I just returned from judging at the Cellars of the World competition held every year in conjunction with the Wine and Food show. Judging 59 wines in two hours was a tough job, but someone had to do it. The eight flights served to our table included eighteen ‘other whites’ and thirty ‘other reds’. Differentiating among them without knowing the varietals involved was especially tough as we had no typicity against which to assess them. The main things I had to look for were structure, balance and whether I preferred one more than the others in the flight. The last flight of three dessert wines was a refreshing change of pace. The buffet lunch served by the Sheraton Hotel after the competition was quite pleasant, but truth be told, after tasting all those wines, I really didn’t have much desire to try out the remaining wines brought down to the table.
The Ottawa Wine and Food Show is nearly upon us. Joan Culliton has made a few changes for 2009 to improve on the great success she had last year. The Guild will be hosting ten tastings again this year as well as assisting at the high-end Tasting Alley. Bill Ellis has details elsewhere in this newsletter. He has most of his volunteers already lined up but you may still get in on the action by contacting him at
Final arrangements are in place for this year’s Holiday Gala, Sunday, December 6 in the Fountain Room at the National Arts Centre. Award winning Chef Michael Blackie has created a special menu for the occasion and Natale Lofaro is preparing a selection of wines specially matched to it (see the event announcement on page 3). This should be one of the best galas ever. There is no limit to the number of guests you can invite, so organize a table of friends to share this special evening with you. Seats are filling up fast so make your reservations now and don’t be left out. Book your seats by going to http://www.eventbrite.com/event/443555687.
To register for an event, click the Register for this Event button on the event's description page. This will take you to the EventBrite registration page.
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.
"Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance." — Benjamin Franklin
