Deborah and our grandson, Declan
Monday, March 10: Came back from Chile with a cold. Bummer. A Brunello tasting at the AGO this morning but first a meeting with Giorgio Tinelli of the Italian Chamber of Commerce to discuss a promotion of Umbria’s Sagrantino producers in Toronto. There were 116 Brunellos and Rosso di Montalcinos listed in the catalogue but, this being an Italian event, there were almost twice as many wines on the tables. I managed to taste 40 of them. My favourites were the 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riservas by La Fiorita (and also their delicious 2006), La Fortuna, Tenuto Silvio Nardi “Manachiara,” and SanPolino. And Val di Suga Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Spuntali 2007. Other top wines I tasted were the still youthful Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino 1997, La Mannella 2008 and 2009 Selezione I Poggiarelli. I also liked the Corte dei Venti Sant’Antimo 2012 (a blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah). Top Rosso di Montalcino: Tenuta San Giorgio 2011, Collosorbo 2012, Canalicchio si Sopra 2011 and the new world-styled Loacker-Corte Pavone 2011.
Home for a 4:30 pm telephone interview with Shari Mogk-Edwards, the LCBO’s Vice President of Merchandising, for the article I’m writing for Wine Business International on wine trends in Canada.
Tuesday, March 11: Went to my accountants with all my paperwork. The CRA tells me I have been reassessed for taxes owing of $7,300. My accountant assures me this is their mistake. I sincerely hope so. Spent the rest of day working on the Ontario Wine Awards, putting together the judging panels. An overnight storm threatens 15 centimeters of snow. Deborah is leaving on an 8:20 am flight tomorrow for Vancouver to help Annabel and Ian with the new baby. So we decide to hire a limo rather than my driving.
Wednesday, March 12: The snow only starts in mid-morning but we do get a real storm in this never-ending winter. Write my Post City column on Gewurztraminer. My cold is getting worse.
Thursday, March 13: Getting great photos back from Vancouver of Deborah holding Declan – and a delightful video of Declan with the hiccups. Not feeling so hot but I had accepted an invitation to go to the opening of Byblos, a new Eastern Mediterranean tapas bar on Duncan Street. The place is mobbed. I asked for a glass of wine but they were out of wine so I settled for a The Ten Suns cocktail (green-tea-infused Absolut vodka, lemongrass/ginger/honey syrup, yuzu juice, tincture of cardamom) because I thought it would be good for my cold. Left after 45 minutes not feeling great.
A bouquet of rosés
Friday, March 14: This morning, a tasting at the LCBO of 14 rosés either newly listed or about to be. Plus 13 other wines. Best wine there – Inniskillin Oak Aged Vidal 2012. Delicious but costly at $79.95. Left the tasting room feeling worse. Think I’m coming down with flu.
Delicious but costly Icewine
Took my temperature at home – 99.6, feeling feverish and coughing. Guy came over to walk the dog. Didn’t even feel like having a glass of wine.
