From the Prestige Dinner, held this past Saturday at the Tate House in Shediac that kicks of the festival every year, to the lunches throughout the week at the Moncton Market, to the final Grand Tastings on November 9th and 10th. There is something to learn almost everyday.
I started the week by attending the Alliance Loire Luncheon at the Moncton Market. At 30$ a ticket, it was more than worth the price. A great tasting of 7 wines from the Loire Valley in France as well as having 3 courses prepared by Chef Emmanuel Charretier from L'Idylle in Dieppe.
Loire, in the west side of France, has a particular interests for Atlantic Canada. It has roots for many Acadians as well as being home to great seafood, similar climate conditions, and great access to the Atlantic Ocean. Since the climate is cooler, it makes for the perfect place to grow white grapes, in particular Sauvignon Blanc. This is one of their best known grape varieties. Crisp, refreshing, and light, the Loire Valley has great wines to offer. With the Alliance Loire heading our way, a co-op of wine producers and makers, we will hopefully be able to have access to more and more of their products.
I have to say that not knowing too much about this region going into the lunch, I came out with a great wealth of knowledge and appreciating the wines far more than if I wouldv'e tasted them on my own. One of the great things about these lunches is that the price of the tickets are pretty much the same as a lunch and a drink anywheres downtown.
Great value, learning new things, drinking wine at noon, tasting great food, in my eyes nothing is wrong and everything is right at anyone of these events.
