Tonight at the Toronto Board of Trade, Ange Aiello’s iYellow Wine Club hosted an event with the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake: Twenty-Six Distinctive Wineries. One Unforgettable Place (tweeted as #52wines).
I was actually quite impressed with the number of estates that were new to me! And I love how playful some of the new wineries are being: labels were covered with magicians, giraffes, coyotes, and abstract aurora borealis.
My fav wine of the eve was Konzelmann’s Rosé Méthode Cuvée Close ($16.50). Made solely from Merlot grapes, this pink sparkler was so crisp, not sweet, and quite refreshing. I could drink it any day.
Ravine Vineyard’s Italian chianti-style bottles for their ’08 Meritage ($24.95) were a nice touch, especially since I am someone who judges their wine by its label and its bottle.
Other favourites included Coyote’s Run ’09 Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir ($24.95)… a delightful Château des Charmes ’07 ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet Merlot, Estate Bottled ($19.95) that tasted like potential, but definitely needed aging… and of course Trius ’08 Grand Red ($55.20).
I have a bottle of 2000 Grand Red in my wine cabinet that I am saving for a year or two longer methinks. (Unless I drink it in September when my friend SP from the UK comes for a visit, since it was a gift from her & the hubby, so apropos to share avec ils.)
I also saw Jason Parsons (one of the infamous Three Chefs) live in da flesh at the Peller table. Love that guy. He used to work at Cliveden in the UK where SP worked as a teen! Small world.
All in all, #52wines was a great night. More civilised than the last iYellow event I attended: REVOLUTION, an Aussie Experience. The Aussie party was awesome though; held at 99 Sudbury, with a PIG ROAST! (I ate a big chunk of skin, mmm crackling) and also oysters (that didn’t run out before I got there, like they did at the Brewer’s Plate, lame). Everyone was dressed like a club night. It was great!
iYellow is such a refreshing change to stuffy, old-school wine clubs. I highly recommend joining… and membership is free!
The next event is a South African Braai, taking place on Wednesday June 15th at C Lounge. Oh I am SO THERE. I love South African shiraz! OMG I need an animal-print dress! Yay!
Oh yes, you can follow iYellow on Twitter @iYellowWineClub.
Cin-cin,
x
City and Charm was a very happy guest of iYellow Wine Club at tonight’s event. Thanks as always, Ange!