Author Archives: winellama
Makepeace Merlot, Clos du Soleil, Grower’s Series, Similkameen Valley VQA, BC, 2011, 13.8% abv
I’ve been away from wine for a while taking distilled spirits courses and drinking more than I’ve wanted of 40% abv beverages. After all, I signed up for the WSET Diploma to learn more about wines. I just forgot what … Continue reading
Aligote, Bourgogne Aligote AC, Domaine Denis Bachelet, Proprietere Recolante Gevrey-Chambertin, France, 2009, 11.5% abv
Always one to champion the underdog, I admit that’s why I purchased this bottle of Aligote in the first place. Around since the 17th century in France, today it comprises only 6% of total plantings in its home of Burgundy … Continue reading
Sokol Blosser, Pinot Noir, Big Tree Block, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2009, 14.5% abv
With turkey time upon us, it was the right moment to pull out the Willamette Pinot Noir purchased during a August trip to that favourite AVA. Dundee Hills is the ‘epicentre’ of Pinot Noir in Oregon and its soil and … Continue reading
Trine, Pepperbridge Winery, Meritage, Walla Walla AVA, Washington, 2009, 14.1% abv
Purchased back in March 2013 during a trip to Walla Walla and a visit to the winery, this wine made an appearance over Canadian Thanksgiving with friends, family and a chilli dinner. Clear and bright, ruby turning to deep purple … Continue reading
Viña Tondonia, Reserva, López de Heredia, Rioja Alta, Spain, 2001, 12.5% abv.
It was a small miracle of a find – bottles of López de Heredia at the liquor store on sale no less. My happy day was due to someone ordering in a case and then reneging. Who does that to … Continue reading
V O D K A – WSET Unit 4 Spirits Preparation
V O D K A The word ‘vodka’ comes from the Slavic ‘voda’ meaning ‘little water’. One of the oldest spirits around, there are references to it being distilled as far back as the Middle Ages – as early as … Continue reading
Clement, Premiere Canne, Premium Cane Rum, Rhum Agricole, AOC Martinique, 40% abv
Rhum Agricole is a form of rum popular in the French islands of the Caribbean including Martinique (where this one is from and which has AOC status), La Reunion, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Guadeloupe. It’s made from fermented sugar … Continue reading
Capel, Pisco, Double Destilado, Reservado Transparente, Vallee de Elqui, Chile 40% abv
Around since the time of the Spanish explorers, Pisco is often thought of as a pommace spirit (akin to Italy’s Grappa or France’s Marc). It is, however, a brandy made from distilled grapes. It’s the national drink of both Chile … Continue reading
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