French and Italian Hidden Gem Wine Tasting (Session 1: Sit-Down) - Master of Wine Louise Wilson Cormier
Date: Dec 13/23, Wed Time: 17:30:00-19:00:00 Style: Sit-Down
French and Italian Hidden Gem Wine Tasting with Master of Wine Louise Wilson Cormier, at the Fine Wine Reserve Tasting Room.Â
(439 King St. W.)
Join Louise Wilson Cormier, Master of Wine, to discover unique French and Italian wines that are ideal for holiday entertaining. Louise’s portfolio, Wilco Fine Beverage, celebrates high-quality wines with a point of difference, creating new tasting experiences for wine lovers.
WHAT IS A MASTER OF WINE?
A Master of Wine, or MW, is a beverage industry professional with exceptional wine business expertise. To become a member of the Institute of Master of Wine, each candidate must pass a rigorous exam as well as adhere to a code of conduct. The exam, which was first written in 1953, tests the candidate’s knowledge of wine theory, their tasting ability and requires the completion of an original research paper. There are currently 414 Masters of Wine based in 31 countries around the world. Louise is one of ten Masters of Wine in Canada and one of four in Ontario.
SHOWCASING
Canta Rainette Elegance Chardonnay 2022 - I.G.P Méditerranée, France
While Chardonnay is not commonly grown in Provence, the 2022 Canta Rainette Elegance shows the potential for high-quality expressions in the region. Its refined bouquet is scented with the fragrance of lemon, apples and buttery pastry. Mouth-filling citrus and orchard fruit notes are wrapped in toasty oak flavours on the palate. This core transitions into a delightful finish woven with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. This luxurious French Chardonnay could easily be mistaken for top Napa examples. It’s a perfect match for lobster drizzled with garlic lemon butter. Enjoy through to 2028.
Domaine des Carabiniers Tavel 2022 - Tavel AOC, France
This bountiful Tavel delights with a vibrant cherry hue and an attractive bouquet of fresh summer berries. Juicy flavours of strawberry, raspberry and red plum fill the palate and linger on a pleasing finish. As a weightier rosé, this is an ideal wine for pairing with the richness of a roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Enjoy today through 2024.
Weingut Schloss Englar Leon Vernatsch 2019 - Alto Adige DOC, Italy
If you are not yet familiar with the Vernatsch grape variety, the 2019 Weingut Schloss Englar Leon is a delightful introduction. Its bouquet is a marriage of dark cherry fruit, worn leather and fallen leaves on a fresh Autumn day. The palate sings with flavours of cranberry, raspberry and cured meat that extend into notes of subtle baking spice on the finish. With bright acidity and gentle, refined tannins, this mid-weight wine is reminiscent of a perfectly aged Pinot Noir. Enjoy now through 2026.
Cascina Barisel Barbera d’Asti 2022 - Barbera d’Asti DOCG, Italy
The 2022 Cascina Barisel Barbera d’Asti showcases the best of this food-friendly Italian variety. Its deep ruby hue makes promises that are kept in aroma and flavour. Its bouquet expands from the scent of black cherry and plum to include the alluring scent of violet. The palate offers Barbera’s classic juicy fruit with notes of cherry, red plum and cranberry trailing off into a noteworthy finish. While its generous depth and fine balance suggest this bottle will continue to develop over the next five years, to me, the beauty of this wine is captured in the moment.
Prediomagno Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG 2021 - Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG, Italy
An exceptional wine made from the rare Ruchè variety of Castagnole Monferrato in Italy’s Piedmont region. Its bouquet is perfumed with the scent of rose, cherry, mocha and mint. The palate is equally complex, with an ample red berry fruit foundation kissed with notes of menthol, tea and black pepper. Moderate, well-polished tannins and fresh acidity provide an elegant structure as the wine tapers into a memorable length. Pair with flavourful dishes such as osso bucco or lamb chops with mint dressing. Drink 2023-2026.
Domaine des Carabiniers Côtes du Rhône No Sulphites Added 2021 - Côtes du Rhône AOC, France
This classic Rhône wine impresses on every level. Its bouquet is an expressive mosaic of violet, plum and smoky bacon. The first sip reveals a fruit-charged palate packed with flavours of plum, black cherry and raspberry. Bright acidity and smooth, generous tannin provide flawless balance. Enjoy through to 2026.