This has been a very eventful week to say the least. A neighbour of mine just bought himself a
small four-seat aircraft. His new toy
however was in Calgary (2700km from Toronto ), so he asked me
if I’d go get it for him. I have just
returned from that trip. Incidentally, the same flight takes just under four hours in the Airbus…
I lost count at around the 13 hour mark in the new bug-smasher. All in all, an epic voyage at 100kts in a very cool
little machine. Thanks for the opportunity Jan!
With my feet now planted firmly back on terra firma, here is this
week’s delayed but delicious edition of Wine for the Weekend. Italy is the focus in this report,
with two bottles showcasing some grape varieties that you may not be familiar
with.
This week’s Wine Spot is a little off the beaten path, but I
am curious to know your opinion with respect to the marketing technique…
White
2010 Zenato, Soave
Classico – Veneto , Italy
Soave is a zone within the Veneto region, while Garganega is the principal grape in the blend that makes up this traditional Italian white. If you close your eyes while you drink this, you can
envision a place in the old-world where fruit does not always constitute the
primary profile of the wine – minerals abound with pronounced spice and a
refreshing streak of lime. It gets
better with every sip! $12.75 (268417) General list (dry)
Red
2010 Umani Ronchi, Montipagano – Montepulciano
d’Abruzzo, Italy
The label says it’s an organic wine made from the Montepulciano grape. Generally, I don’t care whether a wine is traditional,
organically grown, or biodynamic crafted; if it displays some form of
individuality and uniqueness of place, then I’m an easy sell. This example, from the Adriatic coast of
$13.95 (134585) Vintages (dry)
Satisfied with the five bottles I had chosen to taste for this week’s post, I
was on my way to the LCBO checkout when I passed by this marketing
ploy. Words (appropriate or otherwise)
cannot adequately describe my reaction as I paused to take a look…
For the record, the wine is ‘not bad’ and yes, I have tried
it on a few occasions. The variety is
Chardonnay which is sourced from numerous growing locations in the south of France . As most of you know, when I write about wine, I speak
about the atmosphere that it creates in a given environment and how it can enhance any social gathering. Of course, not every bottle we drink need be a classy affair either, but this one in my opinion takes the cake. My question for you is would you buy this
wine based on the overall marketing strategy that the producer has chosen?
… oh, for the record, I despise the entire package: It is mass-produced, tactfully offensive, and
grossly over-marketed. Furthermore, I am confused how a 25 cent pair of sun glasses will add to the appeal of the product?? To worsen the experience, as this bottle sat on our kitchen counter-top, my 9 year old curiously asked me what a ‘fat bastard’ is and could he have the glasses? Down
the drain and into the recycle bin for this week’s Wine Spot!
~> I’d love to hear your thoughts on a food & wine
pairing: What is your favourite
dish? And which wine highlights the
flavours of the food? Send me a quick note with your thoughts and I’ll publish it in a future edition of Wine for the
Weekend.
