SOKOL BLOSSER EVOLUTION RED HITS SHELVES IN CALGARY

Photography courtesy Sokol Blosser

"Thirteen years after ‘advancing the entire wine universe a notch or two’ with Evolution White, Sokol Blosser introduces its worthy companion...  Evolution Red."

Evolution Red is a complex, red wine created from an unexpected blend of varietals, though Blosser is mum on the specific grapes.  The soft and approachable red is fruit forward, with hints of spice and a soft velvety finish.  Great for stews, and braised dishes, or even pizza! 

 

www.sokolblosser.com


You may visit the NEW Spring 2012 digital edition of City Style and Living magazine (also available in print) at the following address (follow the three simple steps to access the full magazine, online) :

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2) click on the 'front cover' image, on the left hand side of your screen
3) to flip through the e-magazine, click on the bottom right hand corner
of the magazine, just as you would our print magazine!

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BILL HARDY OF HARDY'S HOSTS TASTING AT WILLOW PARK WINES AND SPIRITS

 

 The beginning of the presentation by Bill Hardy Global Brand Ambassador of Hardy's

 

Bottles from the tasting

 

 The tasting flight

Bill Hardy Global Brand Ambassador Hardy's Wines

It may well be the second most powerful wine brand in the world with two million glasses of its wine drunk every day according to Intangible Business but to Bill Hardy Global Brand Ambassador Hardy's Wines, it is simply the family business.  The fifth generation of his family to work at the Australian winery, Hardy spoke to an intimate crowd gathered at Willow Park Wines and Spirits about his spirited grandmother (who inspired an entire line of wines), why blending is not to be dismissed ("the French are prouder of their non-vintage champagne than their vintage") and why Australian wines are moving toward developing a savoury finish to their already fruit laden flavour.

Beginning with a riesling and eventually ending with a cabernet, guests tasted seven wines from Hardy's portfolio.  The highlights are below:

1. HRB D644 Riesling 2010 - HRB stands for Heritage Reserve Bin.  What does the number mean?  Hardy explained that  in the 1920s the company began a system of blend books from A1 through A999.  The subsequent numbers would be B1 through B999.  Eventually the systems was abandoned with the introduction of computers.  Recently the company decided to revive the numbering system for this second top range in their portfolio.  The number will change with every wine bottled.  The wines which boasts one third Riesling from Tasmania's cooler climate shows Germanic floral, elderflower

2. Eileen Hardy Chardonnay 2008 - "This is the best chardonnay we make.  We put out our best wine under my grandmother's name.  It has a Burgundian character.  It has a spicy show like Grannie."

3. Oomoo GSM 2010 - Grenache Shiraz and Mourvèdre/Mataró.  Oomoo is an Aboriginee word meaning good.  "Lighter in colour and structure because of grenache dominance - softer, spicier, rounder.  This is winning over fans."

4. Oomoo Shiraz 2007 -  "Prune, dark cherry.  This pairs well with lamb, osso bucco, duck, goose and slow cooked foods."

5. Eileen Hardy Shiraz 2004 - "Like my grandmother lovely stylish elegance - an iron fist in a velvet glove."

6. HRB D363 Cabernet 2006 - "Classical variety and the second most planted grape in Australia after Shiraz.  Minty, menthol, violet."

7.  Thomas Hardy Cabernet 2006 - "Three quarters is from Coonawarra and one quarter from Adelaide Hills.  It is a blend never put together before the 2006 vintage.  It is a question of depth and length of flavours moving from the HRB to Thomas Hardy."

www.hardys.com.au
www.willowpark.net

You may visit the NEW Spring 2012 digital edition of City Style and Living magazine (also available in print) at the following address (follow the three simple steps to access the full magazine, online) :

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LIFFORD GRAND TASTING AT CATCH CALGARY

 

Guests of the Saverio Schralli/Lifford Grand Tasting at Catch

 Ruud Maasdam founder and winemaker at Staete Landt Wines

 A waiter pouring soup for the first course

A bottle of Santa Margherita Chianti Classico

 Bruno Zaratin of Santa Margherita

 Dessert at Catch

 A bottle of Chocalan Gran Reserva Blend 2007

 Aida Toro owner and manager of Vina Chocalan

Wine and spirits makers from Saverio Schralli/Lifford gathered at Catch restaurant in Calgary to showcase their respective brands, including:

Amity Vineyards (Oregon)
Viña Arboleda/Seña (Chile)
Boutinet (France)
Ca’ del Bosco (Italy) 
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte (France)
Craggy Range Winery (New Zealand)

De Bortoli (Australia)  

Hollick Wines (Australia)  

Humberto Canale (Argentina)

Mitchell Wines (Australia)  

Rivera (Italy)  

Rocca Delle Macie (Italy)

Santa Margherita (Italy) 

Shingleback (Australia)  

Staete Landt (New Zealand)

Tenuta Il Poggione (Italy)  

Travaglini (Italy)  

Viña Echeverria (Chile)

Bowmore (Scotland)  

Forty Creek Whisky (Ontario)  

Luxardo (Italy)

U’Luvka Vodka (Poland)

CSL spoke with three brand representatives:

Ruud Maasdam founder and winemaker at Staete Landt Wines touted New Zealand as a "purist terroir.  If there are no rules then everything is game.  It is virgin land." Converting a former apple orchard into a winery in 1997, he has been exporting to Canada since his first harvest and currently produces approximately 12 000 cases a year.  "We are a boutique winery."

Bruno Zaratin of Santa Margherita grew up in Italy.  "I was raised on people congregating together in conviviality.  You become friends over a bottle of wine."  Santa Margherita, which he calls a wine that is recognized throughout the world has been devoted to the foreign market almost since its inception in the 1930s.  The turning point came in the 1960s with pinot grigio, an overnight success that catapulted the company to worldwide renown.

Aida Toro of Vina Chocalan in Chile believes that "everyone is excited about Chile and its potential.  Everyday new valleys are being discovered for winemaking."  Her family owned estate was founded 14 years ago in conjunction with her bottle maker father.  Though initially producing solely red wines, due to demand, the company has recently purchased land to product white wines. "My father is a wine lover and it was his dream to produce wine.  Chocalan is making dreams come true."

www.liffordwineagency.com
www.chocalanwines.com
www.staetelandt.co.nz
www.santamargherita.com

 

You may visit the NEW Spring 2012 digital edition of City Style and Living magazine (also available in print) at the following address (follow the three simple steps to access the full magazine, online) :

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CELEBRATING 40 YEARS WITH A CLOS DU VAL TASTING AT RUSH

Clos du Val 2009 Chardonnay. Chilled perfectly, the bright citrus notes with a creamy nose and soft oak was a great introduction to the tasting.
This is a Chardy to stock up on for Spring.

Beautifully displayed cheese platter and cold cuts from the team at Rush

The selection of library wines at the tasting

Guests talk with representatives from Clos du Val

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Mark, smiling for the camera

An artistic display of cheese and nuts from Rush

Tracey (Clos du Val) pouring a glass for a guest at the tasting

2012 marks the 40th anniversary of Clos du Val. Founded by two French men, John Goelet and Bernard Portet, the Clos du Val vineyards are headquartered in Stags Leap California. The pair wanted to re-create Bordeaux style wines in North America, and in 1972 quickly bought land in Los Carneros (to produce Burgundy styles: pinot noir and chardonnay), and 150 acres of land in Stags Leap.

We were privileged to try a range of styles, including four 'library' vintages including CSL's personal favourite, the 1986 Cabernet Sauvignon (on a side note, during the French Culinary Institute Wine Tasting in 1986, Clos Du Val Winery won first place). This is a bold red with ripe tannins, and earthiness with hints of wood and coffee.

www.closduval.com

You may visit the NEW Spring 2012 digital edition of City Style and Living magazine (also available in print) at the following address (follow the three simple steps to access the full magazine, online) :

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PRIMAL ROOTS WINE NOW IN ALBERTA!!!

Photography courtesy Primal Roots

The true essence of Primal Roots begins with the raw qualities of Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel which are artfully blended to create a smooth, full-bodied, sensual wine. The Merlot provides aromas of raspberry, red currants and mocha along with fine-grained tannins that create a soft, luxurious texture. Merlot is the varietal that keeps this wine ‘grounded.’

Syrah lends a deep purple colour, silky texture and balanced structure to the wine. Aromas of violets, black currants and a gentle earthiness are accentuated by flavours of dried cherry, dark chocolate and vanilla spice.

Zinfandel is concentrated and rich yet soft on the palate and loaded with black cherry, clove and wild blackberry. Known for its spicy characters, the Zinfandel rounds out the wine by adding a touch of warm spice.

Aged in 100% Oak.

Primal Roots Red Blend California, 2010; $13.95 (approx)
www.primalrootswines.com

You may visit the NEW Spring 2012 digital edition of City Style and Living magazine (also available in print) at the following address (follow the three simple steps to access the full magazine, online) :

1) go to http://www.citystyleandliving.com
2) click on the 'front cover' image, on the left hand side of your screen
3) to flip through the e-magazine, click on the bottom right hand corner
of the magazine, just as you would our print magazine!

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RIEDEL SOMMELIER TASTING AT WILLOW PARK WINES AND SPIRITS

A box with three wine glasses from the event

David Sander's personal stemless wine glass that he carries while travelling

Sanders demonstrating decanting with Riedel's Eve

Riedel Sommeliers Montrachet/Chardonnay glass

Riedel Sommeliers Burgundy Grand Cru/Pinot Noir glass

Riedel Sommeliers Bordeaux Grand Cru/Cabernet/Merlot glass

Sanders with Eve (the Riedel decanter)

Michael Bigattini is all smiles
Photography K&S Media

"How many people think that a wine glass makes a difference in the taste of a wine"? David Sanders, agent for Riedel for Alberta and British Columbia begins. Along with Michael Bigattini of Willow Park Wines and Spirits the two presented a lively and enthusiastic tasting, lauding the efficacy, innovation and brilliance of Riedel glasses. So enamoured is Sanders of the Austrian glassware, he even carries a portable stemless glass in his carry on luggage when traveling.

Sanders and Bigattini led a group through a tasting of three wines in their respective and appropriate glasses noting that we use all five senses in the wine tasting process. The difference in taste can be attributed to the 'architecture' of the glass. "It's simple physics", Sanders explains.

Three Riedel glasses were used: Sommeliers Montrachet/Chardonnay, Sommeliers Burgundy Grand Cru/ Pinot Noir, and Sommeliers Bordeaux Grand Cru/Cabernet/ Merlot. Contrasting the taste of the wine in the Riedel glasses with a plastic cup and regular tasting wine glass, it was remarkable how the taste of each wine morphed.

In the Sommeliers Montrachet glass Bigattini served 2006 Joseph Drouhin Pouilly Fuisse. The low wide shape was dubbed an "acid-finder" by Sanders.

In the Sommeliers Burgundy Grand Cru Bigattini served 2005 Joseph Drouhin Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru the fluted lip dubbed "the magic glass" or affectionately as "the bucket." It is a gorgeous glass with artistic lines (no wonder it is a museum piece).

In the Sommeliers Bordeaux Grand Cru Bigattini served 2004 Croix de Beaucallou St-Julien where the foot of the glass balanced the wine inside.

What was interesting is the way each wine changed according to glass or plastic cup becoming at times thin, flabby or less pronounced on the palate.

How does Sanders recommend cleaning these beauties? Miele glass cleaner, with warm water. Polishing the glasses requires a light hand, supporting the bulb of the glass, never holding the stem.

So now instead of the popular toast cin, cin heard round the table, with Riedel, the message will be a resonant, bellowing clink clink!

www.willowparkwines.com
www.riedel.com

You may visit the Winter 2011/12 digital edition of City Style and Living magazine (also available in print) at the following address (follow the three simple steps to access the full magazine, online) :

1) go to http://www.citystyleandliving.com
2) click on the 'front cover' image, on the left hand side of your screen
3) to flip through the e-magazine, click on the bottom right hand corner
of the magazine, just as you would our print magazine!

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HEAVEN TASTES ALOT LIKE YALUMBA 2007 VIRGILIUS VIOGNIER

Ready, set, sip: The selection of Yalumba wines for the tasting

Bottles of Yalumba on display

The animated storyteller herself, Jane Ferrari
Photos copyright K&S Media 2012

Winemaker - communicator Jane Ferrari of Yalumba stopped by Calgary for a tasting and education lesson at Willowpark Wines.

Located in the Barossa Valley Australia Yalumba is owned by the Smith family. Ferrari is a crusader, passionate, to say the least, and the evening contained a fair share of interesting history, personal anecdotes, a re-enactment of a bank commercial (involving the Smith family), a fantastic tasting and a rousing wine related story about a U2 concert and a backstage pass gone awry.

And the moral of this story to quote Ms. Ferrari?, "Don't be a wanker."

Yalumba wines are just not for connoisseurs, but appeal to the palates of those who appreciate the legacy that is "Australia's oldest family owned winery."

Yalumba is available at Willowpark Wines and Spirits in Calgary (*note: the new shipment of Yalumba 'The Virgilius' Eden Valley Viognier 2009 has just landed in store- run don't walk to try this out). Also during the evening guests were invited to enjoy the 2007 Virgilius - what a treat.

www.yalumba.com

You may visit the Winter 2011/12 digital edition of City Style and Living magazine (also available in print) at the following address (follow the three simple steps to access the full magazine, online) :

1) go to http://www.citystyleandliving.com
2) click on the 'front cover' image, on the left hand side of your screen
3) to flip through the e-magazine, click on the bottom right hand corner
of the magazine, just as you would our print magazine!

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CELEBRATE WITH WINEFEST 2012

Winefest Calgary is back for its 20th year of all inclusive wine sampling from premier local and international wine producers. Featuring 236 wines from over 57 wineries, The Big Four at Stampede Park will play host to wine lovers from across the city. Patrons will be treated to hors d’oeuvres to complement their beverage selections.

Some of the highlights of Winefest include:

Wines from across the globe, including award-winning wines from Canada, Spain, Argentina and the USA;

Organic wines including Ecofrog; USA Copa Di Vino booth which will be featuring ready to serve ‘cups of wine’ and much more!

www.celebratewinefest.com/calgary.html

You may visit the Winter 2011/12 digital edition of City Style and Living magazine (also available in print) at the following address (follow the three simple steps to access the full magazine, online) :

1) go to http://www.citystyleandliving.com
2) click on the 'front cover' image, on the left hand side of your screen
3) to flip through the e-magazine, click on the bottom right hand corner
of the magazine, just as you would our print magazine!

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WILLOWPARK WINES AND SPIRITS BUBBLES AT NOON...NOTHING BETTER

The selection of sparkling wine and Champagne for the event (post consumption). Guests began the afternoon with a take on a Kir Royal (champagne and creme de cassis), with a Kir Regina: Saskatoon berry juice and extra dry fagetto (Michael Biggatini's own concoction). Biggatini decided on a tour around the globe, through bubbles.

Buttery, crisp and flaky croissants from Willowpark Gold and Country Club chefs

Willowpark Wines and Spirits coinnaiseur Michael Biggatini sabers a bottle of sparkling. Impressive and entertaining. "I used to have this rusty machete I used to sabre with, but it got lost. This is a beautiful fine sabre."

The main: Seared filet of salmon (topped with creme fraiche and beluga caviar) with a potato rosti, poached egg with blood orange hollandaise, and asparagus wrapped with prosciutto all topped with shaved white truffle.

Italy: Adami Prosecco. Made in the methode Charmat (fermentation in a stainless steel tank) from the Griollo grape, this is a soft sparkling with less acidity.

Spain: Pares Balta Cava. Cellaring the bubbles in caves, three grapes are found in this bold and more acidic sparkling.

France: Chateau de Targe. A sparkling from the Loire valley made with chenin blanc grapes. Crisp and sharp.

"I love this plaque, it reminds me of a Monet," Biggatini offers.

California: Laetitia, Rose. Made with Pinot Noir. "This is my favourite American Sparkling right now," Biggatini tells us. A rounder, fuller sparkling with yeasty complexity. A 'masculine' style.

France: Billecart Salmon Brut reserve NV Champagne.
(Not pictured) Australia: Emeri muscat.

The delectable desserts including a cream puff and custard tart.

The Chefs and Michael Biggatini.

Photo's K&S Media

On a windy lazy Sunday in Calgary, a group of guests joined Willowpark wines and spirits expert Michal Biggatini for a tour around the globe via bubbles. "This is such a nice way to start the day, don't you think?" he asked. Plenty of stories and laughter filled the store (Biggatini is a riot and his humour is easy), with a beautiful brunch provided by Chef David Leudage and Ben Massine of Willowpark Golf and Country club.

What better start (and end) to Grey cup weekend?

For more great wine and spirits events, visit:
www.willowpark.net

You may visit the Fall 2011 digital edition of City Style and Living magazine (also available in print) at the following address (follow the three simple steps to access the full magazine, online) :

1) go to http://www.citystyleandliving.com
2) click on the 'front cover' image, on the left hand side of your screen
3) to flip through the e-magazine, click on the bottom right hand corner

of the magazine, just as you would our print magazine!

Follow us on twitter @CityStyleMag

WILLOW PARK WINES AND SPIRITS 18th CHARITY WINE AUCTION

With the Hollywood Glam theme for the evening in mind, CSL's question of the evening,
Q: Who is your favourite Hollywood celebrity, and if you met them, what would you toast with?

Marlene (pictured above) from Eclipse, dressed as her idol Audrey Hepburn.
A: "Audrey Hepburn. She was a great Humanitarian, and we would toast with Champagne!"

Peggy Perry of Willow Park
A: "Sandra Bullock. I just love her. We would toast with Charles de Casanove rose."

Tiramisu

A tasty offering from one of the many chefs who were present

A creamy, warm Lobster Bisque with mini wontons warmed guests up, served alongside Pork tenderloin and delicious duck confit grilled cheese from caterer Janet Lewis. Best dishes of the evening!

Janet Lewis of Janet Lewis Catering plating up her dishes

The Grand Marnier display featured a ice sculpture drink luge

Mario Bollag from Terralsole.
A: "Nicole Kidman, I like them tall. We would toast with Terralsole Brunello di Montalcino."

Sous chef and Executive chef Kyle Groves (right) from Catch

Hazelnut truffles in mini cones from the Calgary Stampede

Grilled lamb popsicle with a mushroom duxelle and topped with an olive from The Calgary Stampede

Lamb in pastry on a pea puree from Hotel Arts

Charles de Cazanove Champagne (pictured, rose) was served throughout the evening

Flourless chocolate cake from Buzzards

The lively crew from Kinjo sushi

Some of the items up for auction

Wayne Henuset owner of Willow Park Wines and Spirits with wife Liz.

Wayne: "James Bond - Roger Moore. We would toast with Dom Perignon champagne. For the millennium Willow Park had the most bottles of Dom Perignon anywhere in the world."

Liz: " Julia Roberts. I love her. We would toast with Dom Perignon."

Susan Atkins of Borden Ladner Gervais.
A: "Audrey Hupburn. We would toast with Grand Marnier"

Cathy Simpson of Simpson and Associates.
A: "Robert Redford. I love him. I think that every woman has a fantasy of sitting in a chair and having her hair shampooed by him. We would toast with Selosse Champagne. I also love bad boys: Gary Oldman, Sam Sheppard, and Ryan Gosling is a great young actor."

Grand Marnier cocktail

Inducting honorary Calgarians with a white hat ceremony

Chocolates from Leonidas

The ladies from Pacific Wines and Spirits, serving a gorgeous Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Executive Chef Bob Matthews of La Chaumiere with foie gras toasts

Rush's tuna nicoise with dehydrated olive, tomato powder and potato lattice

The crowd enjoying the festivities

The always lavish display from Great Events

Brightly coloured tuna push pops topped with roe from Great Events

Glasses emblazoned with the Willow Park logo and filled with Champagne

(left) Pascal Desjardins and Chef Nicole from Nicole Gourmet

Appetizers from Nicole Gourmet

A North-African/Meditteranean merguez and olive appetizer from Nicole Gourmet

Marc (Nobilis) sampling a beautiful Chateau Bouscaut 2008 and Chateau La Serre 2006

David Michiels (Willow Park whisky buyer)
A:"Gregory Peck. He was such a suave guy, I like the old world. We would drink a 1946 Macallan."

Charlie Chaplin makes an appearance (as played by Greg Travnicek who did not break character once during the night)

The coffee station

Wonder woman Cynthia (Pacific Wines and Spirits) and the Blues Brothers Lance (from Vintage Group) and Bill (Edmonton Police)
A (Cynthia) : "George Clooney- my favourite actor has to have a degree of sophistication and culture so we can enjoy port together. We would toast with Fonseca Port while in Porto."

A warm banana cake with caramel ice cream from Earls.

Earls Chef preparing desserts

Another Chef from Earls smiles for the camera

Bailey's shots with truffles and chocolate- banana mini cones from Great Events

Maggie Couper (nurse)
A: "James Dean. He had a classic style that transcends the ages. We would toast with champagne. A classic drink to classic style.

Tyler (PMA) and Offley Port (the 20 yr old port was a very nice end to the evening)

Fozzie bear and Audrey Hepburn, because they are the most obvious couple right?
Photo's by K&S Media

The 18th Annual Willow Park Wine and Spirits Charity Wine Auction was themed Hollywood Glam. Audrey Hepburn, Cleopatra, Charlie Chaplin and Wonder Woman all made appearances at the event, with proceeds benefiting: Habitat for Humanity, Kids Cancer Care, Prostate Cancer Centre, Southern Alberta Institute of Urology, The Calgary Homeless Foundation, The Mustard Seed, The Poppy Fund & Veterans Food Bank, and the University of Calgary.

With food from several Calgary's restaurants and caterers: Rush, Chefs Table, Belgo, Bonterra Trattoria, Calgary Stampede, Nicole Gourmet, La Chaumiere, Kinjo sushi, Vintage Chophouse, Leonidas, Great Events, Patisserie du Soleil (to name a few) and spirits, libations and wine from a plethora of houses from Big Rock to Antinori, Clos du val to Chateau vignot, the event was a success, bustling till the wee hours of the morning. Congrats to all of the volunteers, sponsors, participants and attendees. Here's to next year!

www.willowpark.net

You may visit the Fall 2011 digital edition of City Style and Living magazine (also available in print) at the following address (follow the three simple steps to access the full magazine, online) :

1) go to http://www.citystyleandliving.com
2) click on the 'front cover' image, on the left hand side of your screen
3) to flip through the e-magazine, click on the bottom right hand corner

of the magazine, just as you would our print magazine!

Follow us on twitter @CityStyleMag