27
Feb
2009
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Category: On the Road with the Grape Guy
Former film and commercial director Julian Castagna came to town and set up shop at the Fine Wine Reserve with six of his wines (his "entire portfolio"). Julian is a very interesting character; he left the film business in the nineties to take up winemaking. At first he bought grapes from area growers to see if he was adept at making wine - better to waste someone else's grapes than your own. In a bizarre twist of fate Julian’s two sons have undertaken each side of his persona: one has followed his father’s past path in film, while the other it is learning from dad now, as a winemaker. I tasted all six wines, two of which are made by his son. My top three picks are as follows (all wines are currently private order moving, hopefully, to consignment come the spring) ... (Read more)
To read about more interesting adventures thru the world of wine check out the On the Road With the Grape Guy blog.
25
Feb
2009
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Category: On the Road with the Grape Guy
Lifford Wine Agency had one of those notions that I've never heard of before - I think they call that "an innovative idea": invite bloggers to an evening tasting. Greeted at the door with a hearty handshake, one of the reps in attendance said to me, "it's nice to have writers here who'll actually write something." With less than twenty people in attendance plus (what seemed like), one agent for every attendee, Lifford paraded out twelve wines (1 Champagne, 4 whites, 7 reds) all now available, or soon to be available, at the LCBO. Liffords owner made a brief speech before the tasting began. His key phrase, that I am sure he wanted us all to remember, "we sell enjoyment", which he must have repeated three times; all he needed was the Casino Rama tagline, "big time", and I think he just might have a slogan for his next print ad. Anyway, here are my top selections from this evening's offerings ... (Read more)
To read about more interesting adventures thru the world of wine check out the On the Road With the Grape Guy blog.
