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| Memories of the 2006 Ottawa Wine and Food Show |
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3 to 5 November 2006 Reported by Rutha Astravas An enormous thank you goes out to all those Guild volunteers who organized and set up this year’s tasting seminars. 2006 was another great success, with special thanks to Mike Cowen who ensured that everything was in place and on time- this is no small feat. For those who missed out, here are the highlights: VQA – The Next Step with Donald Ziraldo In his last tasting as President of Inniskillin Wines, Donald Ziraldo described the creation of sub-appellations in Ontario and the key factors behind them. The tasting helped express differences in terroir and winemaking styles, underscoring the diversity and potential of Canada’s wine region. Only the Very Top Medal-Winners Served Here Of over 350 wines poured at the show, Guild Governor Vic Harradine presented eight “best of show” winners from the top forty wines awarded medals at Cellars of the World Competition (held in conjunction with the Wine and Food Show). These included Caliterra 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva, Wither Hills 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, Yellow Tail Chardonnay, Hernder Estates 2004 Autumn Collection Chardonnay, Jackson-Triggs 2004 Okanagan Proprietors’ Reserve Chardonnay, Mike Weir 2005 Chardonnay, Mountain Road 2002 Baco Noir and 2002 Red, Guy Anderson 2004 Mad Dogs and Englishmen.  Seven Singular Wines From SpainOrganized by The Trade Commission of Spain/Vinos de Espana sponsored a sold-out tasting led by Roger Randolph, Ambassador for Wines from Spain. Everyone was wowed by the presentation, but also the wines: reds and whites in addition to cava, dry and sweet sherries, and especially the show-stopping Alvaro Palacios Finca Dofi 2002 (Priorat) and Janus Gran Reserva 1995 (Ribera del Duero). Low yields and dry farming produce some exceptional wines, although the fruitforward and big is catching on in the Old World, too. Discover Hidden Gems from the Cape Guild Governor Rod Phillips presented some well- and lesser-known brands now entering the Canadian market. South Africa is producing some excellent value full-bodied reds to go with braai (BBQ) and unique whites for sipping on warm days without big marketing- but is faced with global competition by large, mass-market producers.  Meet the WinemakersThree Niagara winemakers joined us in Ottawa for an incredibly educational and friendly conversation about their work, wine style, challenges, and dreams (of growing Pinot Noir), all while discussing their two favourite wines. Derek Barnett of Lailey Vineyards brought his 2004 Old Vine Chardonnay and 2003 Cab Franc (Canadian oak), David Johnson of Featherstone Estate Winery and Vineyard his 2004 Chardonnay (Canadian oak), 2004 Estate Bottled Cab Franc and Steve Kocsis of Mountain Road Wine his 2002 Gamay Noir Reserve and 2002 Mountain Road Red. The discussion really heated up when Guild President, James Bertrand, coaxed the trio to pick favourites made by the competition ...  Do Wine Critics and Their Scores Have Too Much Power?Natalie’s sold out presentation was attended by reporters from Wine Access, Winecurrent.com, Vines Magazine and the Ottawa Citizen. She shared humorous stories about her entry into the world of wine, Robert Parker Jr.’s rise to fame, and the famous Robinson-Parker feud, all featured in her new book. While discussing the treacherous world of wine criticism, she presented her Australian flight organized by increasing wine score.  Explore the Sensation!All who attended will never look at Sauvignon Blanc the same way again. Robert Ketchin of New Zealand Winegrowers made an outstanding presentation about the regions and sub-regions, wine industry, its challenges and trends. He shared both traditional and surprising modern styles of the grape, including Babich and Cloudy Bay’s premium oaked wines. Chile ... All Ways Surprising Rod Phillips gave an informative overview of Chile’s wine industry, its history, and imparted tales and tips for wine tourists from his recent trip to “the other West coast”. Wines were concentrated, fruity, (though some of the cabs could use more aging) and featured international varieties, plus a classic carmenere/cab sauvignon blend from Vina Carmen.  The Components of Pinot NoirFlat Rock Cellars President, Ed Madronich, brought three Dijon clones (115, 667, 777), a vertical of their three past years’ blends of the three clones, as well as this year’s blend pulled freshly from barrels that morning. Lessons and preferences from this tasting and Q&A will stay with most people, particularly the winemakers (real and amateur) in the audience. |
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 03 December 2006 ) |
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| Moderation |
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 The National Capital Sommelier Guild strongly supports moderate and responsible consumption of wine and spirits. Guild dinner events allow a designated driver to attend at a reduced price. The designated driver will not be served alcohol. Guild tasting events provide and encourage the use of spit buckets. |
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