In April the Wine Enthusiasts Club of Oakville (OWEC) held their first wine fair, esoterica. The afternoon was filled with wine of course, other libations, and food from 7 Numbers restaurants out of Toronto specializing in Southern Italian soul food and Savour This catering company from Oakville who prepared an array of savoury and sweet food items, welcome accompaniments for the drink samples. Over the next few weeks I will introduce you to the local Ontario wineries and agencies who participated in this terrific event.
Located in Toronto, grape is “an independent agency dedicated to bringing unique wines, beers, and spirits from around the world to Ontario” began in 2009. They are one of the largest private order agents in the province and have a few wines available in Vintages including Bien Nacido Vineyards Chardonnay 2011 from the Santa Maria Valley in central California. This wine which was awarded 93 points by Wine Advocate was hand harvested, barrel fermented with native yeast, and aged sur lie for 16 months in French oak.
Tre Amici Imports, also in Toronto, “is dedicated to representing passionate winemakers and elegant wines.” They have a wide range of products from several countries including wine, beer and spirits. Most are from Italy and France, and interestingly they have a dry white wine from Croatia, Gospoja Toljanić Zlahtina 2012.
Established in 1972, Mark Anthony Brands are “Producers & Purveyors of Outstanding Wines” with locations in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. They brought an impressive array of wines from the new world to the old world including my favourite of their samples, Brumont Tour Bouscassé 2009 from the Madiran AOP in southwestern France. A blend of Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, this wine has notes of blackberry and blackcurrant and a fair amount of tannin.
Rosewood Estates Winery located in the Beamsville Bench appellation of the Niagara Peninsula had their first harvest in 2006 and a good selection of wines available for sampling at the fair. Their Lock, Stock & Barrel vintage 2012 had yet to be released so this was a real treat, a blend of 32% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, and 9% Malbec. Once it is available you will want to get your hands on this one fast, as vintage 2011 is sold out!
Another great reason to head out to Niagara is for the annual Graze the Bench weekend in Beamsville on June 7th and 8th. This has become my favourite event in the region, this year with 8 wineries, 8 chefs, and 8 live bands, you can buy your tickets online or at any of the participating wineries including Rosewood Estates.
Thinking about wine events past and future, what's happening in Oakville? Karlo Estates from Prince Edward County (PEC) is presenting at the May monthly meeting of the Oakville Wine Enthusiasts Club.