Social tippling

The easiest and most social method to develop one’s taste buds, of course, is to join a formal (or informal) wine club. The former debate and deliberate on the merits of a particular wine from a specific region. The latter is usually a group of like-minded folk who tend to enjoy wine for wine’s sake. In either group you will learn how to detect the wine flaws that we have been talking about over the past two weeks.

Prior to the advent of the commercial bottle— and its matching cork stopper—wine had a definite best-before-date. It was consumed, despite its sour notes, in place of the suspect water. It was less than 300 years ago when winemakers could begin to offer wines having the potential to age without spoiling. From that time forward, wines were collected, catalogued and compared—first by the upper classes who could afford the expense of constructing of a wine cellar, and then, later, by members of illustrious establishments such as the Hellfire Club.

It is big news when a relatively new wine region is recognized as distinctive. The Ontario Wine Society, for some years, has been endeavouring to establish a Prince Edward County chapter. And, on Saturday, April 27, this new chapter will hold its first event to showcase local wines at the historic Hillier Town Hall. This style of formal tasting will not only be educational, but it will explain the uniqueness of the wines of Prince Edward County. Admission is free, but space is limited to 90 guests. Email Trevor Norris at trevor@owspec.ca for information on this event.

As I said before, the best way to experience the vast range of wine nuances is to be part of a group. The Ontario Wine Society fits the bill perfectly.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
I have been known, on occasion, to shill for a good cause. So, in keeping with the weekend’s theme of formal wine tasting…

This Friday, April 26, Chef Lili Sullivan of East & Main Bistro is teaming with winemaker Vida Zalniariunas, and partner Richard Johnston of By Chadsey’s Cairns, to present an evening of indulgence, food pairing and wine. The team will show how different County grown varietals can enhance your food experience.

In a trial run of the food and wine pairing, I tasted By Chadsey’s Cairns’ 2011 Roxey Rosé that will be poured during the cocktail period. It is packed with aromas of raspberry and cherry, with a crisp acidity (making it very suitable for food matching), ending with a subtle vanilla finish. It is brilliant with Lili’s lobster grilled cheese sandwich!

By Chadsey’s Cairns is another great place to discover the complexities of Prince Edward County wines. Their Roxey Rosé ($20) is available at the winery, located at 17432 Loyalist Parkway, just west of Wellington.