A delightful caress

After such a challenging winter, we embrace with haste the warm winds, the longer days and the daily caress of welcome sunshine. Spring seems to increase our appetite in all things—including day trips to the wineries to taste their latest releases. I always recommend taking an organized wine tour—structured to your requirements and expectations—to avoid the danger to life, limb and the loss of licence.

A wine tour gives the opportunity to taste the portfolios that vary from winery to winery. Professionals will spit out the wine rather than swallowing, in order to maintain an objective balance that is usually lost after imbibing seven or eight ounces of wine. You might consider following their example. After tasting three or four ounces (on average) in each winery, your day might need to be cut short—with you in need of a long nap.

When tasting wine, use your eyes to examine its clarity and colour, your nose to embrace its aromas, and your mouth to get a feel for the weight of the wine and how it impacts the taste sensors. Allow the wine to release its full potency within the mouth chamber, and then draw in a breath and exhale through the nose, in order to fully appreciate the spectrum of aromas. You might enjoy a structured tasting with a selection of like varietals from diverse wineries—not necessarily to identify the best, but to admire the winemaker’s skill set and identify the influence of terroir and vintage on wine. You might look to a wine club that has assessed wines throughout the winter: within a group you can expect a wider range of comment.

Wine has been enjoyed since the dawn of early civilizations. A glass of wine in company is an icebreaker; a glass too many might be a fender bender. Unless you are sitting on your deck at home, handle wine with care.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
During the past Maple in the County, I was fortunately introduced to a new product from 66 Gilead Distillery. Their recently released Whisky du Bois has been aged in casks once used to age maple syrup.

This whisky is like a smooth velvet glove, covering a warm fiery heart. There is a definite influence of the smoky maple flavour, with a touch of sweetness. On its own, it is a delightful sipper. It is also ideal in a classic Manhattan, or as the duBois name suggests, for a homegrown Sazerac (named Desire).

Presently, this sultry treat is only available at the distillery, at 66 Gilead Road, in Bloomfield. It’s definitely worth a visit for a great tasting experience. Winter hours are in effect, so they are only open on the weekends.