A Guided Tasting with Master of Wine Louise Wilson Cormier *sit down, tutored tasting* - Wilco Fine Beverage

You’re Invited to a Guided Tasting with Master of Wine Louise Wilson Cormier

Fine Wine Reserve members are invited to join Master of Wine Louise Wilson Cormier for an exclusive guided tasting of unique small batch wines from Piedmont, Rhône and Savoie. By focusing on wine styles, Louise will guide you through an exploration of new grape varieties, wine regions and winemaking techniques. There will be an opportunity to purchase the featured wines after the tasting. Save the tax on your favourite wines before the HST holiday ends Feb 15^th.

*This event is a sit down, tutored tasting. Please arrive 15 minutes prior, as the tasting will begin promptly at 5:30pm.

Limited space available. Reserve today!

FEATURED WINES

Nizza Silvano “Jemej” Roero Arneis 2023

Piedmont, Italy 

If you enjoy a crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or Grüner Veltliner, the 2023 Nizza Silvano Roero Arneis is a delightful alternative. Its aromatics are fresh and breezy, with highlights of citrus, honeydew melon and white flowers. On the palate, flavours of red apple, Meyer lemon, celery and white pepper trail into a generous mineral-woven finish. It is a perfect pairing for a seafood platter or a crunchy garden salad. Enjoy now through 2026. -LW

Domaine Chevalier Bernard Jongieux Gamay 2023 

Savoie, France

From the French wine region of Savoie, this is a stellar example of Gamay, with expressive aromas of cherry, violet and plum. The palate is loaded with layers of juicy fruit flavour— raspberry, cranberry and blueberry—kissed by a hint of fresh herb and a touch of black pepper. It is one to try for those who enjoy Cru Beaujolais. An excellent choice for roast turkey and trimmings or try with creamy mushroom rigatoni. Drinking beautifully through 2026. – LW 

Domiane Chevallier Bernard Jongieux Mondeuse 2023

Savoie, France

Mondeuse is a rare red wine grape found on the sloped vineyards of France’s Savoie region. The Bernard family grows a mere three hectares of this unique variety in the towns of Jongieux and Billième. To enhance their wine’s fruit character, they vinify the grape clusters whole, leaving them in vat for 8 to 9 days before pressing. Look for inviting raspberry, cherry and violet aromas offset by a hint of freshly turned earth and black pepper. The palate is bright and refreshing, with a harmony of blueberry, cranberry and black currant flavours. The long length transitions into an appealingly tart finish. Delicious paired with tourtière and mushroom gravy or black truffle pappardelle. Drink 2024 – 2029. – LW

Domaine des Carabiniers Co?tes-du-Rho?ne 2022

Rhône, France

The 2022 Domaine des Carabiniers Co?tes-du- Rho?ne is an immediately likeable Grenache-led blend. A swirl of the glass unlocks bright red fruit aromas of strawberry and cherry with a hint of dried herb and leather. A generous wave of fruit follows on the palate with highlights of spiced plum and cherry housed in fine-grained tannins. This is a wonderfully flexible wine for pairing. Think steak and mushroom pie, lentil Bolognese or turkey, gravy and rye bread stuffing. Ready to drink now through 2027. – LW

Zoppi Cristina Monferrato Nebbiolo 2020

Piedmont, Italy 

Time in bottle has allowed the 2020 Zoppi Cristina Nebbiolo to develop a complex bouquet of rose petal, strawberry tea, cherry and smoked meat. Flavours of raspberry, cherry and rhubarb adorn the palate, transitioning into an elegant, leathery finish. A well-structured wine with Nebbiolo’s characteristically firm tannins and bright acidity. An ideal accompaniment for beef tenderloin with a cranberry balsamic sauce. Enjoy now and over the next two years. – LW 

Nizza Silvano Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2022 

Piedmont, Italy 

A rich expression of Barbera with a deep ruby hue and an alluring bouquet of smoky blueberry, plum and cedar. Hints of oak spice and rosemary complement the ripeness of the fruit on the palate, while fine-grained tannin and fresh acidity provide structure. A well-balanced wine with a generous length. Delicious alongside braised short ribs or steak frites. Ready to enjoy or continue to cellar over the next 8 years. – LW

Introducing Louise Wilson Cormier of Wilco Fine Beverage

Louise Wilson Cormier, Master of Wine, founded her Ontario-based wine agency, Wilco Fine Beverage, with the desire to create new tasting experiences for wine lovers through sharing unique, high-quality wines from her portfolio. Her personal wine journey began by enrolling in a wine course while working in a busy wine shop on Vancouver Island. One course led to another, with Louise’s interest in wine and passion for learning leading her to become a certified sommelier in 2006, a Wine and Spirits Education Trust Diploma holder in 2009 and finally, after an additional 10 years of additional study, a Master of Wine in 2020.

A Master of Wine, or MW, is a beverage industry professional globally recognized for their wine business expertise. To become a member of the Institute of Master of Wine, each applicant must pass a rigorous 4-day exam and adhere to a code of conduct. The exam, which is only held once yearly, tests the candidate’s knowledge of wine theory and wine-tasting ability. Once an individual passes the exam, they must write a paper based on their original research. Since 1953, when the exam was first written in London, England, only 512 people have acquired the Master of Wine designation. Currently, there are 421 Masters of Wine based in 30 countries worldwide. Louise is one of ten Masters of Wine in Canada and one of four in Ontario.