Welcome to Second Ferment! Wine pairs well with life ... and food, travel, people, work and play. Grab a glass and join me as I explore the wine scene in Ottawa, Canada, and beyond. Love hearing from my readers, so please leave a comment. Cheers! - Bethany

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Quaff this: a pair of VQAs and something Spanish

Some latest and greatest purchases and new finds. Made my customary run to the LCBO to find out that - EGADS - there wasn't any Ironstone Symphony left. All those people to whom I recommended it to, YOU DRANK ALL MY WINE.

Inniskillin 2007 Reserve Series Brae Blanc - Saw this come out with the last release, although it's on the general list at the LCBO. Look for the "VQA" shelves (and make sure to read the label!) It's a three-varietal blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer and chardonnay. Heavy, fragrant perfume, with lots of tropical fruit (I'm thinking papaya). Medium weight with a bit of a slick coating, sweet peach fruit typical of the gewurz. Then the oak/toast/vanilla comes through, slowly, just enough of a woody presence to catch your attention, before the short, clean finish. Quite good with BBQ'd pork chops in a spicy Southwest sauce.

Huff Estates 2006 Merlot - The famous "process of elimination grape" makes for a simple, enjoyable sipper. Nose of raspberries, blackberries, green pepper and peppercorns. Medium-high acid, with balanced, firm tannins. Nice structure. Fruity, slightly drying on the palate. Had that with penne in a tomato cream prosciutto sauce.

Hoya de Cadenas Reserva 2004 Tempranillo - Nose of blackcurrant, dark chocolate, mint and cedar. Its sleek, medium-bodied musculature is supported by round tannins and a supple mouthfeel. Excellent with beef tartare, veal tenderloin and other big slabs of meat. Tried it at Le Feu Sacré in Québec City, during a weekend getaway with me Ma.

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