Coupled as a romantic getaway for me and my lovely lady, visiting the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia was one of discovery and wonder. Being an Atlantic Canadian, wines were never one of our most famous products and even if we love our wine, beer and spirits, local wines were never on our to drink lists.
But as we discovered, the Valley has taken on an identity of wine making and excellence in their craft. As a cool climate growing region, their whites are flavorful, floral, acidic and delightful. Great food wines all around and just to see the various wineries produce wines on different levels is fantastic.
Gaspereau's Muscat, Luckett's Ortega, and Blomidon's Tidal Bay (the only NS Appelation) were some of my favorites. Full flavor, great balance in all of these wines, and some of them could fool international judges in thinking thy were top Old World whites!!
One vineyard we didn't have the chance to visit, but I had the priviledge to taste their 04' Brut sparkling wine against a 04' Crystal Champagne, was Benjamin Bridges, in which most people preferred. A almight pricey tasting, by appointment only, but worthwhile visit and personnel guided tour.
All around the Annapolis Valley has great things to offer. It has great wine, great food, great people and a beautiful country side.
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Charton Hobbs Wine Dinner
I had the pleasure of preparing a 9 course wine dinner with Troy Gould, the representative for Charlton Hobbs. A dinner that spanned 9 food courses paired with 9 fantastic wines. We were 16 at a small gathering at his home and the night flowed with wine from Chile and Italy. Great heavy hitters like Barolo, Amarone and Brunello came out and I think I scored on the food!
Carmen Viognier
Seared Scallop w Curry Crème Fraiche
Carmen Sauvignon Blanc
Shrimp Ceviche
Batisiolo Barolo
Spaghetti Bolognese
Batisiolo Dolcetto
Meat balls with Sweet Tomato Sauce
Banfi Brunello
BBQ Back Ribs with Balsamic Caramel
Banfi Cum Laude
Sliders with Creamy Blue Cheese and Blackberry Compote
Masi Costasera Amarone
Raspberry and Espresso Parmesan Chips on Baguette
Masi Serego Aligheri Amarone
BBQ Rib Eye with Red Wine Marinated Mushrooms
Rose Regale
Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries
These types of events are defenitly my passion! Great wine, great food (in my opinion anyways) and a great way to spend a night!
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