Reported by Susan W. Allen CA

It was a perfect day for a drive in the country—clear skies and a soft warm breeze. Our final destination was Mariposa Farm near Plantagenet, Ontario. The farm specializes in the production and marketing of Barbarie ducks and Embden geese and their fine delicacies, and supplies the Ottawa fine-restaurant market. On arrival, we received a warm welcome from the owners, Ian Walker and Suzanne Lavoie, who suggested we take a quick tour of the barn and garden. It is a delightful place with happy, contented animals, brilliant flowers, and strong healthy vegetables Our Guild VP Martin Carrière had organized an elegant country luncheon consisting of game meat and locally grown produce matched with Australian varietals and blends rarely available to the Ontario market. He certainly out-did himself with this event!

We started with an amuse-bouche of 'Rolling' Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, 2005, Australia.

Our first course consisted of Seasonal Duck Salad (smoked duck breast) accompanied by homemade multigrain and unbleached-flour breads with sage and plain butters. This was matched with Angove’s ‘Nine Vines’ Grenache / Shiraz Rosé, 2005, South Australia.

The main the main course was: Duck Confit Leg with a mayonnaise jalapeño sauce, accompanied by fresh Spaetzle and seasonal vegetables; or Venison Striploin served with fingerling potatoes and other seasonal vegetables. These were matched with Domain Day Sangiovese, 2003, Barossa Valley, South Australia and Craneford ‘Quartet’, 2004, Barossa Valley, South Australia
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Dessert consisted of either Blueberry Pie or Crème Brulée, paired with coffee and tea. Both were excellent.

In summary, the luncheon and wine pairings were delightful and quite surprising. The location was exceptional, and I would definitely endorse another late summer luncheon at Mariposa Farm next year.

Pictures courtesy of the Mariposa Farm Website (www.mariposa-duck.on.ca )

Editor’s Note: The vegetarian main course included the freshest carrots, parsnips, and tomatoes cooked to perfection on a bed of Spaetzle with an incredibly flavourful fresh tomato sauce. This dish worked much better with the Sangiovese than the Craneford ‘Quartet’, although the Craneford was quite lovely alone.

The Wines & Tasting Notes:

Rolling’ Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon, 2005, Australia, 13.5% alc., 750 ml, $14.95, 678821
Appearance: brilliant clarity
Aroma: delightful nose, grapefruit and green apple characteristics
Palate: refreshing, zippy wine,
General Comments: “A good sipper”, “something quite different from Australia”

Angove’s ‘Nine Vines’ Grenache / Shiraz Rosé, 2005, South Australia, 12.5% alc., $11.95, 6950449, note 70% Grenache
Appearance: brilliant color
Aroma: strawberry, bright fruit
Palate: lots of strawberry, raspberry notes, delicious blend
General Comments: A “Red Wine Drinkers White Wine!” This is a flavourful charming rosé for non-rosé fans.

Domain Day Sangiovese, 2003, Mount Crawford, Barossa Valley, South Australia, 13.5% alc., $22.95, 683243
Aroma: dark fruit, hints of chocolate, complex
Palate: moderate acidity but well-balanced
Comments: “This is a hit!”

Craneford ‘Quartet’, 2004, Barossa Valley, South Australia, 14.5% alc., $24.95, 961433
Comments: This is the Australian Bordeaux Blend. An excellent combination exhibiting traditional characteristics. More typical of Australian wines.