deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

My trip to France did not get off to a good start, with the connecting flight from Montreal to Paris delayed by 1.5 hours due to lightning, and then sitting on the runway for another 15 minutes for equipment corrections. However, it was a blessing that my arrival day was a religious holiday in France, and the 10:30 train from Paris to Cholet in the Loire Valley was not available, because the plane only arrived at 10am and to have cleared customs and catch the train would have been impossible. With my good luck spurring me on, I navigated the tgv train and arrived safely in Cholet as a guest of Marc Vigneron of Nobilis Wines and his lovely wife Monique.

I don’t think i’ve ever konked out like the 8 hours sleep that came afterwards (old age). With a packed scheduled, we set out to visit the owner and winemaker Comtesse Evelyne de Pontbriand of Clos du Closel in Saviennieres, home of the great dry Chenin Blancs of the region – these wines are not for the faint of heart. The expression still have the honeycombe beeswax nose, but the palate is crushingly bone dry, but what class here. The entry level Jalousie was impressive, and the tete de cuvee ‘Clos du Papillons 2007’ is magnificent and truly a vin de garde (Baumard is the only other winery that also produces this Grand Cru). These are undoubtedly food wines, and not for deck sipping by themselves. But if you appreciate terroir wines and a winemakers’ efforts in the biodynamic realm, you will appreciate this terroir, the minerality, sharp acidity and history that are expressed by this house. Saviennieres are probably the first white wine that this writer has encountered that requires as much brain power as palate power to appreciate. With a tasting inside the historic 11th century ornate tasting room, this is a fiine way to start this trip with!

Tomorrow, we visit with Jean-Louis Saget..

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Author: Dirk Chan

First, thanks everyone for coming out yesterday for the Third annual “Al Fresco 104th St. Block Party” and fundraiser for E4C’s Edmonton School Lunch Program – the event was a smashing success – well attended, raised a lot of money for the charity (final tallies to come in a future blog), and the weather for the third year in a row was outstanding. It is the kind of excitement of everyone which build community spirit and make Edmonton the great city that it is. Our special thanks to all the volunteers, without which this event would not happen.

To view the auction results, click here..

But the fun is not over yet, we have a post Al Fresco event to bring to fruition, the Hardware Grill Luncheon, with proceeds to be donated to E4C. Chef Larry Stewart will prepare a three course lunch, including a takeaway for dessert. Please make every effort to attend this event. More info and registration here..

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Author: Dirk Chan

On June 11^th, 2011 beginning at 1pm, downtown Edmonton will host the Third annual “Al Fresco 104th St. Block Party” and fundraiser for E4C’s Edmonton School Lunch Program. The event not only celebrates the start of summer, but also works to increase awareness of locally owned businesses on, and around, 104th St. by hosting a one of a kind event in benefit of a worthy cause.

The “Al Fresco 104th St. Block Party” was conceived and developed as a community event. The businesses and residents along 104th St. believe that downtown Edmonton is a vibrant and growing community and want to share their enthusiasm in the name of a worthy cause. In 2010, over $23,000 was raised by the 104th-St. community for the E4C School Lunch Program. 8,000 people turned out to support the event and celebrate in the downtown core.

This year, organizers have been working diligently since the beginning of the year, we are hopeful for a crowd of 10,000 people and raising $30,000 for the E4C School Lunch Program this time around. Please mark your calendar for a heavy date of fun, food, wine, entertainment, parade and community spirit.

In the meantime, please visit the Al Fresco On-line Auction, with over 70 items open for bidding.. check it out here..

Complete details of participants, scheduled events coming this week..

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our final paid fundraiser for Al Fresco and E4C School Lunch Program will feature a library tasting of famed Rioja producer Sierra Cantabria.

Please join Michael Fregen of Christopher Stewart Wine & Spirits as we host a tasting of this exclusive 108 hectare estate, founded by Guillermo Eguren and now run by fourth generation winemaker Marcos Eguren.

Sierra Cantabria has come to the forefront of Spanish wineries in the last 15 years. This is from the extreme care that they give to their vineyards, located in the best terrain of Rioja, the savoir-faire of Marcos and his price-conscious policies. Vineyards are located in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, one of the most famous towns in Rioja, known for the quality of its grapes. The wines are carefully hand de-stemmed and are still foot pressed. The grapes are sourced on 267 acres (108 ha), from 1,440-1,740 ft. above sea level (480-580 m), spread among the towns of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Labastida, and Laguardia.

The proportions of grapes are 91% Tempranillo, 3% Malvasia, and 6% Viura. 75% of the production comes from their own vineyards, the rest they buy from local growers. They have been doing ecologically conscious agriculture in their own vineyards for the last 12 years. Average production 0.5 t/acre (hectare is 5,000 kg). The soil is composed of Clay-lime, the best soil of Rioja. The climate is Continental, with the influence of winds from the Atlantic, but protected from more severe weather by the Sierra Cantabria Mountains.

This is a rare opportunity to try some of these world class wines some of which have never been poured in Western Canada! The feature wine is the 2004 El Pundito, Wine Enthusiast’s #1 Wine of the Year in 2007. Funds from this event will help us put on the 3rd Annual Al Fresco Block Party scheduled for Saturday, June 11th. Only 18 seats available for this high-end sit-down tasting so book soon here..

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Author: Annabelle Evaristo

Sabor Divino and deVine’s are proud to present a wine dinner this coming Tuesday, May 17th at 6:30pm at Sabor Divino with the owner of Encostas de Estremoz, Joana Castro Duarte who will be joined by her father and the honorary Portuguese counsel Aurelio Fernandes.

Located in the Alentego in Southern Portugal’s vast wine growing region, Encostas de Estremoz is famous for their wines and their olive oils. Learn how to pronounce this Portuguese tongue twister and learn how sunburn plays a role in this region while you enjoy a three course dinner, prepared by Chef Lino and paired with four wines. Price includes both taxes and gratuity. Only 24 spots available on a first come, first serve basis to attend this bargain of an event. To avoid any confusion in terms of registrations, please book only with Sabor Divino (10220 – 103 Street on the Boardwalk) online here.. or by phone at 780-757-1144

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Author: Ed Fong & Annabelle Evaristo

Just when you think you have heard it all, they come up with another wild and crazy idea! “Wine Guy” Ed Fong, “Travel Gal” Annabelle Evaristo and “Food Guy” Daniel Costa are teaming up to form a new wine and culinary travel company aptly, named Terra Globetrotters.

Ed Fong and Annabelle Evaristo are managing partners of deVine Wines & Spirits, Edmonton’s premier fine wine store. Now open for six years in downtown Edmonton, deVine Wines has earned a reputation for providing great customer service and a world class selection of fine wines and spirits. deVine Wines has just been named “Best Wine Store” by the readers of See and Vue Magazine for the third year in a row.

Daniel Costa has recently taken the restaurant scene in Edmonton by a storm with the opening of his new digs, Corso 32. Daniel’s passion for creating authentic Italian food served in a sexy, yet cozy setting, has helped ignite interest in our local dining scene. His family roots in Campania, Italy, are the source of his inspiration in the kitchen. The readers of Vue Magazine have just named Corso 32 “Best Italian Restaurant” in Edmonton.

The Fun Begins!

Ed, Annabelle and Daniel are launching their first wine and culinary tour this fall. You can join them for an exciting 14 day tour of Italy now!

We can promise you this won’t be your ordinary travel “packaged”” tour experience. Why? Well, how often do you get to explore a country and your passion for wine and food with three personal tour guides who are in “the know”? And you will travel in comfort and style! You will be staying in Three and Four Star Hotels throughout your tour and you will be transported in a private van by an experienced driver.

You can read all the details in Word doc format here

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Author: Dirk Chan

The Wine Regions series is now in full swing, and this next edition features Central Italy with its famous regions of Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Tuscany and is scheduled for next Thursday, May 12 at 7pm.

Italy is famous for its Chianti, from the much travelled Tuscany region near Florence and Pisa. Made from the fruity Sangiovese grape, we will taste various versions including Chianti and a Ruffina Riserva. Brunello di Montalcino is made from a special clone of Sangiovese and considered the creme de la creme of this grape with the earlier drinking Rosso and then the long aging Brunello and its Riservas.

Finally, we will taste the so-called Super Tuscans, though officially known as Vina da Tavola (table wine) is technically the lowlife of the region because of its non-adherence to regulations and laws, but to the wine connoisseurs of the world, these are the best of Italian wines (and priced accordingly). Some of them are 100% Sangiovese, but numerous others are blended with international varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah. Central Italy has delectable food and these wines are made to showcase that and are wonderful for pairing. If we can find a good one, we’ll start off the evening with a Lambrusco red bubblie.

You can sign up for the event here..

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Author: Dirk Chan

The wine regions of France are pretty fabulous and that’s the ultimate understatement. Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace, Sauterne, Champagne, Rhone are pretty glamorous and very expensive – all have established followings. Thus, it is little wonder that the Loire Valley in northern France is under-appreciated – alas, it deserves your attention nonetheless. There is no 1855 classification or 1er and Grand Cru’s here, but just well made and inexpensive wines.

There are two grapes in play here , the white Chenin Blanc and the red Cabernet Franc. The fabulous white grape Chenin Blanc is produced in still, bubblie and dessert styles with its glycerin, oily honeycomb and beeswax personna with amazing acidity. The Anjoy Chenin Blancs are dry with quince and apples. In Vouvray, it is off-dry with lovely floral characteristics. When left on the vines to develop noble rot, viscous dessert wines are mesmerizing with considerable ability to age. The red grape is Cabernet Franc (normally used as a blending grape in Bordeaux) in all its glory – full of florals, wild flowers, flavorful, tannic, complex and earthy. This early ripening grape with its chalky character and disease resistent character is a thrill to enjoy and easy to appreciate.

Please join us for our next Wine Regions series tasting – The Loire Valley this coming Thursday, May 5 at the store at 7pm as we taste both the Chenin Blanc and the Cabernet Franc. Let’s discover a region that should surely be more renown than it is. You may discover a new favourite. Menu and signup here..

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Author: Hayley McRae

The spirits event of the Year! We are excited to present this fun-filled stand-up seminar and tasting hosted by Audrey Fort of EWG Spirits and Philip Duff, world renowned mixologist and Gin expert, featuring G’Vine gins, Excellia tequila and June liqueurs. Please join us Thursday April 28 at 7pm to learn about and taste through the history of Gin (components and final product) and associated cocktails.

The G’Vine Nouaison Gin we’ll be tasting was named ‘Best Distilled Gin in the world’ by renowned global authority Drinks International – it is distilled in Cognac with a botanical formula that includes green grape flowers resulting in a real unusual juniper kick that makes a great dry Martini.

The Excellia Reposado Tequila and the Excellia Anejo Tequila we’ll be tasting were both Double Gold Medal winners at the recent 11th Annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

This will be a well attended event, so please book early to avoid disappointment. We’ve been informed a third surprise guest will be present as well, it will be a hoot! More on the products and for registration, click here..

Philip Duff – Globetrotting cocktail guru, bar trainer, writer and Amsterdam speakeasy founder Philip Duff has been a leading figure in worldwide bartender training since forming Liquid Solutions Bar & Beverage Consulting in Rotterdam in 1999.

One of the world’s best-known bartenders among the mixology and media communities alike and a hilarious and engaging speaker, Philip’s sought-after bartender seminars have been attended by more than 10,000 students in over 100 cities around the globe and he has won awards and nominations from such institutions as the International Bartenders Association (IBA), the Flair Bartenders Association (FBA), Universidad del Cocktail (Argentina) and Tales of the Cocktail.
Also an in-demand writer, Philip writing has been widely published in magazines such as Mixology (Germany), BarLife (Czech Republic), Imbibe (UK), Imbibe (USA) and Australian Bartender. His articles have also appeared in Food & Wine (USA), Playboy, FHM, CLASS magazine, Bar & Beverage (Canada) and others too numerous to mention.

You can view a 2010 Vancouver YouTube video of Philip here..

Audrey Fort – Marketing and Business Development Director EWG Spirits and Wine After a master in international trade and Russian language, Audrey started her career in the luxury goods in Moscow where she developed her “fighting spirit” (well, 1997 was certainly still a wild period…)

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Author: Dirk Chan

Another Easter is upon us, and we are flooded with Easter Dinner wine pairing requests. If you have an unique dinner planned other than the traditional turkey and ham, then by all means bring your menu into the store or drop us a line, and we would be happy to choose specific matches to enhance your special evening. For those doing turkey and ham and all the cranberry fixings, here are a few favourites at deVine’s that will suit the bill nicely:

Bubbles:

Whites:

Rosés:

Reds:

Dessert:

Denouement:

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