90/100
This is an impressive wine at price and production level; a great go-to for many occasions. This pinot noir delivers aromas of earthy notes, wild strawberry, with hints of red plum and rose petals, around a light, bright core; while remaining soft and smooth in texture and intensity; finishing with flavors of cherry, cola, and tea.
Vintages Release Date: October 1, 2016
La Crema Winery
Sonoma County, California
Variety: Pinot Noir
Style: Earthy & Spicy
13.9%
South Africa’s critically acclaimed-chef Craig Cormack has teamed up with Fleur du Cap winery to create specially designed dishes, which are seasoned with unique salts and perfectly paired with award-winning unfiltered Fleur du Cap wines.
Just as there are regions for wine growing, there are also regions for salt. Craig has sourced out black lava salt from the volcanic rock pools of Hawaii, the sea and desert of South Africa’s arid West Coast, Khoisan and Oryx Desert salt, pink Murray River Salt from Australia, and rare Persian Blue Salt from rock crystals.
Craig explains the process: “One of the challenges when pairing salt and wine is to create food that will enhance the wine without dominating it. The natural process of crafting Fleur du Cap wines by allowing the style inherent in the grapes to guide the winemaking team, works particularly well with unrefined, artisanal salts, reverting back to nature in both the food and the wines.”
Some of Craig’s pairings include: Merlot paired with Beef Carpaccio paired with Kala Namak Salt; Chenin Blanc paired with Pizzadeliere paired with Caviar Salt; Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Salted Beef paired with Oryx Salt; Pinotage paired with Salted Peanut, Chocolate and Banana Mouse paired with Peruvian Salt, amongst others. Each dish has a unique salt profile which, when paired with Fleur du Cap wine, brings out the complex flavours of these varietals.
Situated in the hart of Stellenbosch wine country, Fleur du Cap vineyards reflect the rich biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom. One of only six such plant kingdoms in the world – home to over 9,600 plant species.
“Our wines are crafted with nature in mind based on our winemaking philosophy of Regional Excellence”
My favorite pairing
Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Salted Beef paired with Oryx Salt
Oryx Salt
South Africa; natural white unprocessed and sundried; trace minerals
Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Tasting Notes
Complex flavours of blackcurrant, blueberry with hints of violets and mocha; integrated oaking adds firm tannins, which give a long finish.
Blend
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Food Suggestions
This complex wine is the ideal accompaniment to fillet of beef and roast lamb but goes equally well with rich, robust dishes and strong cheeses.
Bottle size: 750 ml
Alcohol: 9.9%
Sweetness: Medium Dry
Type: White Wine
Style: Off-dry & Fruity
Winery: Southbrook Vineyards, Niagara
Certification: Organic – ProCert
LCBO#: 249078 | $15.95
Drink: 2016-2020
Tasting Notes:
A blend of odoriferous varietals include 58% Vidal, 21% Chardonnay, 12% Riesling, and 9% Sauvignon Blanc; nose is a fruit-driven bouquet of melon, peach and apricot; The palate is soft and round with hints of peach, apple and pear – slightly off-dry with refreshing acidity – flavours linger through to medium finish.
Rating: 89/100
Review by Liz Palmer
www.liz-palmer.com
LizPalmer_
@Lizpalmer_
The German beer “purity law” known as the Reinheitsgebot was introduced in 1516 by Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria. This decree allows for only hops, barley, water, and later yeast was introduced. The Reinheitsgebot turns 500 this year.
An excerpt from an article History of German Brewing by Karl J. Eden, published in Zymurgy Magazine 1993, states among other things:
“Furthermore, we wish to emphasize that in future in all cities, markets and in the country, the only ingredients used for the brewing of beer must be Barley, Hops and Water. Whosoever knowingly disregards or transgresses upon this ordinance, shall be punished by the Court authorities’ confiscating such barrels of beer, without fail.” (translated to English)
And why was the Reinheitsgebot was enacted in 1516? To prevent price competition with bakers for wheat and rye, and to set price of beer at 1-2 Pfenning per MaS (1 litre).
A version of this law is still in effect to this day in Germany, and is considered a cornerstone of its beer culture.
Radeberger Pilsner
Radeberger was the official drink by King Friedrich August III of Saxony, and has long been enjoyed by German nobility.
Brewed by: Radeberger Gruppe KG
www.radeberger.de
Country: Germany (Radeburg)
Style/ABV: German Pilsener/5.0%
500 mL can
LCBO#: 676056
Premier Brands
http://www.premierbrands.ca
Tasting Notes:
Typical German Classic Pilsner; Brewed according to Reinheitsgebot Purity Laws; 3-finger white head – which is foamy; pale golden hue; carbonation is consistent; the aroma consists of soft malt, with hints of biscuit and honey; flavours include some zesty hop astringency, grass, hints of citrus, and some green apple; medium finish is dry and biscuit – easy drinking, clean and refreshing.
Rating: 4.5/5
Liz Palmer
www.liz-palmer.com
Canadian Framboise
A Fruit Wine from Southbrook Vineyards, Niagara, Ontario
Style Sweet
Review by Liz Palmer
liz-palmer.com – June 1 2016
Rating: 92
This multi winning wine is produced entirely from Royalty Raspberries. Lovely ruby hue with fresh raspberry aromas. Nice medium body. The wine is finished sweet, with a slight tart edge with a long fruit finish. As a result, it is one of the few wines that can marry well with chocolate desserts. It can definitely enhance your summer cocktails, including mixing it with Champagne to create the classic ‘Kir Royale’
LCBO#: 341024 | $17.95
