCtjCSDrBYLhkn4eM3Q5EUkxUMVHTuF7gWviS-WYut_62tTpU-lsz8W0TaUyfW7rruhfOUR8Evc4JfNrqqSViICMGqguBR4PsW0hZL6Zp3YiBFEj1JKvxNXejAwKrt5B4Zp6pMdSAsJnFul9M1b1fq59jsumqNZzArJ9n5opU/s4032/IMG_5167.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgGZZ-oCwOAId9SBwHLQCtjCSDrBYLhkn4eM3Q5EUkxUMVHTuF7gWviS-WYut_62tTpU-lsz8W0TaUyfW7rruhfOUR8Evc4JfNrqqSViICMGqguBR4PsW0hZL6Zp3YiBFEj1JKvxNXejAwKrt5B4Zp6pMdSAsJnFul9M1b1fq59jsumqNZzArJ9n5opU/w300-h400/IMG_5167.jpeg" title="Paul Hobbs signed 2011 Pinot Noir" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Paul Hobbs personally signed 2011 Pinot Noir <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and yes I opened it recently</i></div></i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Believe me, you won't be sorry - unless that special bottle has gone off because you waited too long. In which case, open another old one! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The idea was created by two wine columnists from the Wall Street Journal in 1999. John Brecher and Dorothy Gaiter found that <a href="https://www.winebid.com/WineAuctionNews/82/open-that-bottle-night" target="_blank">the most common question they received from readers</a> was "I have this bottle from my late father, or my wedding or an auction or a visit to a winery. When should I open it?" Their answer? "This weekend - open it and celebrate the memories." </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">But they also decided people need to band together to find the courage to open that long-waiting bottle, so the invented Open That Bottle Night - and if you read this on Saturday February 24, 2024 - tonight's the night! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">If you read it later than Saturday, other night will do just fine too! </span></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjDQRzs81efqaCChIQHumKbU0k8iexIq36mnAZyJPT-f6TWlgdG-BkCX131mCIsbcVKVq5LZTc056dIgVN-zJsFqL_yUiSBQW5UIii-PDcK28X3iQCrM6QyQagJ2RG8YBry_SJZTWAb8yYEwZHVLl6X6B8KrOEgOhHNPpMKPgLIb0P18MvyxgaGfQBN4/s3042/IMG_0692.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2813" data-original-width="3042" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjDQRzs81efqaCChIQHumKbU0k8iexIq36mnAZyJPT-f6TWlgdG-BkCX131mCIsbcVKVq5LZTc056dIgVN-zJsFqL_yUiSBQW5UIii-PDcK28X3iQCrM6QyQagJ2RG8YBry_SJZTWAb8yYEwZHVLl6X6B8KrOEgOhHNPpMKPgLIb0P18MvyxgaGfQBN4/s320/IMG_0692.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>Jim Robertson of Stonleigh in New Zealand with <br />Wine Barbarian Bill Tieleman at the Festival </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">But don't hold on to it for another year - the odds just go up that it will go off!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Cheers - Bill Tieleman, The Wine Barbarian! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">PS - don't miss the<b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca" target="_blank"> Vancouver International Wine Festival </a></b>running from February 24 to March 3, 2024 - there are still some tickets available for International Festival Tasting Thursday through Saturday and a few other events! I hope to see you there!</span></p><p><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-79820064511434187172024-02-18T16:41:00.000-08:002024-02-18T16:41:38.294-08:00Good News - a few Vancouver International Wine Festival 2024 events still have tickets available - but hurry! <p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhoFfDf0OLt_59swVyqG2b5I88UR-AHOi7z-sPodiHEKTZFeHsOKODec-TtblYfHsTWPtCzKx8jJY68tPv2zNVrvCrGbTefw0qhbr2CA7WXiamykhrtrBdWDGPA1LE5AeAMgQUdxAAsvNZ3TTJybf8BdJUKt30V7xHaoRIePi0ZBp0TPVJzpOZR88KHY/s2302/VIWF%20screenshot%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1758" data-original-width="2302" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhoFfDf0OLt_59swVyqG2b5I88UR-AHOi7z-sPodiHEKTZFeHsOKODec-TtblYfHsTWPtCzKx8jJY68tPv2zNVrvCrGbTefw0qhbr2CA7WXiamykhrtrBdWDGPA1LE5AeAMgQUdxAAsvNZ3TTJybf8BdJUKt30V7xHaoRIePi0ZBp0TPVJzpOZR88KHY/w640-h488/VIWF%20screenshot%20.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It's good news for those of us who love wine - and a great time: several of the <b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/events/category/available-events/photo/?tribe-bar-date=2024-02" target="_blank">Vancouver International Wine Festival 2024</a> </b>events still have some tickets available as of February 18 - but you have to hurry to get them! Click the link above to go to their available events and tickets page. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">All four <b>International Festival Tastings</b> still have tickets available - including <b>Saturday March 2nd </b>- to my surprise - from 7 to 10 p.m., as well as <b>Thursday February 29th</b> and <b>Friday March 1st</b> - also from 7-10 p.m., and the <b>Saturday March 2nd matinee tasting</b> from 2:30 to 5 p.m.</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbr5_iaUPIQQXm0gcislBXi_BG_UupA7F10y-iRY4ZDXNg7UIzuwhQGCRa85FvJMoPFqqtgVi4qj6g_MUJ0j6hhWzn-rZ7Lggro7kkPtAyDHEsIxlDGahyphenhyphenh_hRY0fh7YVekyn9tLFwgpl1POumxOEMLw8TGiUHhBbEPDxeVEfDM0AAKkvsQTShJmW3Yk/s2048/6FCB5D9B-D2BA-432B-BC7F-78055D935FDF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbr5_iaUPIQQXm0gcislBXi_BG_UupA7F10y-iRY4ZDXNg7UIzuwhQGCRa85FvJMoPFqqtgVi4qj6g_MUJ0j6hhWzn-rZ7Lggro7kkPtAyDHEsIxlDGahyphenhyphenh_hRY0fh7YVekyn9tLFwgpl1POumxOEMLw8TGiUHhBbEPDxeVEfDM0AAKkvsQTShJmW3Yk/w640-h429/6FCB5D9B-D2BA-432B-BC7F-78055D935FDF.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">WineBarbarian.ca's Bill Tieleman at an International Festival Tasting</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">These wonderful tastings allow you to sample from about </span><b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">1,150 different wines</b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> produced by </span><b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">149 wineries</b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> from </span><b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">12 countries </b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">- including </span><b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">71 from Italy</b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">, this year's featured region. There's literally more wine than anyone can possibly taste in one, two or more tastings - I know, I've been attending for over 30 of the Festival's 45 years! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Vancouver International Wine Festival is rightly described as the largest wine festival in the Americas - and with about <b>18,000 guests attending the 42 events </b>- there's something for everyone who likes or loves wine. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The other events still with tickets available also include: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/event/discover-delle-venezie-doc/" target="_blank">Discover Delle Venezie DOC</a></b> - a Pinot Grigio Wine Mingler with delicious appetizers and some of Italy's tastiest glasses on T<b>uesday February 27th from 6 to 8 p.m.</b>! Details in link - tickets are $69 and the event is at The Loft in Earl's Yaletown. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/event/california-wines-sun-fest/" target="_blank">California Wines Sun Fest </a></b>- from <b>Orin Swift</b> to <b>Lange Twins</b> to <b>Trim</b> to <b>Harvey & Harriet </b>and more, try some great California chardonnays, cabernets, roses, syrahs, zinfandels and more in North Vancouver's Shipyard District on Wednesday Ferbruary 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Details in link - tickets are $69. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/event/golden-state-vineyard-visions/" target="_blank"><b>Golden State Vineyard Visions</b> </a>- discover the essence of California's varied terroirs by tasting wines from across the state. Cabernet, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more from some of California's best producers and many single-vineyard offerings - including Louis M. Martini, Robert Mondavi, Jackson Family Wines and Francis Ford Coppola Winery will be served - and you will not be disappointed! Tickets are just $55 and the event is on <b>Friday March 1st from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m.</b> at the Convention Centre. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/event/la-dolce-vita/" target="_blank">La Dolce Vita</a></b> - life is sweet indeed when more tickets are made available for this delicious grazing lunch on <b>Saturday March 2nd from 12 to 2 p.m.</b> at the Convention Centre! Several dozen great Italian whites, reds, roses and sparking wines will be featured from some of the top wineries, plus plentiful helpings of meat, fish, vegetarian and dessert dishes to match them! Buon appetito! Tickets are $135. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/event/the-global-cru-2024/" target="_blank">The Global Cru</a></b> - last but far from least, a sit-down tasting seminar that features the wines that best exemplify some of the world's most famous wine regions, including Barolo, Chianti Classico, Napa Valley, Toro and more! It's on <b>Saturday March 2nd from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m</b>. at the Convention Centre and tickets are $95. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And for those in the wine, liquor or restaurant and hospitality trades, there are aslo some tickets left for those excellent events! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, that's the best advice I can give you now on what's still available - I hope to see you at some of these and the other great events that are already sold out - Cheers! </span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SN5h5cFvU7x7tlXmxupfIIX599qTme0WoQBxN6lfrBdc6QIFjO8khLWXg8J1oSbPRLi7PfrHt-EIxJMC9w7DDaFBWnlANoF5Puoh-P1rgrTJUIaZqM_DosogQVz8YNNmyfE41Zi6RsA_gRC0BEjVKQ0HxuAJ-IQwEQM68NsqX7B4pyliKKS0D0surlc/s1800/157797EF-F5DF-4E00-B32F-09EFAD538ECB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SN5h5cFvU7x7tlXmxupfIIX599qTme0WoQBxN6lfrBdc6QIFjO8khLWXg8J1oSbPRLi7PfrHt-EIxJMC9w7DDaFBWnlANoF5Puoh-P1rgrTJUIaZqM_DosogQVz8YNNmyfE41Zi6RsA_gRC0BEjVKQ0HxuAJ-IQwEQM68NsqX7B4pyliKKS0D0surlc/w512-h640/157797EF-F5DF-4E00-B32F-09EFAD538ECB.jpeg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bill Tieleman - the Wine Barbarian! </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-35075624417006778292024-01-02T20:43:00.000-08:002024-01-05T15:01:07.345-08:00The Fabulous Vancouver International Wine Festival - the Taylor Swift ticket of wine events - UPDATED winery dinner tickets - available Jan 3rd; tastings on sale now!<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>UPDATED - Vancouver International Wine Festival dinner tickets go on sale Wednesday January 3, 2024 - don't delay! MANY SOLD OUT!</b></span></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pf_bOH1wZ45jrsGVq9OFE4yC2H6FCWhzzooH51MUmDLkorLX2qAml_7tG2FzkoV9fa4xvwQoRRhO2ZAGchSGUwS2JgRWg75FReV0l_awrFrh_awXB-5wqY2z19tuBccQlLB_96PYmSVBrkWJ6NeQA_I_72HgVTBeFzNtjNH-pRXGFNTVbiyzKWUsaWk/s2861/C661ED50-773B-4AD8-A900-EE3DD7EBF9A3_1_201_a.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2861" data-original-width="2518" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pf_bOH1wZ45jrsGVq9OFE4yC2H6FCWhzzooH51MUmDLkorLX2qAml_7tG2FzkoV9fa4xvwQoRRhO2ZAGchSGUwS2JgRWg75FReV0l_awrFrh_awXB-5wqY2z19tuBccQlLB_96PYmSVBrkWJ6NeQA_I_72HgVTBeFzNtjNH-pRXGFNTVbiyzKWUsaWk/w374-h424/C661ED50-773B-4AD8-A900-EE3DD7EBF9A3_1_201_a.heic" width="374" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Wine Barbarian Bill Tieleman at the Penfolds <br />wine dinner in 2022 with Penfolds Senior <br />Brand Representative David Nicolls</i></span> </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">One of the best features of the fabulous </span><b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Vancouver International Wine Festival</b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> is the </span><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/events/category/winery-dinners/photo/?tribe-bar-date=2024-02&tribe-bar-search=" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;" target="_blank"><b>wine dinners</b></a><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> - where a great winery and a great Vancouver restaurant combine forces for a fantastic dinner pairing wines and food! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And every single year every wine dinner sells out! Fast! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So when VIWF winery dinners go on sale Wednesday January 3 at 9:30 a.m., consider them to be the <b>Taylor Swift tickets of the Wine Festival!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And with Italy as the VIWF focus region, you just know there will be great Italian wine dinners - and there are! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Check the <b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/events/category/winery-dinners/photo/?tribe-bar-date=2024-02&tribe-bar-search=" target="_blank">wine dinners website page </a></b>and get your credit card out! For your convenience, here are the links to the VIWF wine dinners: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>UPDATE - Many of the dinners are already SOLD OUT as of Friday January 5 at 11 a.m. - see below - hurry, hurry! </b></span></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 14px; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" style="width: 576px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="button button--padding-vertical" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="button_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;"><table bgcolor="#AF2F3A" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="button_content-row" style="background-color: #af2f3a; border-radius: 0px; border-spacing: 0px; border: medium; table-layout: fixed; width: inherit;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="button_content-cell" style="padding: 10px 15px;"><a class="button_link" data-trackable="true" href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxKqXI9d5QMup23aAA1bgnkdhagBvfbHQZNOoQdbwnNVlWUOafv9NUuoZpi6_M85dQRsmKcpOXp55lss6BsqlufgiS1WwW9FLeQ7GdQEUP7Wo6DmPBPdKemZESp71tSzDC0NHIXJMneDgV0o2vDCHxeQZU90XZitjyybrPdx9vxIjzWRmpphW0Gag==&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;">2024 Winery Dinners</a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 14px; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" style="width: 288px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #272534; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #c03e30; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, February 24</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihtWM2eAKI3WPmbgH-qqI0hc-9MgI96rJG9sx73kYneu3WcTZfyHIrNH7iueS_Wue_0sBS_jfAGn6jLLaO5ZXK2WSM9OA-pg2GyAItyMO9hoVj7WrtfMK3epIL3W7lUhivM-nMBwWmrrAB0HxKdg61GQ=&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction</a></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Fairmont Hotel Vancouver</p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$600</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #c03e30; font-weight: bold;">Monday, February 26</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxK3Xf3prBof7zGjaJ_q4IJV-2QMKhWH6CjfbcUeRu-MsvOYMiOq478Kupt7y8eauKccN1D6qJQ58S8OEagWbqN7F6Udc60ynvNK8nwO7Yq2zJnGrWIwdIbag==&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">House of Puglia</a> <b> SOLD OUT</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Riley’s Fish & Steak</p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$175</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxKCBAuCYamh9aI-KvFu7gNMF_q37EwIhLF2cgzqK_dbMPV8qZgLrLtHOqXRubhITOxancI857opWwi7r1cvjeoAuoeFZeKtT48opaTBmDqa2oNm8XY79dEfgPHSVRc5Enj&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">A Night with Robert Mondavi<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></a><b>SOLD OUT</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar</p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$225</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #c03e30; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, February 27</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxKAWyyspSh7eLvPFcT1G3aD4ginuzNnbc_eqOw6Khgt8YuFqU7z4Mxc7mXOCs1Khj8fM8yAjaJt1V6KAALMv4vVO6PnoO5DREeRVSw5piJMcqKdTXzoNDiBLg7IWUhK5Sl&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Capturing Time in a Bottle</a> <b>SOLD OUT</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bacchus Restaurant</p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$225</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxK8ETEZU4z61EWeN61OESaXfd3943cRtAjoUqZ6aitdpipW98rs8V3L9Vu-VhETVibc5INbajLLdIiX7nJE7krpXkqAHSmyaPYyXyjMYTC_M8zwYzL2zhljQ==&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Dine with Inama<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></a> <b>SOLD OUT</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">CinCin Ristorante + Bar</p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$225</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxKvodcKCBQnvSGla3AoEhZMwuPOvHmw_Kgew8dgfwGpY3fzi0fjX-EhmLaXGERNgEP2l7HLrLmZRVHSOQetWD39NaEbn96I5lXcIVacxIMV4yDwOlmC3lZAkBds_O0NWpI&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Frescobaldi: A Tuscan Dynasty</a> <b>SOLD OUT</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Vancouver Club</p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$225</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxK7xuTvWF9p7jrRKGN7ybZSI_NwwJ7YswmNPgk9XvEddoKA6ZAv6IIGcOAIEKffYiLPBA-MM3bk83Hi3qYs-xeqfNDlJRB9Bxce9raYs1zeJuCj2vJ0OnhAYdeRxNhwrut&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Gérard Bertrand’s Languedoc</a></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Keg Steakhouse + Bar</p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$145</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxKIlo43l82kPDPVlZ5N1q5T5njGrU1X2AT9CDzRIr1jvznPcm-eAs28SxFmCREkt1Dhpi5LIwwTcTNIYF1MpUxlniwozV_4rgMxomDfBJjE_fUWJLv7uozwg==&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">A Taste of Ruffino<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></a><b>SOLD OUT</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Roof at Black + Blue</p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-weight: bold;">$225</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" style="width: 288px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #272534; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #c03e30; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, February 28</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxKiIzAyCF8vQNR-KEAAB677fOHR_m9qUbJ3KRCUZC-HePlr5RtsottV1uV5H6h4exIdq08HpZJbyZA5YOEOPybhlDibJW3cjoPtcnk3OSYucDfjZY6SeYHXJHVFMul7xF2&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">32 Generations in Chianti</a> <b><i>GOING FAST</i></b></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Italian Kitchen</p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$175</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxKKEJUaB74NyA2pvvOM6LV7UYW-eL8qBl7TeuKccetKZ6dkIqZ8_pvDAPNafHyFLO54fehR35JA0HoV5Dk7jgIry8QoCZUJxiWPQ4KlyNb3gXenADhiKfG-dGEoKjvBeoW&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Carpineto: Explore Tuscany</a> <b>SOLD OUT</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">La Terrazza</p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$225</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxK5_u7LM8opHC4a2TTLs04rOJkZMC2VWnc7Lg-SJ67hsukDCssXQuXn5R45DTGyuWLRULDNni7WzKX4GLZetrzo1ceQNGPbgCBU9y6-37Cg4XWyK23K8xVWw==&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Ciao, Pie</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxK5_u7LM8opHC4a2TTLs04rOJkZMC2VWnc7Lg-SJ67hsukDCssXQuXn5R45DTGyuWLRULDNni7WzKX4GLZetrzo1ceQNGPbgCBU9y6-37Cg4XWyK23K8xVWw==&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">monte!</a> <b>SOLD OUT</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Giardino</p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$225</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxK7G2NBG8E2m6V-tF1pA4J81wm_bYqKqDJ4jfUNfA5Zk5vj7y_qvwbwgHwHwb0oSgCr78PqdrnaqKx_OhXzwsFeZQlYOgp7hmgzNz_rRFrRHyJj9e_-xnMrvOB64Xjn40mkZXXTdNKWrM=&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">A Family Tradition of Excellence</a></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Provence Marinaside</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">$225</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxKTF7_CSIni1GGkXD123mSFsXBhuljh_PrDECLBZtTEMO8hBdv9eYGKThOhEJiUwLibsYl8YuZ1IZA-Af3v5_WIrL8ennwfi5hIthr8jlN-bQ8zBDOKgbFBA==&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Gusto d’Italia</a></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">La Piazza Dario Ristorante Italiano</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">$175</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxKLO9t7KfsGpXm5o8HYfDtoTCUYXoyHrO1duA5pV7__cGr4TKx5CTk12gakHMswpgTOfiBEBR8IzrVfqeajYVhpUvPt9oWNLiyFFSdSP1o_Miz-17UxBCNgw==&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Life’s a Masquerade</a></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The One Sixty Wine Bar & Cafe</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">$145</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxKo_igoAd2swBv54J1MVU-ldsSlyhDMq_2TksyCMCCOA1HBOhIJLC3bQ4IgwfjjTOW-cbvV4p5DurU640nR-wk2-wHfS2-ElkdH2Mxoze0PPwVUss7C6thvvqkEv7nVxK_&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Serata Italiana con Stile</a> <b>SOLD OUT</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Carlino</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">$225</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qP_CIhZQ0-Z6SE13QPonvatwJndnz4y2sXuVBMAGNLyX2X34_euihheFC0rG4gxK8VYo6GLrOGVtoUO2U6nwf936D1zm_-aULM6Nni7TAkXZYaIVrBHYrPkO3JKmxBTeWfGb_5_zlWo8P1prrI_YjNz0yIZl_jXEDPl3bxHRyLaIAea3M2s-MQ==&c=3DDKFTkO-JM9bX_hpyhBQEUTCaQkRHc-c0D8ehx7QM8c1bMrwEOFoA==&ch=I5VE5czBc_ddgc8WO5T75UVce1oejfx3OSWtTJOzEgP47R22Gf7sUg==" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">La Vita è Bella!</a> <b>SOLD OUT</b></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">$225</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And here's the schedule for remaining tickets to go on sale:</span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(53, 54, 56); color: #353638; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 20px;"><strong style="line-height: inherit;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Upcoming ticket on-sale dates:</span></strong></p><ul style="caret-color: rgb(53, 54, 56); color: #353638; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 24px; margin-top: 20px; padding: 0px;"><li style="line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Winery dinners go on sale<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="line-height: inherit;">Wednesday, January 3 at 9:30 a.m</strong>. </span></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">All remaining public events go on sale<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="line-height: inherit;">Wednesday, January 10 at 9:30 a.m.</strong></span></li><li style="line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Trade Days events go on sale<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong style="line-height: inherit;">Wednesday, January 17 at 9:30 a.m</strong>.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(53, 54, 56); color: #353638;">Tickets are currently on sale for the four</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="caret-color: rgb(53, 54, 56); color: #353638;"> </span><a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-siihdc-ddkrhkido-j/" style="caret-color: rgb(53, 54, 56); color: #289fd8; line-height: inherit; transition: opacity 0.1s ease-in 0s;">International Festival Tastings</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(53, 54, 56); color: #353638;">, the</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="caret-color: rgb(53, 54, 56); color: #353638;"> </span><a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-siihdc-ddkrhkido-t/" style="caret-color: rgb(53, 54, 56); color: #289fd8; line-height: inherit; transition: opacity 0.1s ease-in 0s;">Super Pass</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(53, 54, 56); color: #353638;">and</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="caret-color: rgb(53, 54, 56); color: #353638;"> </span><a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-siihdc-ddkrhkido-d/" style="caret-color: rgb(53, 54, 56); color: #289fd8; line-height: inherit; transition: opacity 0.1s ease-in 0s;">Trade Days Pass</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(53, 54, 56); color: #353638;">, and the</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="caret-color: rgb(53, 54, 56); color: #353638;"> </span><a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-siihdc-ddkrhkido-h/" style="caret-color: rgb(53, 54, 56); color: #289fd8; line-height: inherit; transition: opacity 0.1s ease-in 0s;">Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(53, 54, 56); color: #353638;">, presented by National Bank Private Banking 1859. </span> </span></p><p><br /></p>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-76743291067363359692023-12-28T13:53:00.000-08:002023-12-28T13:53:53.516-08:00Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2023 - which 11 bottles are available in British Columbia? <p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8qONYoEYfYWY-4pmAcwo19yM-P-ppljAf8tuUNI5EO8L_sTPwwA5CKwunIwviQpOI_B0VsmPhlAKMbkWHk-dZKC50-Di1NUiqIe3HtHuYPp610w9SQYzDaEAHXxj_-ZqOh0ZzhkE7bT-aLguZQ8jHm9gpXJYIPhh-KBeWDNl7mLUDBxmErpacnD60Bw/s1600/WS-Top-100-Wines-2023_1600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8qONYoEYfYWY-4pmAcwo19yM-P-ppljAf8tuUNI5EO8L_sTPwwA5CKwunIwviQpOI_B0VsmPhlAKMbkWHk-dZKC50-Di1NUiqIe3HtHuYPp610w9SQYzDaEAHXxj_-ZqOh0ZzhkE7bT-aLguZQ8jHm9gpXJYIPhh-KBeWDNl7mLUDBxmErpacnD60Bw/w455-h256/WS-Top-100-Wines-2023_1600.jpg" width="455" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><br />What Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines can you buy in British Columbia? There are at least 11 and the Wine Barbarian knows - and tells you! </b></span><p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gYDUA0jLzM9ew97YvYGYsaEFHSgnHhEC1aX-Infw0JClaQ6yLySCrUfNfO0R4iBOdoFk8e6JBrKHQCZtaeifkRFXGsis0nA1_vt9JjKH5UULTrZdsOxUqhe_2mKxCkw6jtRfwVaa1sqABg-wXrZXDocAiwIUMDnhnJIDxc1adALxFEV7fTVp58Sxn-g/s5039/IMG_0461.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3946" data-original-width="5039" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gYDUA0jLzM9ew97YvYGYsaEFHSgnHhEC1aX-Infw0JClaQ6yLySCrUfNfO0R4iBOdoFk8e6JBrKHQCZtaeifkRFXGsis0nA1_vt9JjKH5UULTrZdsOxUqhe_2mKxCkw6jtRfwVaa1sqABg-wXrZXDocAiwIUMDnhnJIDxc1adALxFEV7fTVp58Sxn-g/w640-h502/IMG_0461.heic" title="Wine Spectator Top 100 in BC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines available in BC</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The </span><b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Wine Spectator</b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> magazine is perhaps the best-known and largest circulation wine publication in the world - so when it announces its annual </span><b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://top100.winespectator.com/lists/" target="_blank">Top 100 Wines</a></b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">, the world - and especially wine drinkers - take immediate notice! </span></div><p style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>And here's the good news: at least 11 of the Top 100 - including at least 6 of the Top 10 - are available in BC! </b></p><p style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Above are 7 bottles I've purchased at multiple locations - public and private stores - so far from the Top 100 - and below are 2 more. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoxBTSAhVzX58aHJ3mJsBJrQxhclaeTsIruMJI1ZMH8p0JOoWfAEzo5YRFssbeH2CGc7IRjrHyeDs_Ql7OtHTQIL1PAbm45QFTaaidX0jMG6Y-jFhUBv1edsxhQmQsNAuBUIJSjtdRj1vNJ_IqC3XORzzKj32cJY2wnLWIz-kP0sJKmK1U1dNeKwz1Tk/s5243/IMG_0799.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5243" data-original-width="3861" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoxBTSAhVzX58aHJ3mJsBJrQxhclaeTsIruMJI1ZMH8p0JOoWfAEzo5YRFssbeH2CGc7IRjrHyeDs_Ql7OtHTQIL1PAbm45QFTaaidX0jMG6Y-jFhUBv1edsxhQmQsNAuBUIJSjtdRj1vNJ_IqC3XORzzKj32cJY2wnLWIz-kP0sJKmK1U1dNeKwz1Tk/w326-h442/IMG_0799.heic" width="326" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The Astrolabe 2022 Sauvignon Blanc and Raen <br />2021 Sonoma Coast Royal St Robert Pinot Noir</span></i> </td></tr></tbody></table><p style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A few words of explanation about the Top 100: Wine Spectator isn't just taking the 100 highest scoring wines released and reviewed in 2023 and making that their Top 100 - not at all.</p><p style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Top 100 has multiple attributes - and here's the Wine Spectator's own words to say it best:</p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>"<span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Each year since 1988,</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Wine Spectator</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">has released its Top 100 list, where our editors select the most exciting wines from the thousands we reviewed during the course of the year. These wines are a diverse group—ranging from emerging labels and regions to traditional estates exploring new directions—and all generate the excitement we call the “X-factor.”</span></i></span></p><p></p><p style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 24px 0px 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i>In addition, our selection also prioritizes quality (based on score), value (based on price) and availability (based on the number of cases either made or imported into the United States). These criteria are applied to the wines that rated outstanding (90 points or higher on<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Wine Spectator</span>’s 100-point scale) each year to determine our Top 100.</i></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">As many wines are made in limited quantities and not available in every market, our Top 100 is not a “shopping list,” but rather a guide to wineries to watch in the future—a reflection of the producers and wines our editors become particularly passionate about in each new year." </span> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">For me, the Top 100 list has become a "holy grail" search for any bottles on it that I can find - and afford, as some are pricey - before they disappear from local shelves!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I'm happy to report that I have already found 9 great bottles of wine in BC at least - and tried a few of them! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The <b>Number 1</b> wine is <b>Argiano 2018 Brunello de Montalcino</b> from Italy is rated 95 points and I purchased it in the Victoria BC Liquor Store in Foul Bay. It is <a href="https://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/581553" target="_blank">listed at other stores</a> and hopefully more stock will come in soon! It may also be at private stores. Some also delicious Argiano 2017 may still be found. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The <b>Number 3 </b>wine is <b>Chateau Lynch-Bages 2020</b> from France's Paulliac region of Bordeaux is rated at 96 points - and also a<a href="https://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/347719" target="_blank">vailable at BC Liquor Stores</a> - pricey at $300 but a classic worth cellaring for a very long time - if you can resist! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The <b>Number 4</b> wine is <b>Raen Sonoma Coast Royal St. Robert 2021 Pinot Noir </b>from California<b> -</b> rated 95 points and only available in private stores like <a href="https://www.everythingwine.ca/" target="_blank">Everything Wine</a> - retailing for about $121. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The<b> Number 7</b> wine is <b>Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2020</b> - from Italy and rated at 95 points and <a href="https://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/575845" target="_blank">available at BC Liquor Stores</a> for $65 - another wine that needs a few cellar years but tempting to crack today!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The <b>Number 8 </b>wine is <b>Chateau Baron Pichon 2020</b> - also from Paulliac - and rated 97 points. It clocks in <a href="https://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/362596" target="_blank">at BC Liquor Stores</a> for a painful $375 a bottle - but a legendary wine! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And the <b>Number 10</b> wine which is also available in BC is <b>Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2022 </b>from New Zealand - rated 95 points but only $38 and widely available <a href="https://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/168153" target="_blank">at BC Liquor Stores</a> - it's simply delicious!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">There are several other great Top 100 wines for sale in BC Liquor Stores and private stores, including these I've found so far:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Number 15 - Astrolabe 2022 Sauvignon Blanc </b>from New Zealand rated at 94 points and even cheaper than the Greywacke at $27 in <a href="https://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/138503" target="_blank">BC Liquor Stores</a> and Vancouver's <a href="https://www.broadwaywineshop.ca/" target="_blank">Broadway Wines</a>, <a href="https://www.everythingwine.ca/" target="_blank">Everything Wine</a> and others. I have to say it's equally impressive - some may even prefer it and its $11 cheaper! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Number 29</b> also hails from New Zealand and is also a Sauvignon Blanc 2022 - this one is the <b>Invivo X SJP</b> from actress Sarah Jessica Parker and Invivo - and is rated 93 points. It's available at <a href="https://www.everythingwine.ca/" target="_blank">Everything Wine</a> and possibly other private stores for $32 - but limited quantities.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Number 52</b> is from Uruguay - yes Uruguay! - and is a delightful Bodega Garzon Albarino Reserva 2022 rated 90 points and retailing for just $32 at <a href="https://www.broadwaywineshop.ca/" target="_blank">Broadway Wines</a> and <a href="https://www.everythingwine.ca/" target="_blank">Everything Wine</a> at least - quantities limited so hurry! While Spain is the home of albarino wine, Uruguay is doing a fantastic job.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Number 68</b> is <b>Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021</b> - rated 93 points and available at <a href="https://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/879957" target="_blank">BC Liquor Stores</a> for $80 in limited quantities, possibly in private stores as well. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Number 74</b> is from Spain - <b>Clos Berenguer 2020 Clos de Tafall</b> from the Priorat region - rated 92 points and available at <a href="https://www.legacyliquorstore.com/" target="_blank">Legacy Liquor Store </a>at least recently - possibly others - for $38 - a bargain for a great bottle!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">That's what I have found so far - always happy to hear from readers with tips on additional Top 100 Wine Spectator wines that are available in BC - do let me know and I'll pass it on! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And don't forget to get your tickets to the <b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/" target="_blank">Vancouver International Wine Festival</a></b> - on sale now and coming soon - <b>February 24 to March 3, 2024. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">As the Festival website notes: </span></p><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.85em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Advance tickets</span> (International Festival Tastings and Super Pass), <span style="border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">StayVancouverHotels.com</span> and <span style="border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction </span>are now on sale</span></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.85em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/tradedays/trade-days-conference/tickets-events/ticketspasses/trade-days-pass-2024/" rel="noopener" style="border: 0px; color: #b30838; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Trade Days Passes</span></a> are also on sale for qualified industry members</span></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.85em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Winery dinners</span> go on sale Wednesday, January 3 at 9:30 a.m.</span></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.85em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">All remaining <span style="border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">public events</span> go on sale Wednesday, January 10 at 9:30 a.m.</span></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.85em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">All <span style="border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Trade Days events</span> go on sale Wednesday, January 17 at 9:30 a.m.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">See you there!! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p></p>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-66372651214064373212023-04-28T13:10:00.002-07:002023-04-28T13:10:43.548-07:00Kiss - Don't Spit!!" - My advice for the Vancouver International Wine Festival 2023 tastings! <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlDqrX-sxmJ-xAnKtY5YqMt7dkii3MQBikku8tnWPUJy70h0F54fo6xoBw9e6NsG6hbZkB6kgCqAfgNj2mq68QojUvaaUf4228C8xAgK-ZIbS-tY2-nrf70vsV_3nqNPh26zScZl6fGKCSA7RBEo_SfDf4FMpAmw2ibGSwDVUIfIbxab9ZRq1Qf3s/s1569/IMG_1175.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="1413" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlDqrX-sxmJ-xAnKtY5YqMt7dkii3MQBikku8tnWPUJy70h0F54fo6xoBw9e6NsG6hbZkB6kgCqAfgNj2mq68QojUvaaUf4228C8xAgK-ZIbS-tY2-nrf70vsV_3nqNPh26zScZl6fGKCSA7RBEo_SfDf4FMpAmw2ibGSwDVUIfIbxab9ZRq1Qf3s/w360-h400/IMG_1175.jpeg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><b style="background-color: #f6f6f6;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">"Kiss Don't Spit!"</span></b><p></p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">It’s not hip to spit in my book! Especially given Covid-19!</span></span></p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It's not something you often hear from the wine critics and experts.</span></p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">But it is my contrarian advice to those attending the fabulous<b> <a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/" target="_blank">Vancouver International Wine Festival 2023</a></b> - running now through April 30 - for the International Festival Tastings or wine seminars. And there are still tickets available for Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Saturday nights big International Tastings!</span></p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;">Most wine experts advise you to "spit" the wine after nosing the bouquet in the glass and sipping it into your mouth and swirling it around - then spew it out - but I strongly disagree.</span><br style="text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif"></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;">After all, there's a reason I'm called <b>The Wine Barbarian!</b> </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif"></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The experts' reasoning makes some sense - you can taste far more wines without getting intoxicated by the alcohol content if it doesn't go down your throat and into your stomach. </span><p></p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">But you - the wine consumer - are not an expert nor are you tasting hundreds of glasses.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;">First - you simply cannot fully experience a wine without swallowing it, feeling the wonderful elixir float down your throat, discovering the length of the finish - you can literally count the seconds when you can still taste it, and know the satisfaction of having tasted one of the best wines in the world!</span><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif"></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GIjVPeX5buj1sScfMq9FxYFuPF59MctFQmBsA_CoMWIFeoUTONvSDHPWyPM9W7fVYygMTPnM-QczvBUWiyJpZ_wMESGr9YroP9Xt5a1lU8s6KpaqVkolUBkc8Qo_WFPTrAFF_Mzy34CV1nRf3pYVQKRP4hmKFJ532w3JCbPvquWe-TSdxU0Jye1p/s3329/IMG_5037.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3329" data-original-width="2626" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GIjVPeX5buj1sScfMq9FxYFuPF59MctFQmBsA_CoMWIFeoUTONvSDHPWyPM9W7fVYygMTPnM-QczvBUWiyJpZ_wMESGr9YroP9Xt5a1lU8s6KpaqVkolUBkc8Qo_WFPTrAFF_Mzy34CV1nRf3pYVQKRP4hmKFJ532w3JCbPvquWe-TSdxU0Jye1p/w315-h400/IMG_5037.jpeg" width="315" /></a></span>Spitting? Sorry but you just don't get that sensation.</span><br style="text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif"></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;">And you are at North America's largest consumer wine festival, with literally dozens of wines priced at $100 to $200 or more per bottle - why the hell would you spit that out?!!!</span><br style="text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif"></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;">Plus, you can simply "kiss" a lot of wines without swallowing or spitting!</span></span></span><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><br style="text-size-adjust: auto;" />By kissing I mean you nose the wine in the glass, bring it to your lips and then - unless it's awesomely tasty and probably quite expensive, you simply pour the wine into the conveniently located spit bucket on the table. </span><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif"></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;">Polite, discreet, saving your sobriety for none but the best and when you do sip and swallow it will be worth it! </span><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif"></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;">Lastly, proper spitting is hard - don't try to learn it in front of 1,600 people including sommeliers, winemakers, family and friends! </span><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">So enjoy the Vancouver international wine festival and taste lots of the fantastic wines from around the world and BC - and "kiss" lots of them! I hope to see you there! </span></span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></span></div><p style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-32131226949191070152023-04-22T15:09:00.002-07:002023-04-22T15:09:59.845-07:00Hurry hard if you want to attend the Vancouver International Wine Festival - many events already sold out! <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt_sCgIDSFMtNyJCZdk6vOAJKKacvKmt9TBIB38trMeGhUIH982_dlMb4cmqIKjw6XJvSvzrms6iMM8PD7yA4hF3mAtgJ9EJFixCN7sRTnUSatOEDbD0N8jNZCF61Fpis-kZahAp0virfjDRRmeCJaXUBN2SbCv9NOvXIN3Se4H8A9nPJi-xHnHH8/s3568/Wine%20Fest%20at%20a%20Glance%20IMG_9173.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2755" data-original-width="3568" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt_sCgIDSFMtNyJCZdk6vOAJKKacvKmt9TBIB38trMeGhUIH982_dlMb4cmqIKjw6XJvSvzrms6iMM8PD7yA4hF3mAtgJ9EJFixCN7sRTnUSatOEDbD0N8jNZCF61Fpis-kZahAp0virfjDRRmeCJaXUBN2SbCv9NOvXIN3Se4H8A9nPJi-xHnHH8/w640-h494/Wine%20Fest%20at%20a%20Glance%20IMG_9173.heic" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The countdown is on to the fabulous </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">2023 Vancouver International Wine Festival </b><span style="font-family: verdana;">- but you have to hurry hard if you want to attend - many events have unfortunately already sold out and others are nearing full capacity!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">To help you out, I've reproduced above - as of Saturday April 22 - the Festival at a Glance with all the VIWF events and ticket status - but you should go to their <b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/VIWF2023_FestivalAtAGlance_AW.pdf" target="_blank">website </a> </b>page here and check - then <b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/tickets-events/tickets-passes/how-to-buy-tickets/" target="_blank">buy tickets here</a></b>!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sadly, all the wine dinners are now sold out - but there are still for the four International Festival Tasting events - Thursday, Friday and Saturday night and also Saturday afternoon. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">And there are also a few tickets left for <b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/event/eureka-in-the-glass/" target="_blank">California Wines - Eureka In A Glass </a></b>on Friday with some of that state's best wines and winemakers - one event I will be at - and <b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/event/la-crema-de-la-crema/" target="_blank">La Crema de la Crema</a></b> - on Saturday with some of South America's best wines and winemakers! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6_Ojmhb7fabNITy-PMFhoqOZIL8dLPmdJYde_dyQtsxDaFFX07_ZmDTFJcTRDbNY5RBMx6xDnML4yUIJilYVVHBza1FI8wwHZyIdIZCzsbKHs1KP7D_dF7gsmGoXObvPZSVSbC0T7s9IN-QLrNh3HspLmxITrTNxPUkOkCrfwFmJwMO-_h9qhUDO/s2951/SlyHPMlk.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2108" data-original-width="2951" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6_Ojmhb7fabNITy-PMFhoqOZIL8dLPmdJYde_dyQtsxDaFFX07_ZmDTFJcTRDbNY5RBMx6xDnML4yUIJilYVVHBza1FI8wwHZyIdIZCzsbKHs1KP7D_dF7gsmGoXObvPZSVSbC0T7s9IN-QLrNh3HspLmxITrTNxPUkOkCrfwFmJwMO-_h9qhUDO/w400-h286/SlyHPMlk.jpeg" title="Wine Barbarian Bill Tieleman at VIWF" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you are in the wine, food or hospitality business, there are also still tickets available for some Trade Seminars and events go to <b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/tradedays/" target="_blank">VIWF's Trade Days website</a></b> for more information. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also - please stay tuned here at the Wine Barbarian website and follow me on Twitter <b><a href="https://twitter.com/BillTieleman" target="_blank">@BillTieleman</a></b> for updates on wines you must try and other VIWF information as it happens.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">And lastly, for the most comprehensive guide to VIWF, check out Anthony Gismondi and Aleesha Harris' <a href="https://vancouversun.com/feature/2023-vancouver-wine-festival-guide"><b>Vancouver Sun article online</b></a>. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Cheers and hope to see you at VIWF this year! </span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-61900030166287966802023-04-17T16:49:00.001-07:002023-04-17T16:49:55.158-07:00It's World Malbec Day - April 23, 2023 - time to crack a bottle of Malbec! <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYm7lcmIcAGVjXwRLNk6vS9iA8daQKfN556pJ8FdLImLQk6GCS7Gt-F-wtkk4PRfxqSExkeXJwy2_tshvd8AhaXcFd9NbiA1p7c2DlEF8eFTullnH2RCHrhtQ6WkayKVM10-Kp8truCzU2Xopqo9wNJD-Z4xBL-3_1GBHO5zsqdRMjiL6HeuXNWfYg/s768/Malbec%20Day%202023.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="768" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYm7lcmIcAGVjXwRLNk6vS9iA8daQKfN556pJ8FdLImLQk6GCS7Gt-F-wtkk4PRfxqSExkeXJwy2_tshvd8AhaXcFd9NbiA1p7c2DlEF8eFTullnH2RCHrhtQ6WkayKVM10-Kp8truCzU2Xopqo9wNJD-Z4xBL-3_1GBHO5zsqdRMjiL6HeuXNWfYg/s320/Malbec%20Day%202023.png" width="320" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Today - Monday April 23, 2023 - is <b>World Malbec Day</b> - an annual occasion to enjoy a great grape that is grown in many places globally but is best known in France and Argentina for their remarkable successes in the bottle! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here in British Columbia, you can easily celebrate World Malbec Day - or <b>Malbec World Day</b> - with a quick trip to the liquor store for almost any priced Malbec - from a cheap and cheerful everyday bottle to a collectible wine that will last a decade or more! And there are even a few rare, delicious BC Malbecs produced here - but a bit harder to find.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you love or want to explore Malbecs, the <b>Vancouver International Wine Festival</b> running from <b>April 22 to 30, 2023</b> - is where you will find 27 Argentina wineries participating - and loads of Malbecs, including two noted below - from Catena Zapata and Domaine Bousquet! But hurry - many events are already sold out - go to the <a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/" target="_blank"><b>VIWF website</b></a> to get tickets today! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><img border="0" data-original-height="2921" data-original-width="3030" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEVAySmGXFyP4iPdhKtrH0r3WQujRPpyEpnESvKmLLZVRgtAx7rxunW58164nIQwkw9hSkRkU9TFeIERNsAXG8MuT1Pkc9G0lZJaZzpO6bMz_ZJRKE7E1lqVOtLo2OeoS2iX0SZQwVtAxnKaMgY5ZvCOVLvOYx_K7vNYftux73NbVqonDffA8K_0E/s320/113B8C29-BF31-47B0-9578-AB62EFE7880C_1_201_a.heic" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: verdana; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Malbec is best known as a grape used in Bordeaux blends but it is also found in 100% concentration in the Cahors region of southwest France and has found a new and exciting home in Argentina, especially the Mendoza district. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">And there are also some fabulous Malbec-based blends, where it stars but shares the stage with other grapes, just as it plays a supporting actor role in Bordeaux wines.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Wine Barbarian has a few quick picks for you - and don't limit yourself to April 17th only - Malbec is a great year round wine that pairs well with everything from grilled meats on the BBQ to stews and casseroles.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here are a few personal choices but the options are nearly endless: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Here are three excellent choices, all available at your <a href="https://www.bcliquorstores.com" target="_blank"><b>BC Government Liquor Stores</b></a>, from left: <b>Clos de los Siete 2019</b> by Michel Rolland from the Mendoza region of Argentina - $25.49 on sale till April 29, regular $29.99; <b>La Lande Cavagnac 2017</b> from Domaine de Cause in the Cahors region of France - $35.99; and Las Acequias Malbec Oak 2017 from Mendoza, Argentina - $22.99 on sale till April 29, regular $24.99. All three is very to reasonably available - check the BC LDB website to find a store near you. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I am a huge fan of the Clos de los Siete - last year's 2018 vintage was picked for the Wine Spectator's famed Top 100 Wines of 2022 and the 2019, like the 2018, is scored at 90 points out of 100! And Robert Parker scores it at 91+ points. It's got 50% Malbec, 24% Merlot, 11% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot in the blend. Drink now through 2032. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">You can cherry and plum fruit, coffee bean, graphite, fresh tobacco and pepper on the finish!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The La Lande Cavagnac is new to me and comes from Domaine de Cause. The Wine Enthusiast scores it 92 points and finds it full of ripe berry flavours and good tannins. Drinkable now. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Las Acequias is also an old favourite - it is such a treat to be able to buy and drink a 2017 vintage when many wineries are only offering 2020 and 2021 vintages - most of which are not really ready to open. But this Malbec certainly is - Vancouver Sun wine critic Anthony Gismondi scores it 91 points, calling it lavish with plenty of black fruit and dense, slippery tannins. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">You really can't go wrong with any of these three Malbecs, but here are a few more picks that are fairly easily found: </span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Evt40GY4mHEP5M0Q9choo4H4MS3WAf2xQJoZtMLhz3Xv63OQDHThQziBJsruGiFRe0_rt_oCY1JPgKrvJ2uQIsUtsq9_ueahYOm6QUlwWk52WvW2P23c_XmQmU2UDNDQvguVWG-mV-GBT7R1Ooowf2Da2xUtvLACy_ItbhH2U2h731ubT3aJXCMD/s2987/9A972453-72AB-4869-A234-6FE4795EDA5E_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2987" data-original-width="2897" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Evt40GY4mHEP5M0Q9choo4H4MS3WAf2xQJoZtMLhz3Xv63OQDHThQziBJsruGiFRe0_rt_oCY1JPgKrvJ2uQIsUtsq9_ueahYOm6QUlwWk52WvW2P23c_XmQmU2UDNDQvguVWG-mV-GBT7R1Ooowf2Da2xUtvLACy_ItbhH2U2h731ubT3aJXCMD/s320/9A972453-72AB-4869-A234-6FE4795EDA5E_1_201_a.heic" width="310" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Catena Malbec 2019</b> - the ever reliable standard bearer for many wine drinkers and restaurant wine lists alike - at $26.99 you can count on quality. And Robert Parker scores it at 92 points, noting red berries, violets and freshness.</div></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEfisgghR8ekh7T1RQfd3V-rlm6NX6vhol2Z0AuPmTPHpnzi_O092JOLX1psfyHaEq8LBKmVcK7i11SfY3ETdyJwcQLRviEq1F-VaciGIRn6nf3pfD2RwzpR5byqQPmi1U4VH52fjvwlz2dnhKgR3I6DFR7blWO5QWLJ3_OZ4jmvqhUdHTPWO88Id/s3083/IMG_9147.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3083" data-original-width="2659" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEfisgghR8ekh7T1RQfd3V-rlm6NX6vhol2Z0AuPmTPHpnzi_O092JOLX1psfyHaEq8LBKmVcK7i11SfY3ETdyJwcQLRviEq1F-VaciGIRn6nf3pfD2RwzpR5byqQPmi1U4VH52fjvwlz2dnhKgR3I6DFR7blWO5QWLJ3_OZ4jmvqhUdHTPWO88Id/s320/IMG_9147.jpeg" width="276" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">The <b>Domaine Bousquet Malbec 2021</b> is another vintage after vintage reliable value wine - now on sale till April 29 at $16.99, regular price $17.99. And with a 90 point review from the Wine Spectator, you simply can't go wrong! </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqVfak3jxIWkRoDk_k5t6WKnQgNuR9rqdSj9f54yDA3BSL-fyTVDaXA5VSGEHHkoYhao0jP4j4f5-bFKuiynOUFlEI-yT3t-jbhKWVki6zzgSfJRFyPZVno2jous7BUeAbRkHsWXvsi98A4QlWNcWS0a_xxMVPpx8uAGGxEM0cyEj1vz_R2i53VHD/s3122/IMG_9148.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3122" data-original-width="2296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqVfak3jxIWkRoDk_k5t6WKnQgNuR9rqdSj9f54yDA3BSL-fyTVDaXA5VSGEHHkoYhao0jP4j4f5-bFKuiynOUFlEI-yT3t-jbhKWVki6zzgSfJRFyPZVno2jous7BUeAbRkHsWXvsi98A4QlWNcWS0a_xxMVPpx8uAGGxEM0cyEj1vz_R2i53VHD/s320/IMG_9148.jpeg" width="235" /></span></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And another longtime favourite is the <b>Vina Cobos Felino Malbec </b> - now in the <b>2021 </b>vintage and on sale for $20.99 till April 29, regularly at $24.99. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Wine Spectator rates this 89 points - great value! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">So please buy and drink a lovely Malbec today - and remember this great wine for many other occasions throughout the year! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers and I hope to see you at VIWF!</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p>.</p>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-32829103304223028852023-03-12T13:59:00.000-07:002023-03-12T13:59:54.800-07:00Vancouver International Wine Festival wine dinners and events tickets now on sale - and selling fast - some sold out already! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3C6-1BJapDVOAOtZTn6cTk4dffjwq64CNuBA51YrjHkaP4yIlaFwxzvIezHDOAKNWmOQbi0NuCFICOA3uMrr-yfwRV-BHB6pBD-WloqjchFf-0PHMGKCcJjwMyPvfxvgBOnLFw_UPARGDhpZedMliRnbFcSLiZ4X32DpezUFoQ5o6QYKL9oVIRxa/w640-h480/7AA867B2-12FC-4F42-B3A1-0CB55145F9ED.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wonderful Penfolds wine dinner at the Pan Pacific Hotel's fabulous Five Sails restaurant</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The fabulous <b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/" target="_blank">Vancouver International Wine Festival</a></b>'s always-popular <a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/tickets-events/tickets-passes/how-to-buy-tickets/" target="_blank"><b>wine dinners tickets</b></a> are on sale now and going fast - with some already sold out! And the great wine events and seminars tickets are also available but there's no time to wait if you want to attend - move quickly! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The VIWF runs from April 22-30 - with a regional focus on South America - and you can also buy tickets for the VIWF International Tastings from Thursday to Saturday - but once again, hurry because you won't see any for sale by the time of the events! Here's a <a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/tradedays/event/principals-welcome-lunch-23/" target="_blank">link to the full schedule </a>with sold out events and those going fast marked. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I can't say enough good things about the wine dinners, where a fantastic winery pairs up with one of Vancouver's excellent restaurants to prepare a meal to remember with wines matching each dish!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Last year I was fortunate to attend the <b>Penfolds </b>wine dinner at the Pan Pacific Hotel's Five Sails restaurant and it was stupendous! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">You get a different wine with each course, selected carefully by the chef and the winery to beautifully match each dish and complement - or is it compliment - it perfectly! The food - from rabbit rillette to rolled lamb breast to turbot - was excellent and the wines superb - including the <b>Penfolds RWT 2010</b> and the <b>Bin 149 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon</b> <b>2018</b> - both very expensive bottles. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">And a wine representative - sometimes the winemaker or owner themselves - presents each wine and course with stories about the winery - it is a unique experience not to be missed.</span></p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Also fabulous are the many different events and seminars being held at the VIWF, from talking about terroir to the special joys of South American wines to a California Wine and Taco fest! </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">So don't delay - buy today! And see you there! <br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgp5jM8OT8ab3Z-u1Btwa87RRvlvbcVy8qs2o8vek8_Gn6Cqv5uMKrtoD7o0h039IzkBv0VvnVyzYo5pXRZlikc-1tmFr14WAh9xsTbayKQOWqvHqQksINIaAcqhgkyDBad_HhPfhDpUVmOZb0QBa8CadNqyp1SalyhPyb-WKpd6-PL6gZzl5HfIi/w300-h400/320B9949-06EE-4382-8850-1D535465C928.heic" width="300" /> </span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgp5jM8OT8ab3Z-u1Btwa87RRvlvbcVy8qs2o8vek8_Gn6Cqv5uMKrtoD7o0h039IzkBv0VvnVyzYo5pXRZlikc-1tmFr14WAh9xsTbayKQOWqvHqQksINIaAcqhgkyDBad_HhPfhDpUVmOZb0QBa8CadNqyp1SalyhPyb-WKpd6-PL6gZzl5HfIi/s4032/320B9949-06EE-4382-8850-1D535465C928.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiilCL7iG-aNXcErPhSBM8OF8Sk8Y3V_kc_6qgcg7jaYXAFbnnLL9erlGjH1a0iMMVg4XVJOPIkAfIcP6_wOXic8BP0zi-9BBTxFnEohrq1Ojlo2PiLbBD9xDjDLXXPVr7bfsFcwN4GvolZXO163ns9cNCAFtPeERYg7ewJRlbrcq1J-v89igzvrmV/s4032/A9B9D5F5-EC35-4FCE-AD0A-7BA72631DAE3.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiilCL7iG-aNXcErPhSBM8OF8Sk8Y3V_kc_6qgcg7jaYXAFbnnLL9erlGjH1a0iMMVg4XVJOPIkAfIcP6_wOXic8BP0zi-9BBTxFnEohrq1Ojlo2PiLbBD9xDjDLXXPVr7bfsFcwN4GvolZXO163ns9cNCAFtPeERYg7ewJRlbrcq1J-v89igzvrmV/w300-h400/A9B9D5F5-EC35-4FCE-AD0A-7BA72631DAE3.heic" width="300" /></span></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><br /></p></div>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-40842554101178477672023-02-25T17:43:00.001-08:002023-02-25T17:43:59.534-08:00It's OPEN THAT BOTTLE night - Saturday February 25, 2023 Dig a wine you have saved too long out of your cellar and pop the cork!! And Vancouver International Wine Festival info!<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: verdana;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLHDcMCyXX7op3vVPYbCkt0y7w2UbCxB3vmDBapUmJ7DyL_WgtoBVSDrAcHOCk7bC2M28Fqq_pmMg7iC2H4I2hoWJLzxy67CcGBqEamBFQGxM_APtUFNRav5n2K7tCQEfWpOnA_HewwyhZbTYN6iFDgRaNXEcTGL4fnEqNl3V51sHvrRWC_x-nLP9/s521/4736EB4B-FC94-48E2-8B5E-366D046899E5_1_105_c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="521" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLHDcMCyXX7op3vVPYbCkt0y7w2UbCxB3vmDBapUmJ7DyL_WgtoBVSDrAcHOCk7bC2M28Fqq_pmMg7iC2H4I2hoWJLzxy67CcGBqEamBFQGxM_APtUFNRav5n2K7tCQEfWpOnA_HewwyhZbTYN6iFDgRaNXEcTGL4fnEqNl3V51sHvrRWC_x-nLP9/w640-h418/4736EB4B-FC94-48E2-8B5E-366D046899E5_1_105_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Go straight to your wine cellar, wine cupboard or cardboard box and did out a wine bottle you've been saving too long - because tonight - Saturday February 25, 2023 - it's<span class="Apple-converted-space" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: verdana;"> </span><b style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://gismondionwine.com/blog/open-that-bottle-night/" target="_blank">Open That Bottle Night</a>!</b></span><p></p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">This superb idea was started in 2000 by <i>Wall Street Journal </i>wine writers Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, when they realized that way too many great bottles of wine were languishing in wine cellars - being kept for that "perfect" occasion - that never came! </span></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">So they declared that the last Saturday in February was henceforth "Open That Bottle Night" to clear out the cellar of at least one neglected bottle. <br style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">It's a very understandable problem. I have far too often looked in my cellar and thought about opening a great French Bordeaux or Chateauneuf-du-Pape or California Cabernet Sauvignon or BC Pinot Noir and then felt that the meal or the event was not grand enough or that the guests attending might not appreciate the exceptional wine or some other reason that caused me to leave it in the cellar.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">And - very sadly - I have had many bottles go over the hill or actually become write-offs in my cellar, because I'd left them too long. There is nothing worse than opening an old and expensive bottle only to find that it has long ago passed its prime drinking age - or more awful still - is completely undrinkable! </span></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">So tonight I encourage you to do what I'll be doing - open a really great bottle of wine from the cellar and not worrying about the meal or anything else - because it's Open That Bottle Night - and you don't need any other reason! </span></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aebPe1Jd34OmeTzyNPJHqmvQHVdKGvebP6o_XcH73GonbtS3CNvwuL2h-pdQnoCNdYEys0K4R1JySe_O541AI-3JgYl2WsoBS_2MseAjGdE_mjWSUeqS8fdFupc8do_bz3GgF9SlGHy7tz5oBoLKX2TsdKIzCVLG5j6j8b-h5YJOnm70M1BYqxYC/s3688/IMG_8807.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3688" data-original-width="1927" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aebPe1Jd34OmeTzyNPJHqmvQHVdKGvebP6o_XcH73GonbtS3CNvwuL2h-pdQnoCNdYEys0K4R1JySe_O541AI-3JgYl2WsoBS_2MseAjGdE_mjWSUeqS8fdFupc8do_bz3GgF9SlGHy7tz5oBoLKX2TsdKIzCVLG5j6j8b-h5YJOnm70M1BYqxYC/w208-h400/IMG_8807.jpeg" title="Garzon Petit Verdot 2016" width="208" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I've already opened one wine that's been in the cellar awhile - a beautiful <b>Garzon Petit Verdot Single Vineyard 2016</b> from Uruguay - tastes fabulous! <br style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">And - segue - I bought it at the wonderful <b><span style="color: #de7008;"><a href="http://winebarbarian.blogspot.com/2023/02/vancouver-international-wine-festival.html" target="_blank">Vancouver International Wine Festival</a></span></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"><a href="http://winebarbarian.blogspot.com/2023/02/vancouver-international-wine-festival.html" target="_blank"> </a>- running this year from April 22 to 28 - where you can </span>taste excellent wines to replenish your cellar. The link above is to my Wine Barbarian post about it with lots of links and information - but hurry - <a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/events/category/international-festival-tastings/photo/?tribe-bar-date=2023-04" target="_blank">advance discount tickets</a> are selling fast and won't last long! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">Cheers! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: auto;">.</span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-35884057460099134032023-02-15T13:29:00.001-08:002023-02-15T13:29:32.550-08:00Vancouver International Wine Festival is back in 2023 from April 22 to 30, with focus on South American wines!<p><i style="font-family: verdana;"></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiD0U5x3UKpvrfIsSU50G40YCv3MVtZhNZd4MwRFNhLh9wv50FhKS5DykP1vve_Me7Gsm7liDUrSVC2Wueobu80ZsF9ju2Q737mR5PXU2cOMmQwWeDMNJO2Ih49EWvJYeyXHQVHV9rnlht-RAcbw70GdCaNHz4vIxt7W4sqTBtsoIAm60l4sDjuwI/s2834/7D7784C9-7928-428C-8F6B-E33FA627D4A2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2025" data-original-width="2834" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiD0U5x3UKpvrfIsSU50G40YCv3MVtZhNZd4MwRFNhLh9wv50FhKS5DykP1vve_Me7Gsm7liDUrSVC2Wueobu80ZsF9ju2Q737mR5PXU2cOMmQwWeDMNJO2Ih49EWvJYeyXHQVHV9rnlht-RAcbw70GdCaNHz4vIxt7W4sqTBtsoIAm60l4sDjuwI/w640-h458/7D7784C9-7928-428C-8F6B-E33FA627D4A2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></i></div><i style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Wine Barbarian Bill Tieleman contemplates another wonderful wine at the 2022 VIWF! </i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Marjo Wright photo</i></span></div></i><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Great news - the </span><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca" target="_blank">Vancouver International Wine Festival</a></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">is back in person again this year - running from April 22 to 30, 2023 - with a theme focus on South American wines but celebrating with wine from 151 wineries from 17 countries around the world! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Discounted advance <b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/tickets-events/tickets-passes/how-to-buy-tickets/" target="_blank">tickets are now on sale </a></b>for the <b>International Wine Tasting</b>s - the big tasting room events - in limited quantities. <b>Winery dinners</b> tickets go on sale starting March 1 at 9:30 a.m., <b>other public events</b> on March 8 and <b>trade show tickets</b> on March 15.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Be aware that Saturday night's tasting room tickets <b>always sell out quickly</b> - if that's where you want to be, do it soon! The price is $129 advance and $135 regular.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The <b>Thursday night tasting </b>is always my advice for the most enjoyable - it is more low key and usually fewer attendees than Saturday night - plus the winery staff at the event are on their first evening - not their last - and are usually less exhausted! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Thursday night, Friday night and the newer Saturday afternoon show tickets are all $109 in advance and $115 regular. All evening tastings run from 7 to 10 p.m. and the Saturday matinee tasting is from 2:30 to 5 p.m. - yes, 1/2 hour shorter. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The big advantage of buying advance tickets is not the small $6 per ticket discount but the certainty that you actually have the tickets and won't find it sold out if you try buying them later! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you haven't attended a VIWF winery dinner you've missed a phenomenal experience - some of the best wineries in the world work with Vancouver's top restaurants and chefs to provide a fantastic wine and food pairing with bottles you won't likely see at the rest of the Festival - or sometimes anywhere else.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXBTUK5XMICwjvbpIbV9FJgEftEAYK83L4ECUlmkQqmhJ3P-MzgIUT-zRn141zRLiPKIE-MZajxYLmI-heq0tkorNofbRoWiZ7FSwVG2JKGc_eK5fI_bVGlR511vjI5sVQ3vhWTFsVioKfUScZJpJJTFm9iuXjpt6a8-PcZ0rI3bhSVdpRU9osOFd/s2861/C661ED50-773B-4AD8-A900-EE3DD7EBF9A3_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2861" data-original-width="2518" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXBTUK5XMICwjvbpIbV9FJgEftEAYK83L4ECUlmkQqmhJ3P-MzgIUT-zRn141zRLiPKIE-MZajxYLmI-heq0tkorNofbRoWiZ7FSwVG2JKGc_eK5fI_bVGlR511vjI5sVQ3vhWTFsVioKfUScZJpJJTFm9iuXjpt6a8-PcZ0rI3bhSVdpRU9osOFd/w353-h400/C661ED50-773B-4AD8-A900-EE3DD7EBF9A3_1_201_a.heic" width="353" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was fortunate to attend the 2022 Penfolds Unbound wine dinner at the Five Sails Restaurant at the Pan Pacific Hotel and it was stupendous! </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> The food was phenomenal and the matching wines were exquisite - and very expensive! </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Penfolds Napa Valley representative David Nicholls expertly led us through the multi-course meal, explaining each wine and how it paired with the course.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Wine highlights include Penfolds RWT 2010 - simply one of the best Shiraz wines in the world - and Bin 149 - a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that retails here for $300! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The food - from rabbit rillette to rolled lamb breast to turbot - was outstanding and well matched to the Penfolds portfolio.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">So - don't delay - buy advance Tasting tickets today and get ready for the dinners and wine seminars and special events tickets coming soon! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">And <b><a href="https://twitter.com/BillTieleman" target="_blank">follow me on Twitter</a></b> during the Festival for more updates and hot tips on some of the best wines in show!</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLkAKWxjJRkWm_jAg21UDemgqY5iLy50PUzr2XjfEHnqQVStTl_smBbadb_EqhLWrVZkUHF0A-yKz_2WOGsYrvG99xP3NcYHiipdbY2FyIpZPzzFbPHPezrIPGkx361ZMjas4ptVQsCjU5VwvhTlB3xSGYHnIedNYqZZrId-hu2bYidUf6oH6zGf7/s3018/4757FBB5-EE40-4DA3-BD7B-95B727D5EB56.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3018" data-original-width="3018" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLkAKWxjJRkWm_jAg21UDemgqY5iLy50PUzr2XjfEHnqQVStTl_smBbadb_EqhLWrVZkUHF0A-yKz_2WOGsYrvG99xP3NcYHiipdbY2FyIpZPzzFbPHPezrIPGkx361ZMjas4ptVQsCjU5VwvhTlB3xSGYHnIedNYqZZrId-hu2bYidUf6oH6zGf7/w400-h400/4757FBB5-EE40-4DA3-BD7B-95B727D5EB56.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></i></p><p><i style="font-family: verdana;">Bill Tieleman and <a href="https://www.winesbyluke.com/" target="_blank">Luke Wines </a>owner and winemaker Thomas Vogele of Washington State's Wahluke Slope. </i></p><p><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-51354110409738922732022-05-20T14:46:00.000-07:002022-05-20T14:46:49.810-07:00"Kiss, don't spit" at the Vancouver International Wine Festival May 16-22, 2022<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDVDRTpWeFiiC28FGAdDH9LHfbMmFzg29vlUyubfNCCYRK4y5ywGJzr44V8K72ZJ_sY8kgU0uEwHgJ0zo6QwrPpcuxUpOLya3DTVyoXytG4HfmU0MBXV53JdOHs22Fy_DpHBLWemq63nH8eAF0Q7qlCgu5Mto0eFejYuraDtnc4ckJ2cnWbBcL16p/s1047/457C8A32-0AED-4CE4-A0BC-1E25A8E21453_1_105_c.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="659" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDVDRTpWeFiiC28FGAdDH9LHfbMmFzg29vlUyubfNCCYRK4y5ywGJzr44V8K72ZJ_sY8kgU0uEwHgJ0zo6QwrPpcuxUpOLya3DTVyoXytG4HfmU0MBXV53JdOHs22Fy_DpHBLWemq63nH8eAF0Q7qlCgu5Mto0eFejYuraDtnc4ckJ2cnWbBcL16p/w251-h400/457C8A32-0AED-4CE4-A0BC-1E25A8E21453_1_105_c.jpeg" width="251" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Kiss Don't Spit!"</span></b></span></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">It’s not hip to spit in my book! Especially given Covid-19!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">It's not something you often hear from the wine critics and experts.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">But it is my contrarian advice to those attending the <b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca">2022 Vancouver International Wine Festival</a></b> - now running May 16-22 - for the International Festival Tastings or wine seminars.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Most wine experts advise you to "spit" the wine after nosing the bouquet in the glass and sipping it into your mouth and swirling it around - then spew it out - but I strongly disagree.</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: #f6f6f6;"></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">After all, there's a reason I'm called <b>The Wine Barbarian!</b> </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: #f6f6f6;"></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">The experts' reasoning makes some sense - you can taste far more wines without getting intoxicated by the alcohol content if it doesn't go down your throat and into your stomach. </span></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iZ2DWnbfH_qwwQK8PTq1j9veYwW8igCSTri7DggHJyaKg5xypvt5WOga8QUL2cjb-aM6j2Zq_sZcCfHVM12sknFVkJ8Wav7IoOL-dosCwuSPo3ClWOVl209vaKCJA34X9xpQa7_FQsG_9qdzH4U8Ie7PPzyX4xQaGdWpd8ULU73qwdioEPf-HQ31/s2861/C661ED50-773B-4AD8-A900-EE3DD7EBF9A3_1_201_a.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2861" data-original-width="2518" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iZ2DWnbfH_qwwQK8PTq1j9veYwW8igCSTri7DggHJyaKg5xypvt5WOga8QUL2cjb-aM6j2Zq_sZcCfHVM12sknFVkJ8Wav7IoOL-dosCwuSPo3ClWOVl209vaKCJA34X9xpQa7_FQsG_9qdzH4U8Ie7PPzyX4xQaGdWpd8ULU73qwdioEPf-HQ31/w353-h400/C661ED50-773B-4AD8-A900-EE3DD7EBF9A3_1_201_a.heic" width="353" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>Bill Tieleman, Wine Barbarian, with David Nicolls, <br />Senior Brand Manager for Penfolds in Napa Valley <br />at delicious Penfolds dinner at Five Sails restaurant <br />at VIWF 2022! </i><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: large;"><span font-size:="" large=""><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: #f6f6f6;"></span></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;">But you - the wine consumer - are not an expert nor are you tasting hundreds of glasses.</span></span></span><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: large;">First - you simply cannot fully experience a wine without swallowing it, feeling the wonderful elixirfloat down your throat, discovering the length of the finish - you can literally count the seconds when you can still taste it, and know the satisfaction of having tasted one of the best wines in the world!</span><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: #f6f6f6;"></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Spitting? Sorry but you just don't get that sensation.</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: #f6f6f6;"></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">And you are at North America's largest consumer wine festival, with literally dozens of wines priced at $100 or more per bottle - why the hell would you spit that out?!!!</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: #f6f6f6;"></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Plus, you can simply "kiss" a lot of wines without swallowing or spitting!</span></span></span><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />By kissing I mean you nose the wine in the glass, bring it to your lips and then - unless it's awesomely tasty and probably quite expensive, you simply pour the wine into the conveniently located spit bucket on the table. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: #f6f6f6;"></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Polite, discreet, saving your sobriety for none but the best and when you do sip and swallow it will be worth it! </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: #f6f6f6;"></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Lastly, proper spitting is hard - don't try to learn it in front of 1,600 people including sommeliers, winemakers, family and friends! </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">So enjoy the Vancouver international wine festival and taste lots of the fantastic wines from around the world and BC - and "kiss" lots of them! I hope to see you there! </span></span></span></span><p></p><p><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span></p>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-19100485002622256972022-04-12T18:09:00.001-07:002022-04-12T18:09:29.426-07:00Cheers! Vancouver International Wine Festival is back for 2022 - from May 16-22 !!<span><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dzhgn4-lJwDvLGcLsrtIJiEcPrJ3eklszKLsLRH7dujTm1e6oIaTUBYBklpTNY7JzpcPQScyLKgaX4nYzARSWbrFVVnf8RJA9EzK_knCa7r7_SZsMBCIiRVFo_-Xxt62h35ZqpDRKLoaL5XnEDB9-RJ1kvnKNLXMy54nF8BiwlfyYIU9UyKGj6o3/s3790/AE0A1E5B-B541-4B51-84C3-0984C4A40CC2_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2689" data-original-width="3790" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dzhgn4-lJwDvLGcLsrtIJiEcPrJ3eklszKLsLRH7dujTm1e6oIaTUBYBklpTNY7JzpcPQScyLKgaX4nYzARSWbrFVVnf8RJA9EzK_knCa7r7_SZsMBCIiRVFo_-Xxt62h35ZqpDRKLoaL5XnEDB9-RJ1kvnKNLXMy54nF8BiwlfyYIU9UyKGj6o3/w640-h454/AE0A1E5B-B541-4B51-84C3-0984C4A40CC2_1_201_a.jpeg" title="Wine Barbarian Bill Tieleman, right, and Majella Wines Brian Lynn" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Wine Barbarian Bill Tieleman, right, and Brian Lynn of Majella Wines, Australi</i>a</span></b></div><div style="font-size: small; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Cheers! Some good news at least in the gloom of Covid-19 - the <a href="https://vanwinefest.ca" target="_blank">Vancouver International Wine Festival </a>is back from May 16 to 22!</span></b></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">From May 16 to 22, 2202 we can enjoy some of the world's finest wines; meet principals from wonderful wineries pouring their products; attend seminars, dinners and minglers - and help raise money for the fabulous <a href="https://bardonthebeach.org" target="_blank">Bard On The Beach</a> while doing so! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/tickets-events/tickets-passes/how-to-buy-tickets/" target="_blank">Tickets are now on sale </a>for the big <b>International Festival Tastings </b>- Thursday May 19, Friday May 20 and Saturday May 21 - as well as <b>Super Passes, the Spring Fling, California Wine Beach Party and PICA Kitchen Party.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The <b>Winery Dinners</b> tickets go on sale Wednesday April 13 at 12 p.m. - some great events - and tickets for <b>Seminars and Dine Italia</b> go on sale Wednesday, April 20 at 9:30 am. If you are in the wine/restaurant/hospitality business, tickets for <b>Trade Tastings</b> go on sale Wednesday, April 13 at 9:30 am; <b>Trade seminars and lunches </b>go on sale Wednesday, April 20 at 9:30 am.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The International Festival Tastings will be especially great this year because Wine Fest organizers are limiting attendance significantly to give everyone more social distance - meaning less crowding and more talk time with winery principals! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">But a warning: most VIWF events sell out quickly - if you want to go, don't delay - get your tickets today! Or when they first go on sale.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Watch this <b>Wine Barbarian</b> website for more information and tips on must-visit wineries and more in the weeks ahead - cheers! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI12vzKske7Kj3-r4mN2QCf6UIVZI9Npata5559t_Z_GYVYZtsZroc7TgPtvNUqcu3xK6xy2rTD4ifrW1A-v5czb4OFXtXpvLVmmNxRPUF2TkpuZMiY_ghIfnHd-qJhB0DU6Krf1WqOKXt38ePhIXuX00LyOp1ip-lSoZMbLRV_I73RjWqfjUBnJW2/s3264/6B997C81-1DB8-43B5-BF7B-5DDCFB82963E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI12vzKske7Kj3-r4mN2QCf6UIVZI9Npata5559t_Z_GYVYZtsZroc7TgPtvNUqcu3xK6xy2rTD4ifrW1A-v5czb4OFXtXpvLVmmNxRPUF2TkpuZMiY_ghIfnHd-qJhB0DU6Krf1WqOKXt38ePhIXuX00LyOp1ip-lSoZMbLRV_I73RjWqfjUBnJW2/w400-h300/6B997C81-1DB8-43B5-BF7B-5DDCFB82963E.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Royalty! The Wine Barbarian Bill Tieleman, right, meets Baron Ricasoli of the famous Italian winery at the 2016 Vancouver International Wine Festival! </b></i></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-43552602623783394382020-02-27T11:34:00.002-08:002020-02-27T11:36:39.219-08:00Wine tasting - "Kiss - Don't Spit!" when at the 2020 Vancouver International Wine Festival this week! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDefj5fXrw9jAZpMnew-q-2ygC567AjjVNdgjwqxK9QKUAFNVBoCZ088u7LDae_MSLGJfKSU5jsyQe1esqMFikzirOEMBVdGgz1vYhUTLsHc8g5alZf4akjovlHYiJkqgM_8PrWlSKkaU/s1600/IMG_1174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="659" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDefj5fXrw9jAZpMnew-q-2ygC567AjjVNdgjwqxK9QKUAFNVBoCZ088u7LDae_MSLGJfKSU5jsyQe1esqMFikzirOEMBVdGgz1vYhUTLsHc8g5alZf4akjovlHYiJkqgM_8PrWlSKkaU/s640/IMG_1174.jpg" width="402" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hipsters beware of spitting! But there is no fine! </span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Kiss Don't Spit!"</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s not hip to spit in my book! </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And even more so with the Coronavirus epidemic going around. </span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So that's my very contrarian advice to those attending the <b>2020 Vancouver International Wine Festival </b>this Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening - and Saturday afternoon - for the International Festival Tastings or wine seminars.</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Almost wine experts will advise you to "spit" the wine after nosing the bouquet in the glass and sipping it into your mouth and swirling it around - but I strongly disagree.</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After all, there's a reason I'm called <b>The Wine Barbarian!</b> </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The experts' reasoning makes some sense - you can taste far more wines without getting intoxicated by the alcohol content if it doesn't go down your throat and into your stomach. </span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span font-size:="" large=""><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But you - the wine consumer - are not an expert nor are you tasting hundreds of glasses.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">First - you simply cannot fully experience a wine without swallowing it, feeling the wonderful elixirfloat down your throat, discovering the length of the finish - you can literally count the seconds when you can still taste it, and know the satisfaction of having tasted one of the best wines in the world!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Spitting? Sorry but you just don't get that sensation.</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And you are at North America's largest consumer wine festival, with literally dozens of wines priced at $100 or more per bottle - why the hell would you spit that out?!!!</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Plus, you can simply "kiss" a lot of wines without swallowing or spitting!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;" />By kissing I mean you nose the wine in the glass, bring it to your lips and then - unless it's awesomely tasty and probably quite expensive, you simply pour the wine into the conveniently located spit bucket on the table. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Polite, discreet, saving your sobriety for none but the best and when you do sip and swallow it will be worth it! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lastly, proper spitting is hard - don't try to learn it in front of 1,600 people including sommeliers, winemakers, family and friends! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So enjoy the Vancouver international wine festival and taste lots of the fantastic California and other wines from around the world and kisses lots of them!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">.</span></span></span>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-29507336657164841482020-01-02T12:23:00.000-08:002020-01-02T12:29:30.646-08:00Vancouver International Wine Festival 2020 public event tickets on sale January 8, 2020! Don't miss out - spotlight is on France! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62WCc1pJLrXcPJFB_zCk-utbYzQ3HzwEiOQ_Ay1aS4ol3GbDUWu63vWFQuTDSX_oHAbdPNjJV0l6ktpYGAo1tn4FuzgY_3OUS17R1Uy5UHkxKOYBjEJOIgZKZrJaI_2PgJx9EiDPLM8s/s1600/fullsizeoutput_a925.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1388" data-original-width="1600" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62WCc1pJLrXcPJFB_zCk-utbYzQ3HzwEiOQ_Ay1aS4ol3GbDUWu63vWFQuTDSX_oHAbdPNjJV0l6ktpYGAo1tn4FuzgY_3OUS17R1Uy5UHkxKOYBjEJOIgZKZrJaI_2PgJx9EiDPLM8s/s400/fullsizeoutput_a925.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Wine Barbarian Bill Tieleman with Gina Gallo of Gallo wines fame at 2019 Vancouver International Wine Festival! </i></span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Vancouver International Wine Festival tickets for public events go on sale Wednesday January 8, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And those tickets will most definitely sell out! With the wonderful wines of France as the regional theme plus dozens of other countries sending their best bottles, this is the wine highlight of the year!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There will be 163 wineries from 16 countries, including 42 wineries from France, and an astonishing total of 1,450 wines poured from over 42,000 bottles into over 82,000 glasses! The VIWF runs from February 22 to March 1, 2020. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So don't miss out - there are great wine dinners at some of Vancouver's finest restaurants, featuring winemakers or winery principals pouring wine you may never see anywhere else; there are seminars where winemakers, owners and experts from all over the world lead you through amazing tastings; and there are the big International Festival Tastings - with over 100 wineries pouring hundreds of wines!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can buy your tickets for public events starting Wednesday January 8 2020 - go <b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/tickets-events/tickets-passes/how-to-buy-tickets/" target="_blank">here</a></b> to get them on that date - and don't delay or you will miss out. And out of towners - don't miss the great Sip and Stay deal - get a free International Festival Tasting ticket if you stay in one of many Vancouver hotels - go <b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/tickets-events/hotel-packages/hotel-package/" target="_blank">here</a></b> for details!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Important to note: the International Festival Tastings tickets are already on sale - get them <b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/tickets-events/tickets-passes/how-to-buy-tickets/" target="_blank">here</a></b> - and Saturday night February 29 from 7 to 10 p.m. will be the first to sell out, guaranteed. You can also attend Thursday night February 27, Friday night February 28 and Saturday afternoon February 29 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for all these tastings will be long gone by the start of the Festival so do not delay!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">[Trade Festival event tickets go on sale January 22.]</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here is the straight truth from the VIWF itself:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The 42nd <a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-cdlhjik-tdaklddkd-y/" style="border: 0px; color: #d9839b; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Vancouver International Wine Festival</a> returns for an eight-day celebration of wine and food <span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">February 22 to March 1</span> at the Vancouver Convention Centre and other venues around Metro Vancouver. The 2020 festival features <span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/2020-participating-wineries/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="border: 0px; color: #b30838; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">163 wineries</a> participating in 57 events</span>. This year, the spotlight shines on wines from France, with 42 wineries from 10 regions in attendance.</span></div>
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<li style="border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.85em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tickets for all public events go on sale <span style="border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Wednesday, January 8 at 9:30 a.m</span>.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.85em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tickets for Trade Days Conference go on sale <span style="border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Wednesday, January 22 at 9:30 a.m</span>.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tickets are currently on sale for the four <a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-cdlhjik-tdaklddkd-j/" style="border: 0px; color: #b30838; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">International Festival Tastings</a>, the <a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-cdlhjik-tdaklddkd-t/" style="border: 0px; color: #b30838; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Delta Air Lines Tasting Lounge</a>, as well as the <a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-cdlhjik-tdaklddkd-i/" style="border: 0px; color: #b30838; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Gold Pass</a> and <a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-cdlhjik-tdaklddkd-d/" style="border: 0px; color: #b30838; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Trade Days Pass</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">From educational wine seminars, tastings and parties to lively lunches, winery dinners and the spectacular <a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-cdlhjik-tdaklddkd-h/" style="border: 0px; color: #b30838; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction</a>, VanWineFest offers something to please every palate. Browse <a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-cdlhjik-tdaklddkd-k/" style="border: 0px; color: #b30838; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">public events online</a>, click through the interactive <a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-cdlhjik-tdaklddkd-u/" style="border: 0px; color: #b30838; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Festival at a Glance PDF</a>, or download the <a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-cdlhjik-tdaklddkd-o/" style="border: 0px; color: #b30838; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">promotional brochure</a> for full festival details. For those in the wine trade, see <a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-cdlhjik-tdaklddkd-b/" style="border: 0px; color: #b30838; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Trade Days events here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">BOOK A HOTEL, GET A FREE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL TASTING TICKET!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Save, sip, and stay safe! Book a stay at one of <a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-cdlhjik-tdaklddkd-n/" style="border: 0px; color: #b30838; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">StayVancouverHotels.com</a>’s 39 downtown hotels and receive a free<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> International Festival Tasting</span> ticket (an $95 to $115 value) to the session of your choice. Quantities are limited and the offer is only available until <span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">February 13</span>, so book early to taste for free. The StayVancouverHotels.com initiative is an important cornerstone of the festival’s <span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Don’t Wine and Drive</span> program.</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Online</span>: <a href="https://milkcreativecommunications.cmail20.com/t/j-l-cdlhjik-tdaklddkd-p/" style="border: 0px; color: #b30838; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">VanWineFest.ca</a> 24/7 (all events will be off-sale on January 7)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Phone</span>: 604-873-3311, toll free 1-877-321-3121 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)<br /><span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In person</span>: 202-162 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver (Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">All ticket prices include wine, food (if a food event), gratuities, taxes and service charge.</span></span></div>
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Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-47291585707244722982019-10-13T16:47:00.002-07:002019-12-31T17:24:33.096-08:00Wine matches recommended for all kinds of celebratory holiday meals!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPLzmNXNctCl42rjL_tyMAT0kOm20REwT7l6CeGakgDkI7F_mvqRXRtezYN4dqQZnwTu4eb5x_FYlVcdmxlIwOVNljEprxCHpzbD2nFi_4hD885miPWqpq_vKOZ-e2B9R7hrYlb1UkgU/s1600/Christmas+dinner+by+pete4ducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPLzmNXNctCl42rjL_tyMAT0kOm20REwT7l6CeGakgDkI7F_mvqRXRtezYN4dqQZnwTu4eb5x_FYlVcdmxlIwOVNljEprxCHpzbD2nFi_4hD885miPWqpq_vKOZ-e2B9R7hrYlb1UkgU/s400/Christmas+dinner+by+pete4ducks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Holiday dinners means family, good friends and great wines! </i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Holiday wines for all kinds of celebratory meals!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the holidays people will be getting together with family and friends to celebrate and give thanks to what we have with a big meal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And despite what some wine experts say, New Year's Eve or Day, holiday, Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners are not really isn't that hard to pair wines with - especially if you a Wine Barbarian like me!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-YM579a3KyqC0rOHrmAUES2WErF0jsPuRl0LrrME8ml5wd-or3zVm_IjK_gQ2NuGuES3__dEMFvM73Go_MwmWZsGKuOw9_1543JhIutngFA9Z-RdS_EArsac2OJ8fyN4JB_VptgaXFU/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-YM579a3KyqC0rOHrmAUES2WErF0jsPuRl0LrrME8ml5wd-or3zVm_IjK_gQ2NuGuES3__dEMFvM73Go_MwmWZsGKuOw9_1543JhIutngFA9Z-RdS_EArsac2OJ8fyN4JB_VptgaXFU/s400/download.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What's more </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">- as Captain Barbossa put it in Pirates of the Caribbeans, they're more like guidelines than rules! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So from the traditional turkey to turducken to tofurky fake bird to chicken to roast beef or prime rib to my favourite - rabbit in Dijon mustard cream sauce - the wine matches are really not too hard - and I'm hear to help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sparkling wines to start with appetizers</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">First - guests rule. If someone wants a beer, a gin and tonic or another cocktail, make it so. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI38a8q1XRtmtF8jg5gNpqH_-0FlZS4HtiWQ7G6XVUmBPXNRUlwefgk7Vc5Jv6s2KchmRKCQUUAaAI46IHqctR8iUq9Se4lAKUwzqEPQSi1oCa4vkfxm2RUYTwHrn0l-DUD4qnHf4Vhqg/s1600/88591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="212" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI38a8q1XRtmtF8jg5gNpqH_-0FlZS4HtiWQ7G6XVUmBPXNRUlwefgk7Vc5Jv6s2KchmRKCQUUAaAI46IHqctR8iUq9Se4lAKUwzqEPQSi1oCa4vkfxm2RUYTwHrn0l-DUD4qnHf4Vhqg/s200/88591.jpg" width="52" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Freixenet</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But if it's wine, I suggest a sparkling wine to start, especially for special occasions!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fortunately sparking accommodates every price range - from budget bubbly to chic Champagne, we can do this. Click on links to find where you can buy this wine at <b>BC Liquor Stores - all prices before tax</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Budget Bubbly</b> - <b><a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/88591" target="_blank">Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut</a></b> is just </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">$15.99 and is a nice, crisp clean Cava from Spain that is widely available. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe-KLVc5ZctwpiH5JwlO2yER_-PgOzxvZxVtkLCWWldO_lf1wqchLK9wCZXufXuaVUUGP2vtalMCM4jjmBrNFnPSAkrwg9VCt8KA2Lleg_gPLvPj6HCcUqh9hOCdAYXACqqfrlhaWpM8/s1600/314419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="211" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe-KLVc5ZctwpiH5JwlO2yER_-PgOzxvZxVtkLCWWldO_lf1wqchLK9wCZXufXuaVUUGP2vtalMCM4jjmBrNFnPSAkrwg9VCt8KA2Lleg_gPLvPj6HCcUqh9hOCdAYXACqqfrlhaWpM8/s200/314419.jpg" width="52" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Cipes</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Got a big party? Get one or more of the </span><a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/180588" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;" target="_blank">1.5 liter Magnum</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> for $27.99. Drinking alone or 2? You can also buy a </span><a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/241513" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;" target="_blank">3-pack</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> of baby-bottles for just $12.99 </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404142; font-family: "gillsans" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Slightly Upscale Sparkling</b> - BC has some of my favourites sparkling wines at reasonable prices. Try the Summerhill Cipes Brut at $27.99 or the <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/264879" target="_blank">Stellar's Jay Brut</a> at $22.99. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And California makes some great sparklers - <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/265678" target="_blank">Mumm Napa Cuvee </a>is one of them at $27.99. All widely available in BC.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Chic Champagne </b>- Let's face it: nothing says celebration like real Champagne. If only it weren't so damn expensive! But if your Thanksgiving is one to show your family or friends you are truly grateful for their presence - or you just want to show off - make it Champagne. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTTuvpUkSLJrgdwRwMed2OyymN_kCmjPD5fNEmc6AJ3z1Y1alo4HuF_pxkeGkqK7PwOO0jwQ5RkNOuq2arp2eqanoNZ09BifvRqqAolirTVAWxLI0CVedvzBadWlKfl9R3Mnci3Y4KIE/s1600/453084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="219" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTTuvpUkSLJrgdwRwMed2OyymN_kCmjPD5fNEmc6AJ3z1Y1alo4HuF_pxkeGkqK7PwOO0jwQ5RkNOuq2arp2eqanoNZ09BifvRqqAolirTVAWxLI0CVedvzBadWlKfl9R3Mnci3Y4KIE/s200/453084.jpg" width="54" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Moet</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For me, the standard is <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/453084" target="_blank">Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial</a> - at $69.99. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A classic Champagne from Epernay, scored 91 points by the Wine Spectator, this has good acidity, toasty poached pear and black currant notes and oh, those beautiful tiny bubbles! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are even richer than you think, vintage Champagne is another cut above the basic bottles. Try the <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/508614" target="_blank">Veuve Cliquot Vintage Brut 2008 </a>for another $30 at $99.99. You will not be disappointed! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">AND - if you really, really like bubbly, keep serving it with your holiday meal, because it goes with just about everything! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Alternatively, many people like a white wine with appetizers rather than bubbly - and nothing wrong with that because it also goes with your.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Main Courses</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some wine writers say holiday meals are thankless for sommeliers - the French word for those who match the wines to food - because they have so many "complex and contradictory" flavours. And it's true that from appetizers to the range of foods at the main course - proteins from fowl to meat to meatless, starches from mashed potatoes to yams to parsnips, vegetables from asparagus to carrots to squash, gravy or mustard or cranberry sauce - it's a cacophony of tastes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are serving a 9-course meal, that's no problem - you serve 9 different perfectly paired wines - because you are rich! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But for most of us, a choice of 2 or more wines at dinner makes it a special occasion. And many people don't drink either white or red wine [or both, poor souls] </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So that's what we're going to do here - one white and one red - but you pick the bottles for your budget. And you can serve a white before dinner with appetizers if you don't want sparkling. Or red for that matter - be a Barbarian!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are serving fowl - be it turkey, turducken, chicken, cornish game hen, duck, goose or even quail - you really do have a choice of white or red. It's simply a question of what you like best and how it matches the dish and how it is prepared.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>White wines to pair with main courses</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Personally, I love Chardonnay. And for a special meal, it is your best choices because it can be lean or creamy, big and bold or a background beauty. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since Chardonnay is the world's favourite white wine, there are a massive number of choices for every budget. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But a nice Sauvignon Blanc will also do the trick and if you like Riesling, it's also a good choice.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBhXyZh8TYttHHbHWBKXUCB1zVUz21LXbEO4pztEk2HqhWIdfxriwzfL6YdgKqamqFLo6QbBd7ur_JELRs1ND-RY_DLz06-WBFZwWlsdm5FXR86rPRTqSiC4xtINiAA3TYyM3JM2m_II/s1600/18812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="227" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBhXyZh8TYttHHbHWBKXUCB1zVUz21LXbEO4pztEk2HqhWIdfxriwzfL6YdgKqamqFLo6QbBd7ur_JELRs1ND-RY_DLz06-WBFZwWlsdm5FXR86rPRTqSiC4xtINiAA3TYyM3JM2m_II/s200/18812.jpg" width="56" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mission Hill</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Somewhat Cheap and Definitely Cheerful Chardonnay</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You are in good hands with BC wineries. A never-wrong choice is </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/18812" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;" target="_blank">Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay 2017</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> At $21.99 [and on sale for $19.99 til Oct 26], this wine gives you classic creamy, citrus, apple and tropical fruit at an affordable price. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another great pick is <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/377770" target="_blank">Quail's Gate Chardonnay 2017</a> at $22.99, as is <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/237974" target="_blank">Cedar Creek Chardonnay</a> at just $18.99. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Want to go global? Then a personal favourite is <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/258699" target="_blank">J Lohr Riverstone Arroyo Seco Chardonnay 2017 </a>from Monterey, California at $23.99 Classic Cali Chard - lush, tropical, white peach and melon notes. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjHHWnBfivI4jHz_VEvwHGyI1RTnHrKehAFIMhmsmX968Qa4zCK7RvLKt_ibTI9_UcSdv1Qh_Q0Q8FKrHNTaXFYy5eagb6f03IFnKxPGiCJPRJ8M8d5ypOQG5Vm4vQTo9MNQohBd4ZLk/s1600/258699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="235" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjHHWnBfivI4jHz_VEvwHGyI1RTnHrKehAFIMhmsmX968Qa4zCK7RvLKt_ibTI9_UcSdv1Qh_Q0Q8FKrHNTaXFYy5eagb6f03IFnKxPGiCJPRJ8M8d5ypOQG5Vm4vQTo9MNQohBd4ZLk/s200/258699.jpg" width="58" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">J Lohr</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Or try <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/122697" target="_blank">Wolf Blass Adelaide Hills Gold Label Chardonnay 2015</a> from Australia - a great wine from down under at $24.99 [on sale at $19.99 till Oct 26!] </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Still too much money? Then you will be happy with <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/467969" target="_blank">Alamos Mendoza Chardonnay</a> from Argentina at $14.99 - good varietal character on a budget.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Charming Mid-Range Chardonnay</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's a special meal, with great company - so spend a little more and enjoy at lot more! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Back in BC there are some impressive Chardonnays from our Okanagan wineries. Try the <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/206868" target="_blank">Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay 2017</a> at $49.99. This is a big boy fighting it out with our California Chardonnay cousins - and holding it's own. Bold and luscious with pear, lemon curd and oak and a long finish! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTTm4kZ35Fj_Y4YUUz2eksYqOU_YBW78-NB7A7u8HnLgjljktjbASrTFkR-gQUhuso1fZomgU5FYjcVblzQUV5dyZOIo4SeZ8V7BrUfEAw3WI5mOXG5aPgqJKYMC1Y7h_gL8rFLhkYEE/s1600/227722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="237" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTTm4kZ35Fj_Y4YUUz2eksYqOU_YBW78-NB7A7u8HnLgjljktjbASrTFkR-gQUhuso1fZomgU5FYjcVblzQUV5dyZOIo4SeZ8V7BrUfEAw3WI5mOXG5aPgqJKYMC1Y7h_gL8rFLhkYEE/s200/227722.jpg" width="58" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Perpetua</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Other BC Chardonnays are equally impressive - but harder to find. The Quails Gate Stewart Family Reserve at $39.99 is also great but a bit rare right now other than at the winery or some private stores.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But it's hard to beat the French. A personal go-to is the <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/21907" target="_blank">Domaine du Chalet Pouilly - Pouilly Fuisse 2017</a> at $37.99. This is simply a delicious Chardonnay from Burgundy with crisp acidity, pear and kiwi fruit. Mmmmm! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Chardonnay for Kings and Queens</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay, we are entering the price range of Champagnes - but if you love Chardonnay then you know why it's worth trying the good stuff!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfRIM-4Spo23c0Ad9R6TapMmFmj3pGTLkafIN5p4VlWxbPxQW8NduIOQTKnQKSNvQ593FQ1zp6nuq9qpOaeS_6KSFAisKhyphenhyphenXnFy8vFiYi_5Lf2p20fU3AqCjNdXtUxnsfPF53JDB7QEk/s1600/277236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="221" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfRIM-4Spo23c0Ad9R6TapMmFmj3pGTLkafIN5p4VlWxbPxQW8NduIOQTKnQKSNvQ593FQ1zp6nuq9qpOaeS_6KSFAisKhyphenhyphenXnFy8vFiYi_5Lf2p20fU3AqCjNdXtUxnsfPF53JDB7QEk/s200/277236.jpg" width="55" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rombauer</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/277236" target="_blank">Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay 2017</a> is everything you can ask for from a California wine, at $63.99. Spiced apples, almond croissant, honeyed peaches and baked pear are just some of the flavour notes critics have found. You'll find it delightfully delicious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For those like me who think Chardonnay is synonymous with Chablis, there are loads of choices in BC. I recommend the <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/116863" target="_blank">Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis 1er Vaillon 2016 </a>if you can find it - currently in five stores - at $57.99. If not, any Christian Moreau Chablis available is worth buying. Like all good Chablis, this has the mineral taste of the region, with flint, citrus and white flowers. Perfect with turkey, chicken or other fowl!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And if price is of little concern, it has to be a Meursault - the <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/129531" target="_blank">Pierre Brisset Meursault Charmes 2015</a> at $175.99 will be superb! Says British wine guru </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jancis Robinson: “Richly scented... This is utterly delicious! Gun flint and tarragon and spearmint and green-crystal fruit. Like tasting liquid green glass. So fresh! So focused. So direct. Stunning.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you have it, please invite me! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Red wines to pair with main courses</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For many of us, white wines are great - but they are simply not what we want for any main course except fish. While this approach is simply wrong-headed, the only thing worse is not drinking whatever the hell you want! Red it is!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Reasonable Reds </b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26Lz4yyQpr2574YgtMEFzwDVU6UJgCwcnw6QlpK-YH8Mp0Iy9Ek3FGtOep8zL4HHptiCvy1LvzRoL41gUu1n1u_h0bcJWrqmJMPMTwSJoCyOyBV-3refmGa7f1OAPj_LA7AYJVQlnlIM/s1600/290684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26Lz4yyQpr2574YgtMEFzwDVU6UJgCwcnw6QlpK-YH8Mp0Iy9Ek3FGtOep8zL4HHptiCvy1LvzRoL41gUu1n1u_h0bcJWrqmJMPMTwSJoCyOyBV-3refmGa7f1OAPj_LA7AYJVQlnlIM/s200/290684.jpg" width="50" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Road 13</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Back to BC first - because we have lots of good picks. <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/290684" target="_blank">Road 13 Honest John's Red 2018</a> is a blend of up to 6 grape varietals but dominated by Merlot - and always a great value wine. Easy drinking and easy on the wallet at $19.99.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another standby is<a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/626416" target="_blank"> Nk'Mip Cellars Merlot 2017</a> - at $21.99 you will be impressed by it's cherry fruit flavour and tamed tannins. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On the lower budget end, <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/77644" target="_blank">Cono Sur Organic Pinot Noir</a> from Chile at just $15.99 will do the job just fine. In fact, any Cono Sur wine is always my first recommendation if you are either low on cash or buying in bulk for a big party. And this one goes well with fowl in particular. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtxkXS23IYadI-gUCHYS5f1V1l3RY3Hc-5HKYhnoD7RMOcx_ItKW7tBwvH4xByjFnNU31xDIPzw1ipBb__-08ZyNIOMiMOaStJhxiSyVCdfhsgdBzK3BnWobPOq0ZhoWozlkakyxnF14/s1600/442392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="196" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtxkXS23IYadI-gUCHYS5f1V1l3RY3Hc-5HKYhnoD7RMOcx_ItKW7tBwvH4xByjFnNU31xDIPzw1ipBb__-08ZyNIOMiMOaStJhxiSyVCdfhsgdBzK3BnWobPOq0ZhoWozlkakyxnF14/s200/442392.jpg" width="48" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pey La Tour</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And of course, what would dinner be without Bordeaux? Not as good, that's what! So for a budget Bordeaux, try the <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/442392" target="_blank">Chateau Pey la Tour Reserve du Chateau 2016 </a>at $26.99. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">No, it's not Mouton Rothschild - that would be $1,800 a bottle - but it is a lovely Bordeaux Superieur that's a great introductory Bordeaux with all the attributes I love in that region. And ranked 88-90 points by Robert Parker!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Robust Reds</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Robust in both flavour and getting up there in price, these are the reds you serve when you want to impress the relatives!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoylXVWvsskxbKtKEFNz-ip9i67ao1ygJJKz1tly5eh6_2pVeG9B2h7M1115qW0jv-fcsvLPtZz_5lahOXPPTCCxllzcRPa2jILx2c2amNwCjp7_rkncc6DcMfIhbTtk6k6d15GWXF14/s1600/129999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="212" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoylXVWvsskxbKtKEFNz-ip9i67ao1ygJJKz1tly5eh6_2pVeG9B2h7M1115qW0jv-fcsvLPtZz_5lahOXPPTCCxllzcRPa2jILx2c2amNwCjp7_rkncc6DcMfIhbTtk6k6d15GWXF14/s200/129999.jpg" width="52" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Osoyoos Larose</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/129999" target="_blank">Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2015</a> at $47.99 comes from BC but tastes French - because it is part owned by the Gruaud Larose winery in Bordeaux! Like Bordeaux, this is a red blend with mostly Merlot but Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Always fabulous at a special occasion.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FKMaiMAor3Ve0UnVus39ukIChSBepo-1JFYeOmhEPQU15Mgm9sVBKUWFNRm6t-LJnUUpp3S_fdPculVcb3Jr-KRoa2LPI5ni8MjQPrE32K6A7yvXWwK-oTzuWq4U-22Odn_cAa2tsRc/s1600/427492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="215" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FKMaiMAor3Ve0UnVus39ukIChSBepo-1JFYeOmhEPQU15Mgm9sVBKUWFNRm6t-LJnUUpp3S_fdPculVcb3Jr-KRoa2LPI5ni8MjQPrE32K6A7yvXWwK-oTzuWq4U-22Odn_cAa2tsRc/s200/427492.jpg" width="53" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Domaine Drouhin</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">From our friends in Oregon comes <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/427492" target="_blank">Domaine Drouhin Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2015</a> at $49.99 - a fruit forward wine with lots of cherry and strawberry notes that will pair with whatever main course you serve from fowl to beef. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And you can't go wrong with Italy - <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/392514" target="_blank">Sette Ponti Crognolo 2016</a> is a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot that always satisfies at $39.99. Cherries and blueberries with a long finish to a fine meal!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmmcdFr0EwKt8NakXJRh3SSKJ7OnqMOE076Yr7GJQhn3ksrbRJNgCD_a9XCGrcVzyws9HZdI1C_KkjPDECQu2lve0APgeYfg7LLcdLOS6Q18FQR4mMGIJY0weNpWNpECw12p22kUu6gA/s1600/496737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="202" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmmcdFr0EwKt8NakXJRh3SSKJ7OnqMOE076Yr7GJQhn3ksrbRJNgCD_a9XCGrcVzyws9HZdI1C_KkjPDECQu2lve0APgeYfg7LLcdLOS6Q18FQR4mMGIJY0weNpWNpECw12p22kUu6gA/s200/496737.jpg" width="50" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Herve Laroque</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And for a Bordeaux choice, try a personal top pick, the <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/496737" target="_blank">Chateau Herve Laroque 2010</a> at $49.99 - amazing taste and value for a 2010 Bordeaux from Fronsac. It is full bodied, the BC Liquor Stores and the Chateau have aged it already for you and it will be amazing with whatever you serve! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let's be honest - if you can afford it, an expensive red wine with Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner is astonishing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And once in a while, it's worth blowing the budget for. With that in mind.....</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmvbqbyKkaWayCsrXuCmHt8IyEZIaWQZxdFzZKNzUmQYeJBlcd4BTlxMPZHxA94wo8nOyulEZm_SuY81HNw7dnPyMvqn3zC-g64dERra6jA9qLIPyDzt4nRju6DG1pMxBqJ51dyDSLCo/s1600/277988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmvbqbyKkaWayCsrXuCmHt8IyEZIaWQZxdFzZKNzUmQYeJBlcd4BTlxMPZHxA94wo8nOyulEZm_SuY81HNw7dnPyMvqn3zC-g64dERra6jA9qLIPyDzt4nRju6DG1pMxBqJ51dyDSLCo/s200/277988.jpg" width="63" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Beaucastel</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can never go wrong with <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/277988" target="_blank">Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016</a> - at $89.99 or any other vintage! This is a big beautiful wine from the Southern Rhone Valley of France - and a personal icon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For a Bordeaux pick it is a bit more challenging as the selection is less consistently available. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I'd be happy to find the <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/199425" target="_blank">Chateau Berliquet 2016</a> from St. Emilion at $85 </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">on my dining room table anytime! Rated 93 points by Robert Parker, it's 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, with kirsch, black plums and black cherry compote scents. Yum! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdV6zbB0vd3zuakTsf1qTrRUhWhUNqtSMLDacfhJXf9CkQsqBHTBbSXo6TxVg-_6STffVvtwZox7QxOjrhYLYjA_o6CnE8hX_hBvPSji81xFOLwyVrjI_t_DL08jJ1qdO5nSKpdGgXpzM/s1600/199425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="197" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdV6zbB0vd3zuakTsf1qTrRUhWhUNqtSMLDacfhJXf9CkQsqBHTBbSXo6TxVg-_6STffVvtwZox7QxOjrhYLYjA_o6CnE8hX_hBvPSji81xFOLwyVrjI_t_DL08jJ1qdO5nSKpdGgXpzM/s200/199425.jpg" width="48" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Berliquet</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Alternatively, many wine experts demand a Pinot Noir with turkey dinner - and I can't argue against that find choice either. Pinot is generally a lighter weight than other varietals but so long as your turkey or other main is prepared without massive spicing or deep fried, it will do very nicely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Burgundy is the French Pinot Noir choice and always a bit of a gamble in my experience. You may wish to stick to the lower priced Oregon Pinot above. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z8sxPLoxpPJ9JAFDYg8WV1DT1gXX1c3mieU8sZyCquJyJVVrPtwduREsSgPWyBjNjtKK3TOLMEgM7FAxDDIRdhJuZAIp3feaolKFkg3O0of2rJ_uNFTIJqUK6qPgw6QDTy8E2zF_dbM/s1600/117537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="217" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z8sxPLoxpPJ9JAFDYg8WV1DT1gXX1c3mieU8sZyCquJyJVVrPtwduREsSgPWyBjNjtKK3TOLMEgM7FAxDDIRdhJuZAIp3feaolKFkg3O0of2rJ_uNFTIJqUK6qPgw6QDTy8E2zF_dbM/s200/117537.jpg" width="53" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Domaine Taupenot</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But if not, I would go with whatever Gevrey-Chambertin you can find locally - and ask your liquor store consultant for advice. It's the one Burgundy that has been consistently good for me. One choice is the <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/117537" target="_blank">Domaine Taupenot Merme </a></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/117537" target="_blank">Gevrey-Chambertin </a></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/117537" target="_blank">2016</a> - not widely available but more than others, at $95.99, and rated 88-90 by Robert Parker.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But whatever you do, big budget or small, have a great meal! </span><br />
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Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-43167368662160141842019-04-17T13:40:00.000-07:002019-04-17T13:40:50.483-07:00World Malbec Day is today - Wednesday April 17, 2019! Pop open a Malbec wine tonight! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezqGcXsbipeQArzw_92OrgH6DsNEy6HqFDlFqUxi5b8GJv58-ONkyjkA1GEj3-VwXFibDy7kI_QzDfFf-B92ggkjaZLSVB1mLe2B_j877dikD2-o9qOz9z2Ky-s7BIsciqGkSUf_jDBk/s1600/Malbec-World-Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="661" height="523" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezqGcXsbipeQArzw_92OrgH6DsNEy6HqFDlFqUxi5b8GJv58-ONkyjkA1GEj3-VwXFibDy7kI_QzDfFf-B92ggkjaZLSVB1mLe2B_j877dikD2-o9qOz9z2Ky-s7BIsciqGkSUf_jDBk/s640/Malbec-World-Day.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, it's <b>World Malbec Day</b> again - <b>April 17</b> - that day of the year where we celebrate the delicious grape that has made its mark in Argentina and is a staple in France! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So your patriotic international duty as a wine lover is to open a bottle of Malbec tonight with your dinner - whether it be a fabulous steak or a veggie hot dog - Malbec is very adaptable to food. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">The best thing about Malbec is that it it nearly impossible to go wrong buying a bottle at any price. I often recommend a modest Malbec costing less than $13 if one is on a tight budget; I also have no problem suggesting a $100 plus bottle of Malbec for a special occasion or cellar choice.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Luigi Bosca and Catena Malbecs</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">So don't be worried about getting the perfect bottle - just pick one and enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">But....the <b>Wine Barbarian</b> does play favourites! Here are a few choices I can heartily recommend. And even better - a few are actually on sale at the BC Liquor Stores this week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm a big fan of the <b>Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2016 </b>from Argentina's Mendoza region in Lujan de Cayo. Lots of dark fruit going on - cherry, blackberry and plum - plus some espresso and dark chocolate! Mmmmm. On sale for $2 off right now till April 27 at $21.99 and widely available - check <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/1669" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> for a link to BC Liquor Store locations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">More favourites from Argentina - the <b>Luigi Bosca Malbec 2016 </b>and the <b>Catena High Mountain Malbec 2016</b>. Both highly dependable choices vintage after vintage and both on sale - the Bosca for $4 off at $19.99 and the Catena for $2 off at $21.99 and both available all over BC- so no excuse for no Malbec tonight! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Check <b><a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/418038" target="_blank">here</a></b> for <b>Bosca</b> and<b> <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/478727" target="_blank">here </a></b>for <b>Catena</b> at BC Liquor Store locations.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULGht2nuR_H6B7ucBY2rV8bxjOp41JznSeOEHkUAxnIjuaJYP_zsIrBv0j3rJ7YdobDxvLYAwatD5jbup2z3DuQFNu1K5uM2Zg2JVG2ZOkf61Gz_v9NZsa1pUNg6FxZGRda0n8bjnQxk/s1600/yH0daqYzReypl3G4SN98Rg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULGht2nuR_H6B7ucBY2rV8bxjOp41JznSeOEHkUAxnIjuaJYP_zsIrBv0j3rJ7YdobDxvLYAwatD5jbup2z3DuQFNu1K5uM2Zg2JVG2ZOkf61Gz_v9NZsa1pUNg6FxZGRda0n8bjnQxk/s320/yH0daqYzReypl3G4SN98Rg.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Domaine Bousquet Malbec</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another can't-miss modest Malbec is the <b>Domaine Bousquet Malbec 2018</b> - on sale for just $14.99 right now! Again, widely available - check <b><a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/807263" target="_blank">here</a></b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But if the sky is the limit as well if you want to spend big bucks - I recommend the <b>Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec 2015</b> - but only if you have $129 to spend on it! Beautiful wine tasted at the Vancouver International Wine Festival - and yes, it's available but in limited <b><a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/163814" target="_blank">locations</a></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have omitted my French connection - <b>Cahors</b> is the home of Malbec in France - and there are a few nice selections there too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I must confess I haven't tried this one but it's a Malbec so it has to be good: <b>Chateau Eugenie Tradition Malbec 2015</b> - available in some BC locations <b><a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/948174" target="_blank">here</a></b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But however you go, go Malbec tonight! There are many more good choices if you can't find these ones. And enjoy! </span><br />
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<br />Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-89445627781019071442019-03-02T13:44:00.002-08:002019-04-20T15:24:53.921-07:00Wines you must try at the Vancouver International Wine Festival 2019 - picks from the Wine Barbarian!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwQVTdo8BFqNpZjDsv6N399GPV74SCvGrTWKvpQu7w-3sYYAIfkYX9lT3IE9o989jVUKtcnrGjCP7x5gvLDcjHv4XwIG7XZtrST8_YPBlgexQXIqX_MwuY_wto_E9eOggBKqfZLzaJLE/s1600/fullsizeoutput_a92c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="1600" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwQVTdo8BFqNpZjDsv6N399GPV74SCvGrTWKvpQu7w-3sYYAIfkYX9lT3IE9o989jVUKtcnrGjCP7x5gvLDcjHv4XwIG7XZtrST8_YPBlgexQXIqX_MwuY_wto_E9eOggBKqfZLzaJLE/s400/fullsizeoutput_a92c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></i></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Beaulieu Vineyard winemaker Trevor Durling and Bill Tieleman - Wine Barbarian</i></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are way, way too many wines at the fabulous 2019 Vancouver International Wine Festival to try them all - an astonishing 1,450 different wines from 16 countries in total! </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So you need a plan for the International Festival Tastings - here's my <b>Wine Barbarian</b> advice based on exhaustive research at this year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">California is the regional wine theme this year - so there are lots of great Napa, Sonoma, Santa Barbara, Lodi, Santa Cruz, Paso Robles and other wineries here. But the rest of the world is here too, so tour around. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here are a few of the many great choices - and remember that I have not visited every table by far!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Beaulieu Vineyard</b> - one of Napa Valley's best and oldest wineries - must try their Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 at $65 - excellent value - and their Napa Valley Cab Sauv at $44! Winemaker <b>Trevor Durling </b>is pouring and very knowledgable to talk to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Silver Oak Cellars</b> - simply one of California's best red producers! Don't miss their Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 - also one of the most expensive bottles at the VIWF at $129!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Justin Vineyards</b> - love their reds out of Paso Robles! Isosceles red blend is superb at $117 but Justification is also great at $75.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bill Tieleman - Wine Barbarian - and Gina Gallo - Gallo Signature Series</span></i></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gallo Signature Series</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> - wonderful wines from all over California made by <b>Gina Gallo</b>, winemaker and yes, from the famous Gallo family! Gina is great to talk to about her wines. Love their Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir at $52, their Dry Creek Zinfandel at $40 and Napa Cab at $40. Excellent values.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Duckhorn Wine Company</b> - Known for their outstanding Merlots, Duckhorn is also making fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Try their 2015 Napa Cab at $89 and Calera Central Coast Pinot at $43 - and a lovely Chard at $48! Talk to <b>Brian Bostwick</b>, export director about their wines.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ridge Vineyards</b> - Outstanding Zinfandels and red blends from Sonoma plus a killer Chardonnay out of Santa Cruz - what more can I say except try them all, especially Geyserville 2016! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bill Tieleman and Joel Peterson of Ravenswood</span></i></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ravenswood Winery</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> - Pioneers of Zinfandel, this Sonoma County winery founded by </span><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Joel Peterson</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> - who is pouring - makes outstanding bottles. Try their Teldeschi Vineyard Zin at $43 and Bellonis Vineyard Zin at $44. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay - out of California but just across the state border to Oregon, where they make powerhouse Pinot Noirs!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Oregon</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Elk Cove Vineyards </b>- I just love this table! Three fabulous Pinot Noirs that blow me away and a Pinot Gris from the Williamette Valley in Oregon. Don't miss any but must try the Mount Richmond Pinot Noir. Talk to <b>Shirley Brooks</b> - VP sales - who knows lots about Oregon wines. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Washington State</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Aquilini Red Mountain </b>- yes, the Vancouver Canucks owners have winery too - and a damn fine one! Their Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 is superb. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>British Columbia</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just across the border in British Columbia is a wide selection of great wineries but here are a couple you must visit.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>One Faith Vineyard owner Bill Lui and Wine Barbarian Bill Tieleman</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>One Faith Vineyards </b>- <b>Bill Lui </b>had a mission - make the very best possible wine to international high standards - and with One Faith he has succeeded! Simply one of BC and Canada's best wines in both 2013 and 2014 vintages that are being poured - and at $132 a bottle they are not fooling around with their Bordeaux blend! Beautiful wine but for a more affordable bottle, taste the Certitude 2016 at $42. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Bill Tieleman and Ben Bryant of Mission Hill </i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Mission Hill Family Estate</b> - This winery just keeps getting better and better and bigger! New winemaker <b>Ben Bryant </b>has stepped in as former winemaker Darryl Brooker steps up to be president - and what a great opportunity that is. The Legacy Collection Compendium 2014 is a beautiful Bordeaux blend of 45% Cab Sauv/37% Merlot/16% Cab Franc and 2% Petit Verdot - and it will age nicely for a very long time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Bench 1775</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> - Winemaker </span><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Valerie Tait</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">is producing some great bottles out of the Naramata Bench and Osoyoos. Try their Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah 2015 at $27.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Quails' Gate Winery </b>- The Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2016 at $52 and Chardonnay 2016 at $40 are both awesome wines not to be missed.</span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Argentina</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Achaval-Ferrer </b>- They produce fantastic Malbecs and blends from Mendoza - try the two single-vineyard Malbecs - Finca Mirador 2014 at $125 and Finca Bella Vista 2014 at $108 - wow! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Australia </u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Majella Wines</b> - Owner <b>Brian Lynn</b> is a charming and regular visitor here in Vancouver - and so is his fabulous Sparkling Shiraz 2016! Unique, refreshing and delicious - you may never have tried it and you owe it to yourself to do so! Other lovely reds too.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Brian Lynn of Majella Wines and Bill Tieleman - Wine Barbarian</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>New Zealand</u></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Jim Robertson of Stoneleigh and Bill Tieleman - Wine Barbarian</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Stoneleigh </b>- Always great wines at each price point, I particularly like the Latitude Pinot Noir 2017 - beautiful bouquet and lots of fruit for just $22! Talk to my buddy <b>Jim Robertson </b>- another regular Vancouver visitor and so knowledgable about New Zealand wines.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>France</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Borie-Manoux </b>- If you love Bordeaux like I do, you can't miss these fine wines. Four excellent bottles but I really enjoyed tasting the 2003 Chateau Herve Laroque alongside it's 2010 vintage brother - so nice to see what seven years of additional aging brings to the table! Both fantastic wines from Fronsac - and reasonably priced at $44 and $50 respectively. Also try the 2009 Chateau Beau-Site at $56 - a stunning St. Estephe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ballande & Meneret </b>- More Bordeaux? Bring it on! Four more lovely bottles - my favourite was the 2009 Chateau Larrivaux from Haut-Medoc at just $44 - a bargain for 10-year-old wine!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ulysse Cazabonne</b> - Yes, still more Bordeaux! Four more fine bottles all from 2015 but with different blends of Merlot and Cabernet - try the Chateau de Croix Saint Vincent 2015 at $58 -70% Merlot/30% Cab.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Italy</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Marchesi di Barolo </b>- Nebbiolo grapes are great! Three Barolos and a Barbaresco - all superb. Try the Cannubi and Sarmassa 2014 Barolos for a cool comparison - both priced at $95 and both delicious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tenuta Argentiera</b> - Not Bordeaux but Tuscany making Bordeaux blends - and stunning ones! Great value on the lower priced red and rose but the Bolgheri Superiore 2016 is amazing - at $83. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Croatia</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Stina</b> - Amazingly, one of four Croatian wineries at this year's festival - and they are all eye-openers for many wine drinkers who don't know that country is producing excellent wines. Try the flagship 2016 Posip red at $47 - beautiful! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay - I know I missed <u>dozens of wonderful wineries</u> as well as the entire countries of Germany, Japan and Uruguay - all making great wines too and pouring here - but time is running out - have a great Festival and let me know what you think if you see me there or post here or on Twitter - <b>@BillTieleman </b>or Facebook! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cheers!</span><br />
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Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-65039553369496966912019-02-28T14:29:00.001-08:002019-02-28T14:29:23.728-08:00Tasting at the Vancouver International Wine Festival? “Kiss Don’t Spit!” - is my strong advice<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLQWOfkBkoWpzVBoZyGb2VDtW5fBd2wagSg8HmoQS-k8AC9fiB6vF_Mok5pbAYDtrl7F7c1h_CV0MjlperTgoPfoLBZ9Z3kv7mldmTyQ2xbeNOsvGtcKhmFATlk8H5JelDrzSvRHggbY/s1600/5570406444_a06cfaed5c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #de7008; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1024" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLQWOfkBkoWpzVBoZyGb2VDtW5fBd2wagSg8HmoQS-k8AC9fiB6vF_Mok5pbAYDtrl7F7c1h_CV0MjlperTgoPfoLBZ9Z3kv7mldmTyQ2xbeNOsvGtcKhmFATlk8H5JelDrzSvRHggbY/s400/5570406444_a06cfaed5c_b.jpg" style="border-width: 0px;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>NOT cool! Kiss - Don't Spit! </i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">“Kiss Don’t Spit!</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">” </span></span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> It’s actually not hip to spit in my book! </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So that's my contrarian advice to those attending the Vancouver International Wine Festival Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening - and Saturday afternoon - for the International Festival Tastings.</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Most wine experts will tell novices to "spit" the wine after nosing the bouquet in the glass and sipping it into your mouth and swirling it around - but I strongly disagree.</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After all, there's a reason I'm called The Wine Barbarian! </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The experts' reasoning makes some sense - you can taste far more wines without getting intoxicated by the alcohol content if it doesn't go down your throat and into your stomach. </span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And those in the wine trade often have to taste dozen and dozens if not hundreds of wines in </span>a day - it's not possible to do that and not have your liver end up like foie gras within weeks!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But you - the wine consumer - are not an expert nor are you tasting hundreds of glasses.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First - you simply cannot fully experience a wine without swallowing it, feeling the wonderful elixirfloat down your throat, discovering the length of the finish - you can literally count the seconds when you can still taste it, and know the satisfaction of having tasted one of the best wines in the world!</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Spitting? Sorry but you just don't get that sensation.</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And you are at North America's largest consumer wine festival, with literally dozens of wines priced at $100 or more per bottle - why the hell would you spit that out?!!!</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Plus, you can simply "kiss" a lot of wines without swallowing or spitting!</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">By kissing I mean you nose the wine in the glass, bring it to your lips and then - unless it's awesomely tasty and probably quite expensive, you simply pour the wine into the conveniently located spit bucket on the table. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Polite, discreet, saving your sobriety for none but the best and when you do sip and swallow it will be worth it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lastly, proper spitting is hard - don't try to learn it in front of 1,600 people including sommeliers, winemakers, family and friends! </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So enjoy the Vancouver international wine festival and taste lots of the fantastic California and other wines from around the world and kisses lots of them!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">.</span>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-80163187538196225902019-02-23T18:20:00.000-08:002019-02-23T18:20:10.297-08:00It's the annual Open That Bottle Night - Saturday February 23, 2019 - reach into your cellar and pop an old cork! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6UyCY9JeYq6l6lD_WceJCu0W6DNrrGVaDrlebvO_b7cSDZyS6D9taBlbTZeCWFfnibpqh3myNdf0le39O1oeucv_XWL9LG1I8FEzjGc0zgNovJo-N6LT54cRYJuzHXOzKpZaap59470/s1600/fullsizeoutput_a91f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1233" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6UyCY9JeYq6l6lD_WceJCu0W6DNrrGVaDrlebvO_b7cSDZyS6D9taBlbTZeCWFfnibpqh3myNdf0le39O1oeucv_XWL9LG1I8FEzjGc0zgNovJo-N6LT54cRYJuzHXOzKpZaap59470/s400/fullsizeoutput_a91f.jpeg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Which wine should the Wine Barbarian - Bill Tieleman - open tonight! The Caymus Special Selection 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon or the Woodward Canyon 2006 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon? Tough, tough choice! </i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Wine drinking friends - it's the annual <a href="http://guides.wsj.com/wine/entertaining-and-celebrating-with-wine/open-that-bottle-night/" target="_blank">Open That Bottle Night</a> - Saturday February 23, 2019 </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That means it's time to reach deep into your cellar and pop an old cork from a bottle that has been waiting far too patiently for the right occasion!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is a brilliant concept - invented by <b>Wall Street Journal</b> wine columnists Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher back in 2000 - to each year open one bottle of wine that has been suffering in silence in your cellar that has been neglected while you wait for the perfect occasion to uncork it. The link above has some good tips for choosing and how to open that bottle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tonight I have two choices: A fantastic <b>Caymus Vineyards 2007 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon</b> from Napa Valley California - rated 96 points by the Wine Spectator but also advised to open from 2011 to 2019.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Or an awesome <b>Woodward Canyon 2006 Artist Series #15 Cabernet Sauvignon </b>from Washington State - rated 91 points by the Wine Spectator but best from 2009 to 2016. My bad! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">True confession: I have far too many bottles in my cellar that I have likely kept for too long, so Open That Bottle Night is so welcome - and I may extend it over many weeks or even months!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And whether you have just one or a handful of bottles in your own cellar or thousands, the unfortunate reality is that we often think that opening that special old bottle needs an incredible meal or the right combinations of friends or a particular anniversary, birthday, celebration etc. before we can open it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And then it goes bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Been there, done that, poured it down the drain while I cried bitter tears - but not as bitter as the spoiled, corked or overdue wine!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I hope you will join me tonight in liberating a libation from purgatory in your wine cellar! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">No matter whether you are ordering in pizza or preparing a simple repast or actually making a gourmet meal - whatever it is, your excellent old bottle of wine will match it perfectly! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In fact, that's how I got my Wine Barbarian nickname. A friend was stunned that I was drinking a lovely bottle of Chateau Montrose 3rd growth Bordeaux with pizza - "you, you are a barbarian!" he exclaimed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Yes," I replied, "but I am a wine barbarian!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So open that bottle now and enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And if you are in Vancouver, I hope to see you and hear about what you opened up at the <b><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/" target="_blank">Vancouver International Wine Festival</a></b>, coming up from February 23 to March 3. See my <b><a href="http://winebarbarian.blogspot.com/2019/02/vancouver-international-wine-festival.html" target="_blank">recent post </a></b>on the very few tickets remaining and act fast to get one! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">.</span>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-53782394438625075312019-02-22T17:30:00.000-08:002019-02-22T17:30:46.984-08:00Vancouver International Wine Festival tickets almost sold out for all events - move fast! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Join me, Bill Tieleman - the Wine Barbarian - at the Vancouver International Wine Festival!</span> </span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Vancouver International Wine Festival tickets are now almost sold out for all events - so if you want to go, move fast! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It happens every year - lots of wine drinkers are thinking about attending the fabulous <a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/" target="_blank"><b>Vancouver International Wine Festival</b> </a>don't buy tickets until it is literally too late - because none are left! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And that's why I'm posting an early warning - if you want to go to the main International Festival Tastings or any of the other events you have to go online and get tickets now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Saturday's night's flagship International Festival Tasting from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday March 2nd is already sold out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Thursday February 28 and Friday March 1 </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">International Festival Tastings are getting very close to sold out, as is the afternoon event from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on Saturday March 2nd.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">All wine dinners are sold out or closed off for ticket sales.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There remain a few tickets for only a handful of other wine events, so again - get going!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is the <a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/VIWF2019_FestivalAtAGlance.pdf" target="_blank"><b>full VIWF schedule</b></a> at a glance, with SOLD OUT events and GOING FAST events highlighted. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And you don't want to miss the Wine Fest, with a special regional focus on California wines featuring 53 wineries in attendance, as well as a total of 160 wineries from 16 different countries pouring an astonishing 1,450 different wines! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That means, the <a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Media-Quick-Facts-2019-VIWF.pdf" target="_blank"><b>Wine Fest folks say</b></a>, there will be about 42,000 bottles of wine poured during the event, which runs from February 23 to March 3.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">See you there! And watch for my top picks and must-visit wineries in a Wine Barbarian post soon! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-63532192800989945672019-01-12T13:31:00.000-08:002019-01-15T10:23:39.616-08:00UPDATED January 15! Vancouver International Wine Festival 2019 tickets selling fast - many events already sold out! Wine fest on from February 23 to March 3<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGmccr-OM2xY16ycAwwE5Z7WTIM5JxiL7eo0zbc9jGsUrdhMboM3sdo7jpKz8aZ_zc9m25LeLa3x4gdZRGflmLnpG3c2rDYjHV0W2qZMZncm71bbfJVsWC4V-kz5Ng5dfjq-kkBEcuRQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_8880.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGmccr-OM2xY16ycAwwE5Z7WTIM5JxiL7eo0zbc9jGsUrdhMboM3sdo7jpKz8aZ_zc9m25LeLa3x4gdZRGflmLnpG3c2rDYjHV0W2qZMZncm71bbfJVsWC4V-kz5Ng5dfjq-kkBEcuRQ/s400/fullsizeoutput_8880.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wine Barbarian Bill Tieleman, left, with Jim Robertson of Stoneleigh and Babich Wines and fans!</span></i></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">UPDATE! Yet more events sold out! Hurry! </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just since this item was posted January 12, several more <b>Vancouver International Wine Festival</b> events tickets have sold out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have updated the sold out events below and there are links to what's still available at VIWF in my post:</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tickets are on sale for the fabulous <a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/" target="_blank">Vancouver International Wine Festival</a> 2019 - and not only selling fast but some events are already sold out! </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So do not delay - head to the</span><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/VIWF2019_FestivalAtAGlance.pdf" target="_blank"> Festival At A Glance</a></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> page to see what's still available and the the </span><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/tickets-events/tickets-passes/how-to-buy-tickets/" target="_blank">Tickets</a></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> page to make your purchase today - don't miss out on the premier wine event of the year in Vancouver! Or go to the <a href="https://vanwinefest.ca/events/category/available-events/photo/?tribe-bar-date=2019-02&tribe-bar-search=" target="_blank"><b>Available Events </b></a>page for more info on the event.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This year's focus wine region is <b>California</b> - and it will be great to taste hundreds of wines from 53 wineries in that state, meet winemakers and other winery principals at either pouring tables or seminars and buy some exclusive wines brought in only for the Festival, which runs from February 23 through March 3. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And of course, there are dozens of wineries from other countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Canada, the U.S., New Zealand, Germany, Argentina, Portugal, Chile and Japan and even lesser known wine countries like Croatia, Uruguay and Romania! In total, 160 wineries will participate in 54 different events.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whether you want to go to one of the four <b>International Festival Tastings</b> - Thursday night 7 to 10 p.m.; Friday night 7 to 10 p.m.; Saturday afternoon 2;30 p.m. to 5 p.m. or the flagship Saturday night tasting from 7 to 10 p.m. or the dozens of winemaker dinners, special seminars on grapes or regions or the minglers, now is the time to quickly make your plan and buy tickets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you check my posts from last year you will see that eventually every single Vancouver Wine Festival event sold out - all of them. So don't make the mistake of thinking you can always pick up a last minute ticket - it just won't happen and you will be losing out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Already I can report that several dinners, brunches, lunches and a few seminars are sold out - even though tickets only went on sale January 9!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Hy's Caymus Wine Dinner; the Icons of Italy Cioppino's Dinner; the Discover Robert Mondavi Winery Dinner at Ancora; A Taste of Croatia Dinner at L'Abbatoir; the California In Blue Water Ocean Dinner at Blue Water Cafe; Sordo's Century of Barola Dinner at Boulevard Kitchen; Artisan Evening of Food and Wine Dinner at Elisa; and the Zivjeli and Namaste Dinner at Vij's Rangoli are all sold out as of today! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also sold out are seminars: Pinot Noir's Siren Call of Seduction and the Icons of Napa Valley. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">UPDATE: </span>The Next World Chardonnay; Rhone Around The World seminars are now sold out as of January 15.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But other excellent events are still available, including what sounds like a fantastic seminar with the godfather of Zinfandel - Joel Peterson of Ravenswood fame!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_s4QpCKKnWkh6UISIRhwwPe-7_QNhWFh2ykQqRzkCQU4wWAEbX8S62SFocgSN1gnemC02MT9UwYx0gUnoYlhHmaDnShMpG5DrFhrGbt_uZwq_tNl-Wzu26Um_MPp4esT5f0htEFI0Agk/s1600/IMG_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_s4QpCKKnWkh6UISIRhwwPe-7_QNhWFh2ykQqRzkCQU4wWAEbX8S62SFocgSN1gnemC02MT9UwYx0gUnoYlhHmaDnShMpG5DrFhrGbt_uZwq_tNl-Wzu26Um_MPp4esT5f0htEFI0Agk/s400/IMG_0225.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wine Barbarian Bill Tieleman, left, with Joel Peterson of Ravenswood Zinfandel fame!</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And most lunch/brunches are sold out, including: The Vintners' Brunch; Dine Italia and Gusto LatinoAmericano.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whew!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But there are still many great dinners and events with tickets left, so rush on over to the website and make your picks - you won't be sorry!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And see you there! </span><br />
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Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-21698327697148633382018-10-23T19:04:00.000-07:002018-10-23T19:48:29.475-07:00Fantastic food in Seville, Spain! Abantal - Michelin 1 Star restaurant - delivers the goods!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeCIoAIWaZJhdzEv4yOOP8B-DugVuKY4ikmqjQkpo6EZ2Ypa9irR3-LkkiX5IpyPNK8SRS7PGJo9WrAJQ3230cBcR8O3DRGd4tQCtzsxLHtpDzrtvXVjBD_LRB0b7qbSI1EoCjMSvhW8/s1600/42167268_10160737933045063_8708919703088660480_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1600" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeCIoAIWaZJhdzEv4yOOP8B-DugVuKY4ikmqjQkpo6EZ2Ypa9irR3-LkkiX5IpyPNK8SRS7PGJo9WrAJQ3230cBcR8O3DRGd4tQCtzsxLHtpDzrtvXVjBD_LRB0b7qbSI1EoCjMSvhW8/s400/42167268_10160737933045063_8708919703088660480_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: medium; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Abantal - Course 5: </i></b><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Tuna tartar with aubergine [eggplant] black olive crumble and cucumber mayonnaise - a favourite!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span data-offset-key="42lhn-0-0" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fantastic food in<b> Seville Spain</b>! That's what we enjoyed at <a href="http://www.abantalrestaurante.es/about-us/trajectory" target="_blank"><b>Abantal</b></a>, a 1-star Michelin restaurant we visited in September. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="42lhn-0-0" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My wife Shirley Ross and I went all-in for the <b>Grand Chef's Daily Tasting Menu</b> - 13 courses for 90 Euros each.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0wRCdL35iGfcpXOwxbByU5cNgTCbIhAZrmwDvhADs8j28PoAP-6Z9q2LQGxq_GlbVL_93v-zTRj1Fjm9WbGDsX0bFB7KJHnWBU9LCYjsuW6_jGexjlNEXlLNd-BFdzOlCENJv9v3zfM/s1600/1512467500-1538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1588" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0wRCdL35iGfcpXOwxbByU5cNgTCbIhAZrmwDvhADs8j28PoAP-6Z9q2LQGxq_GlbVL_93v-zTRj1Fjm9WbGDsX0bFB7KJHnWBU9LCYjsuW6_jGexjlNEXlLNd-BFdzOlCENJv9v3zfM/s320/1512467500-1538.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span data-offset-key="42lhn-0-0" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: large; white-space: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space">Abantal </span>Chef</b> and co-owner <b>Julio Fernández Quintero</b> takes great pride in being recognized as Best Andulusian Chef in 2005 and winning a Michelin Star in 2008, continuing to hold that honour ever since. Abantal is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the city - and we were fortunate to get a reservation on fairly short notice.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="42lhn-0-0" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: large; white-space: normal;">Abantal is in an unassuming building and nondescript part of Seville just outside the main tourist section of the old town. But what's inside is anything but ordinary! </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="42lhn-0-0" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dinner started with <b>4 amuse bouches</b>: dry onion with black garlic sauce; cookies with leeks and potato jelly; mushroom meringues and sea anemone! All delicious.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQGwG3XsaTwSnaWfL443Vgjz7G8HEHVCnxZ_LRu-P3N5CIALFymvbrcZwUpRwGf6d_4LbrmpffpTlQ3a-48jJ9ymtJW2Lu_z6o5wkE_aNZzjXd49siSpWP5Gk7iHntfoLoKzcgWwCNko/s1600/42168942_10160737932705063_8436663023275343872_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQGwG3XsaTwSnaWfL443Vgjz7G8HEHVCnxZ_LRu-P3N5CIALFymvbrcZwUpRwGf6d_4LbrmpffpTlQ3a-48jJ9ymtJW2Lu_z6o5wkE_aNZzjXd49siSpWP5Gk7iHntfoLoKzcgWwCNko/s400/42168942_10160737932705063_8436663023275343872_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Course 1:</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Clam with cauliflower emulsion and microseaweed; </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yWb0hlKsW8za9IgBF1kgr_9Fu1lNYEsPDh4-UyiQYfZsEuKH3EWWxm1JbNu0g_Rl6yaXnq-xHy1VUnYVvPSHaKQgAeNyJQS4UX7_MvgKEa6-s1ukDVFY4NnJFEYBfQOZa9hWVRFo5sc/s1600/42045221_10160737932695063_1034501503840157696_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="960" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yWb0hlKsW8za9IgBF1kgr_9Fu1lNYEsPDh4-UyiQYfZsEuKH3EWWxm1JbNu0g_Rl6yaXnq-xHy1VUnYVvPSHaKQgAeNyJQS4UX7_MvgKEa6-s1ukDVFY4NnJFEYBfQOZa9hWVRFo5sc/s400/42045221_10160737932695063_1034501503840157696_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Course 2:</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Tomato sponge, codfish drop, black garlic aioli, pepper and potato crisp; </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Course 3: </b><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oyster with citrus foam sweet potato puree, fried rice grains and a spiced infusion; </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="42lhn-0-0" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Course 4:</b> Spinach puree with anise, broccoli and white asparagus & artichoke heart, dried peas; </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Course 5: </b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tuna tartar with aubergine [eggplant] black olive crumble and cucumber mayonnaise - a favourite - see above </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Course 7: </b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Meagre - a fish like sea bass - with tomato, pepper jelly and basil jelly - garlic-aioli like but lighter!; </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERmCkjQ1B8otuGWpnljdVOQ4awovo9hhm4KZL6Qfi9XO87qNNvy-64QQKYNGkC-Vbc0CWehTkOUoXU1K12e9q7B9mTpixn5ATmC-FDpEzs3XdfKiThkaLF52jY1cef7G5l_id17brxJc/s1600/42219097_10160737933235063_4902659882248830976_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERmCkjQ1B8otuGWpnljdVOQ4awovo9hhm4KZL6Qfi9XO87qNNvy-64QQKYNGkC-Vbc0CWehTkOUoXU1K12e9q7B9mTpixn5ATmC-FDpEzs3XdfKiThkaLF52jY1cef7G5l_id17brxJc/s400/42219097_10160737933235063_4902659882248830976_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Course 8: </b>Lamb sweetbreads with chickpea puree and beet puree; [sorry - no photo]</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Course 9: </b>Suckling pig, roasted endive slice, black garlic aioli and tomato puree; </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQM-_oiifMoHjNFmggmWc3Apa1vx1Q7SQf4jegwPDezOsvDFvGY-X6ZtyzFGG-a5UC0pPnsTMnEhrCtx8PLFXQNtr-C4GI9cjnrbzglBLSSIyjBgdDluV9aJx27FolL1m5jDIJbG2UqWE/s1600/42186839_10160737933280063_821208072096579584_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQM-_oiifMoHjNFmggmWc3Apa1vx1Q7SQf4jegwPDezOsvDFvGY-X6ZtyzFGG-a5UC0pPnsTMnEhrCtx8PLFXQNtr-C4GI9cjnrbzglBLSSIyjBgdDluV9aJx27FolL1m5jDIJbG2UqWE/s400/42186839_10160737933280063_821208072096579584_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Course 10:</b> Foie Gras cream, coffee gelee, sweet and sour quince - another favourite - super light and sweet!; </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6Sdn9LMYJiqWFzygTApZOMwYCHIXYvxtOMh4Myb2ZBz_lz9IUFBLI3K6Wx0iQEI89TQzeLkpyl8MMU8FtnufQsYSJQ4OjuGDrJhgj2vT5_Ki6vmzK62truL4jBl10xo395kNeNbqIyQ/s1600/42199239_10160737933300063_9015491629703757824_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="960" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6Sdn9LMYJiqWFzygTApZOMwYCHIXYvxtOMh4Myb2ZBz_lz9IUFBLI3K6Wx0iQEI89TQzeLkpyl8MMU8FtnufQsYSJQ4OjuGDrJhgj2vT5_Ki6vmzK62truL4jBl10xo395kNeNbqIyQ/s400/42199239_10160737933300063_9015491629703757824_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Course 11: </b>Fennel frappe, apple sorbet and coriander sponge cake with lemon; </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvJMw6PqbruzIhV9ooyvBg1ARpckB9A59eRvEaQ__fB4sXNHERfBu5Ja8sGAVFmD-mWn1iHhaQu0DZ6BhqAe_SKC8s1BAUQ3Nw1vhjmCfigDBVGlcKvn8wY-furKAzxSqYJabWaItIEU/s1600/41978648_10160737933390063_6131000888019386368_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvJMw6PqbruzIhV9ooyvBg1ARpckB9A59eRvEaQ__fB4sXNHERfBu5Ja8sGAVFmD-mWn1iHhaQu0DZ6BhqAe_SKC8s1BAUQ3Nw1vhjmCfigDBVGlcKvn8wY-furKAzxSqYJabWaItIEU/s400/41978648_10160737933390063_6131000888019386368_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Course 12: </b>Passion fruit cream, frappe mint and chocolate; </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIWkMs2Kse7dwL_BuS8SGn5X3t712zg8E3Fif4ElD6j7_9kshdqIHDrywwRPzuXgqReHs0dpgvw4ChjgjhCMJbfG1GpNq6cy0sNU31uq3JSdIJIHbXaIKAUocKE16632j_WiJrHHJGQk/s1600/41884464_10160737933470063_8287105239757094912_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIWkMs2Kse7dwL_BuS8SGn5X3t712zg8E3Fif4ElD6j7_9kshdqIHDrywwRPzuXgqReHs0dpgvw4ChjgjhCMJbfG1GpNq6cy0sNU31uq3JSdIJIHbXaIKAUocKE16632j_WiJrHHJGQk/s400/41884464_10160737933470063_8287105239757094912_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Course 13:</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Orange wine zabaglione, anise cookie and cinnamon with orange blossom jelly and orange! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQi5MlOLYsBDQdU6JskWllBOf2CU8pmuU3Laah1AldkL7cdzi4m_xV8QCYFbGiJnp_17WYX-NtxgSLG-7FvLtRayVcUg7bfmvSiSRyNnesfFqf5hEGQbTwccTeepLgumiUs4y1iJbGDQ/s1600/42147821_10160737933490063_7369845236312309760_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQi5MlOLYsBDQdU6JskWllBOf2CU8pmuU3Laah1AldkL7cdzi4m_xV8QCYFbGiJnp_17WYX-NtxgSLG-7FvLtRayVcUg7bfmvSiSRyNnesfFqf5hEGQbTwccTeepLgumiUs4y1iJbGDQ/s400/42147821_10160737933490063_7369845236312309760_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We enjoyed all this with a beautiful Spanish red wine from Ribera del Duero - </span><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Pagos de Matanegra Vendimia Seleccionada 2012</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, rated </span><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">93 points</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> by Robert Parker, for 53 Euros. It was dense and rich, with concentrated red cherry flavours - and as lovely as you would expect from over 80 year-old-wines! </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: normal;">I also enjoyed a Malaga sweet dessert wine - Molino Real from Telmo Rodriguez.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: normal;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I should add that every serving plate was different - shapes, textures, colours - all fascinating.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">And service was impeccable, as one would expect.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was an astonishingly good meal at any price but for 90 Euros - $135 Cdn - it was truly remarkable! I highly recommend a visit - and an earlier reservation than we made - if you are visiting Seville.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span data-offset-key="fu3lp-0-0" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was the first time either of us had been to a Michelin-starred restaurant - most are in Europe - and we hope to be so lucky as to do so again. One of our most memorable meals ever - t</span><span data-offset-key="fu3lp-0-0" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hank you to Chef </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; white-space: normal;">Fernández!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; white-space: normal;"><b>Abantal</b> website at:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="origin" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abantalrestaurante.es%2Fabout-us%2Ftrajectory%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2tjg5P4KwDdD9Oyej_ZNcBB7Bi75TXDdsqH6J0iABgsCxCrhrewZ789R0&h=AT0E7Fr1O9ha84Z3Kvglq7LjB8xPnWYUwOo5HF-PT5FkDoRKoDdNlqFFrragvAXlrOsV_RM6JMEulhpq6oGELzIEndtgnNXzKrIpEOJdyrHVIVNn9AaG6oUOuK_Jk5dJ2mj2e0c22kmQpx7u1YLDJ824" href="http://www.abantalrestaurante.es/about-us/trajectory?fbclid=IwAR2tjg5P4KwDdD9Oyej_ZNcBB7Bi75TXDdsqH6J0iABgsCxCrhrewZ789R0" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; white-space: normal;" target="_blank">http://www.abantalrestaurante.es/about-us/trajectory</a></span></div>
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Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-57579081556725391682018-04-17T12:53:00.001-07:002018-04-17T12:55:16.577-07:00Happy International Malbec Day! April 17 we celebrate Malbec wine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXP8GC6Xb4naVNRv_QMAN-rIcEp97keEeEOv4fNpYGNTKbk1A78GLOfLf924EajC39fXgZGuYp5hCe_HZ6itp3DHEohsjPGloL7pwH0ZUVdV43Yi7hMVWU-5ZEjz0jTagpHq1Ip5HDwM/s1600/fullsizeoutput_9d9f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="676" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXP8GC6Xb4naVNRv_QMAN-rIcEp97keEeEOv4fNpYGNTKbk1A78GLOfLf924EajC39fXgZGuYp5hCe_HZ6itp3DHEohsjPGloL7pwH0ZUVdV43Yi7hMVWU-5ZEjz0jTagpHq1Ip5HDwM/s400/fullsizeoutput_9d9f.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Happy International Malbec Day! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>On April 17 we celebrate Malbec wine around the world!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8MrZN9GFKrSjpMEsp47AZCyotJ1qxIkj7k9jO1rLrF7rCRQKGZLu1-OCDyVFoIUNAkLGcmnPodrFYT6ZJ8_96_qbXLbnQQMrXYhCZHyEW6tzEzADgb6IsflUlzrCW-ZCKoKXjJ6Ub_k/s1600/1669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="113" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8MrZN9GFKrSjpMEsp47AZCyotJ1qxIkj7k9jO1rLrF7rCRQKGZLu1-OCDyVFoIUNAkLGcmnPodrFYT6ZJ8_96_qbXLbnQQMrXYhCZHyEW6tzEzADgb6IsflUlzrCW-ZCKoKXjJ6Ub_k/s320/1669.jpg" width="90" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">April is a great month to drink Malbec - rainy, windy or even sunny but cool - that's the perfect weather for a beautiful, heart-warming glass of Malbec.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It can come from Argentina - where it most famous - or France - where it originated, primarily in the Cahors region as well as in Bordeaux blends - or British Columbia and other parts of the globe.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Malbec is great with steaks and grilled meat - I did mention Argentina - but it is an adaptable wine and pairs perfectly with vegetarian meals too.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Today in BC there are about 80 Malbec or Malbec blended wines in the BC government liquor stores, plus more in private outlets.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Wine Barbarian recommends these Malbecs but this is a rare grape where you will hardly ever go wrong on a bottle. And Malbec's range from very cheap to very expensive, so there is something for every budget.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Trivento - Malbec Lujan de Cuyo Golden Reserve 2015 - Argentina</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOv8dyhD1yX0oY94cgg0mz1BbwYqdFyuJHMLvA4kTXTHsS8fFPDWu6psNll6CcxWGQtkfNjMS0mw7B3HgF3-UV9KvXVX0v8uETe_8FvPYaU_84Z0NEIWYZ5pAAYPyN-WoB0uU_R265ePU/s1600/fullsizeoutput_9da0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="107" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOv8dyhD1yX0oY94cgg0mz1BbwYqdFyuJHMLvA4kTXTHsS8fFPDWu6psNll6CcxWGQtkfNjMS0mw7B3HgF3-UV9KvXVX0v8uETe_8FvPYaU_84Z0NEIWYZ5pAAYPyN-WoB0uU_R265ePU/s320/fullsizeoutput_9da0.jpeg" width="85" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A beautiful, deep wine that gives you chewy cherry and spices - smooth and superb.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Wine Spectator rates it 89 points and says: </span><span 0.1850000023841858px="" font-family:="" letter-spacing:="" ms="" quot="" rebuchet="" sans-serif="">"This shows good cut to the dried cherry and green olive flavors, matched to lively acidity. Slate and spice details emerge on the crisp finish." </span></span><br />
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<span 0.1850000023841858px="" font-family:="" letter-spacing:="" ms="" quot="" rebuchet="" sans-serif="">A great buy at $21.99 and widely available across BC at <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/1669" target="_blank">government liquor stores </a>- $2 off till April 28.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Vina Cobos - Felino Malbec 2016 - Argentina </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Vina Cobos is always a good bet for Malbec - or Chardonnay - as it is part of the Paul Hobbs empire and Hobbs is known for quality at all price ranges. The Wine Spectator scores this at 87 points and previous vintages higher, and offers this description:</span></span><br />
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<span 0.1850000023841858px="" letter-spacing:=""><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Offers lots of tealike notes to the red plum, dried berry and ripe currant flavors, supported by crisp tannins. Bittersweet chocolate details show on the finish." </span></span></span><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTTJmoy2DVa6vn3ApNbpp8sSM-z5jmVRsA0U_X7sDyEcikQyzegck8fQWLXEEYfYF_FwdZtrhoQ-6eN7pCPs-yTpKyPPItStC6sR4nkvQMSeE_qz3opCvdXdQTXHG2stm3rcqdCo5ER8/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTTJmoy2DVa6vn3ApNbpp8sSM-z5jmVRsA0U_X7sDyEcikQyzegck8fQWLXEEYfYF_FwdZtrhoQ-6eN7pCPs-yTpKyPPItStC6sR4nkvQMSeE_qz3opCvdXdQTXHG2stm3rcqdCo5ER8/s200/download.jpg" width="149" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.1850000023841858px;">There are about <a href="http://www.bcliquorstores.com/product/334789#" target="_blank">1,000 bottles available </a>around the province at government liquor stores and even better - it's on sale for $21.99 - a $2 discount till April 28.</span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bench 1775 - Cabernet Franc-Malbec 2015 - Naramata BC</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bench1775.com/" target="_blank">Bench 1775</a> produces some very nice wines and this Malbec blend is definitely one of them! Not widely available but in 20 stores around BC at $22.99.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lots of cherry and blackberry flavours here.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But whatever your taste - be sure to crack open a Malbec today and join the wine world in celebrating this great grape! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cheers! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8551307591371387285.post-36657478125339148912018-03-03T15:50:00.000-08:002018-03-03T15:50:06.934-08:00Kiss - Don't Spit! Wine tasting advice and must visit wineries at the Vancouver International Wine Festival!!!<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kiss - Don't Spit - or you won't know what you're missing! </span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>NO! Kiss - don't spit! </i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That's my contrarian advice to those attending the Vancouver International Wine Festival Saturday afternoon and evening for the International Festival Tastings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And below are some of my "Must Visit" winery tables based on extensive research the past few days!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But first - most wine experts will tell novices to "spit" the wine after nosing the bouquet in the glass and sipping it into your mouth and swirling it around - I strongly disagree.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After all, there's a reason I'm called The Wine Barbarian! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The experts's reasoning is sound in a way - you can taste far more wines without getting intoxicated by the alcohol content if it doesn't go down your throat and into your stomach. And those in the wine trade often have to taste dozen and dozens if not hundreds of wines in a day - it's not possible to do that and not have your liver end up like foie gras within weeks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But you - the wine consumer - are not an expert nor are you tasting hundreds of glasses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First - you simply cannot fully experience a wine without swallowing it, feeling the wonderful elixir float down your throat, discovering the length of the finish - you can literally count the seconds when you can still taste it, and know the satisfaction of having tasted one of the best wines in the world!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spitting? Sorry but you just don't get that sensation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And you are at North America's largest consumer wine festival, with literally dozens of wines priced at $100 or more per bottle - why the hell would you spit that out?!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Plus, you can simply "kiss" a lot of wines without swallowing or spitting!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By kissing I mean you nose the wine in the glass, bring it to your lips and then - unless it's awesomely tasty and probably quite expensive, you simply pour the wine into the conveniently located spit bucket on the table. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Polite, discreet, saving your sobriety for none but the best and when you do sip and swallow it will be worth it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lastly, proper spitting is hard - don't try to learn it in front of 1,600 people including sommeliers, winemakers, family and friends! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Okay - sermon over - what to drink at the </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Vancouver International Wine Festival:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">With about 750 wines to potentially taste at the </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">International Festival Tastings, you need a strategy and discipline!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So here's my suggestion - go to these excellent tables first and try all their wines. You can't possibly go wrong and then everything else you taste will be gravy - err groovy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Portugal</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bill Tieleman with Cristiano van Zeller of Quinta Vale D. Maria</span></b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This years Wine Festival has a regional focus on Portugal and Spain - and I couldn't be happier with that! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Portugal makes not only great Port of course but fantastic fresh, citrusy white wines that have blown me away and fabulous reds that are not only some of the best in the world but incredibly priced by comparison to say, Bordeaux.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was honoured to have lunch and also attend a 2015 Vintage Port tasting with this famous gentleman - <b>Cristiano van Zeller </b>of <b>Quinta Vale D. Maria</b> - one of Portugal's great wineries! Cristiano is hilarious, outspoken and one hell of a winemaker!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't miss his wines, especially the <b>VVV Valleys Douro Branco</b> - a beautiful white retailing for $39 - and the <b>Douro Tinto 2014 </b>- a big, bold red that retains for $56. At the Trade Tasting I was able to sample his CV - Curriculum Vitae 2015 that is a marvellous wine I've enjoyed in previous vintages - superb wine. It retails for about $120 if you can find it - perhaps at a private store sometime.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Jorge Ramos and Bill Tieleman</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be sure to also check out the <b>Fonse</b>ca and <b>Ramos Pinto </b>tables, where you will find <b>Jorge Ramos</b>, Export Director and part of the fabled Ramos family. Be sure to try the <b>Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port 2015</b> - which I had a chance to taste - it's super-early to drink a Port now but you can just instantly tell that this will be fantastic for years to come. It retails for $74. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And you don't want to miss Ramos Pinto 20 Year Old Tawny Port - a real beauty retailing for $64.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But everything from Portugal is well worth a try and just use these as starting points to discover the country's great wines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Spain</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spanish wine was my first true love when I discovered that fermented grapes beat the hell out of hops - no offence to beer lovers - and Torres was the winery that led me to become a collector as well as a drinker.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>Bill Tieleman and Miguel Torres Maczassak</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So it was a real pleasure to meet <b>Miguel Torres Maczasse</b>k - a 5th generation member of this famous winemaking family! I've also been fortunate enough to visit Torres winery in Penedes in Spain in the past. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Miguel led an excellent Wine Festival seminar walking us through Torres' wine from across Spain, including their flagship red - <b>Mas La Plana</b> - a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown near Penedes that stunned the French and the world in 1979 by being blind tasted and winning top honours against the best of Bordeaux. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mas La Plana 2012 in the middle of two other great Torres wines</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's always a beautiful wine - and the 2012 is a powerful, tannic and layered with dark fruit - and you can taste it and meet Miguel at the Torres table. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also love the <b>Celeste 2013 </b>from Ribera del Duero that is a fabulous value at just $26.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With Spain being a focus region I could go on for days about the other great wines from there at the festival but let me just pick a few favourites: <b>Grupo Faustino</b> - with a stunning <b>Gran Reserva 1994</b> - that's no typo - 1994 - that is just marvellous at an amazingly reasonable $64; their <b>Gran Reserva 2005</b> at $42 is also great; </span><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Muriel Wines</b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> from Rioja - and its great </span><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Gran Reserva 2005 </b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">at $38</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">; <b>Rioja Vega</b> has a wonderful<b> Gran Reserva 2011 </b>at just $40 - another stunning wine; <b>Bodegas Valdemar</b> is one of my mainstays - and they have a <b>Conde Valdemar Gran Reserva 2004</b> at $90 for a magnum and a <b>Rioja Reserva 2009</b> at $27 that you will love. But try other Spanish wineries - they all have great bottles!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Australia</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When it comes to the Vancouver Wine Festival there is always one table I tell everyone to visit - <b>Inland Trading</b>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Greg Corra</b>, Managing Director, brings serious stuff to the table - literally! While some wineries bring, err, simple, cheap Monday night wines, Inland Trading brings some of Australia's best.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_MlLzCpBVffKo7sZEtW4sBBVHHQPHE5j8E_zv6rzK5eLIPCsErrPFC04Xwce-Y3fESxastZm_BofsjurxavFEUIL_l9OVIWyDSdgZQzoroGU9jokHE2JI-kJOOFA7betqeYHDHFN06E/s1600/IMG_8201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_MlLzCpBVffKo7sZEtW4sBBVHHQPHE5j8E_zv6rzK5eLIPCsErrPFC04Xwce-Y3fESxastZm_BofsjurxavFEUIL_l9OVIWyDSdgZQzoroGU9jokHE2JI-kJOOFA7betqeYHDHFN06E/s320/IMG_8201.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bill Tieleman, Greg Corra and agent extraordinaire Megan Thompson </span></b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Try the fabulous <b>Greenock Creek Alicie's Block Shiraz 2010</b> at $55 - you will be blown away! And then move up yet another big notch to the <b>Jasper Hill Georgia's Paddock Shiraz 2013</b> - stunning fruit, tannin and intensity! It retails at $87.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And don't miss <b>Majella Wines</b> nearby, with owner <b>Brian Lynn</b> and his wife <b>Ros</b> - their <b>Sparking Shiraz 2012</b> is a total surprise and eyeopener if you haven't had it - a truly unique and great wine! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And Grant Burge Wines are also next door with one of the tastiest - and most expensive - wines in the room - the <b>Meshach Shiraz 2011</b> at $155 a bottle! Huge, beautiful wine. Also try their <b>Filsell Shiraz 2015</b> at $39 and <b>Holy Trinity GSM 2013</b> at $40 if you are counting pennies! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">USA</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Cherry Pie</b> - if you love Pinot Noir like I do, you simply can't miss this one: four Pinots, all great but the two big boys: Huckleberry Snodgrass Pinot Noir 2015 and Rodgers Creek Pinot Noir 2015 are killers at $92 each. And the Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir 2014 at $73 is also awesome. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Duckhorn Wine Company</b> - four great wines, all $48 or more! <b> Brian Bostwick</b> of Duckhorn brings the good stuff - including their <b>Napa Valley Merlot 2014 </b>at $67 a pop and a very tasty <b>Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015</b> at $48 that are both outstanding! And their <b>Goldeneye Pinot Noir 2014</b> - sadly only at the Trade Show - is one of my all time favourite Pinot Noirs - and you can find it at some private stores for about $73.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">New Zealand</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Stoneleigh</b> - my buddy <b>Jim Robertson</b> will pour you some excellent<b> Stoneleigh Rapaura Pinot Noir 2016</b> - a really great Pinot at $32 - and the <b>Stoneleigh Rapaura Sauvignon Blanc 2016</b> - another favourite at $25. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Their Latitude wines are also excellent value.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHXzWNVwaIeG_t0fjuYTixRiPI_btMirVDuzARD0T7Pjq7PeCxmlL2FEpAwsnWwWw4bYLVzxBGTkChLO9tHwaywcfiDGsZIvfjvNYvR8Kcq0R4vZymtBUY2hQpzomRpKnuW7SVjoqc8I/s1600/IMG_8205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHXzWNVwaIeG_t0fjuYTixRiPI_btMirVDuzARD0T7Pjq7PeCxmlL2FEpAwsnWwWw4bYLVzxBGTkChLO9tHwaywcfiDGsZIvfjvNYvR8Kcq0R4vZymtBUY2hQpzomRpKnuW7SVjoqc8I/s320/IMG_8205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bill Tieleman, Jim Robertson and wine fiends! </span></i></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">France</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Where to begin? Well, there's only one Champagne house -<b> Laurent-Perrier </b>- and there's no such thing as mediocre Champagne! But their <b>Grand Siecle </b>at $180 a bottle is an absolute revelation! No wonder the rich love Champagne - see why! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Like Bordeaux? If not, get that checked out - it's a serious illness! I love it and you can get some wonderful wines at <b>Sovex GrandsChateaux</b> - including a <b>Chateau Branas Grand Poujeaux 2009</b> at $78 that is really awesome and - hate me if you will for this - an excellent value. Their <b>Confidences De Prieure Lichine 2008 </b>is also beautiful at $56 and they have two more Bordeaux! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We can't forget our own great British Columbia wines - and there are also sparklers from Nova Scotia's <b>L'Acadie Vineyards</b>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I somehow have missed Cassini Cellars but won't make that mistake again after trying their <b>Godfather Red 2012 </b>- a massive wine that will make you an offer - you know the rest -at $75! Also loved their <b>Maximus 2012</b> at $40</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Painted Rock</b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> - always a favourite and owner John Skinner is in the house. Try the </span><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Estate Grown Red Icon 2015</b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> - their flagship - at $54 - beautiful wine and a true value at that price.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And please don't neglect the rest of our awesome BC wineries - don't drink like an Albertan! ;-0 </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Italy </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Running out of time again - but don't miss <b>Tenute Silvia Nard</b>i for two great Brunellos - the<b> </b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>Tenute Silvia Nardi </b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>Brunello di Montalcino 2012</b> at $59 and the stunning </span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tenute Silvia Nardi </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Brunello di Montalcino</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b> Manachiara 2012</b> at $115. Simply beautiful wines with a long life ahead of them - unless you are easily tempted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Tenute Sette Ponti </b>- All great wines but the standout is the famous </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">T<b>enute Sette Ponti</b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b> Oreno 2015 </b>- awesomely big and bold - it will last a long time and at $90 you shouldn't open early. Their </span><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tenute Sette Ponti </b><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Crognolo</b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> at $39 is a Vancouver favourite and what you drink while waiting for the Oreno to mature! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Argentina</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Bodega Catena Zapata -</b> truly one of the most reliable wineries in the world - everything they do from entry level to flagship wines are fabulous! You likely know their <b>Malbec 2015 </b>at $24 - because Vancouver drinks tons of it and for good reason. But their <b>Nicosia Vineyard Malbec 2013 </b>at $100 shows just how far you can go with that varietal - into the stratosphere of excellence! I also love their <b>Alta Chardonnay 2015</b> at $39.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Chile</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another country that produces fabulous wines - go to <b>Vina Montes</b> and try the <b>Purple Angel 2015 </b>- it is outstanding Carmenere! At $75 it is not cheap and the price has gone up a fair bit in the last few years - but that's because it's well worth it. Carmenere disappeared from Europe but this "Jurassic Park" grape as Montes calls it is superb and this is one of Chile's best expressions of its excellence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Okay - I've now definitely run out of time and haven't scratched the surface of all the great wines and wineries at the </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Vancouver International Wine Festival! If you're going today - I hope this helps and if you aren't - it was sold out ages ago - you may still find some of these fine wines at your liquor/wine store. </span><br />
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<br />Bill Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03304971610140279157noreply@blogger.com0