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A French wine label

Do You Understand French Wine Labels? Take the Quiz.

 mywinepal  December 2, 2023  0 Comments on Do You Understand French Wine Labels? Take the Quiz.

French wine labels may be a mystery to many non-European wine lovers.  The labels follow strict regulations under French law.  Some of the problems may also be the terms on the label written in French.  It does not have to be intimidating.  Once you learn the basics of French wine labels, you will be able to better select the wine…

Hester Creek Estate Winery Character Red 2022 and Cabernet Merlot 2022

Two Ripe Reds from BC’s Hester Creek Estate Winery

 mywinepal  December 1, 2023  0 Comments on Two Ripe Reds from BC’s Hester Creek Estate Winery

I have two red blends from BC’s Hester Creek Estate Winery.  Both show off ripe fruit flavours and are smooth and round, with fine-grained tannins, that I think would be easy to enjoy over the holidays with appetizers or main courses.  The two wines are the Hester Creek Estate Winery Cabernet Merlot 2022 and their Character Red 2022, a blend…

Rhone Valley Vineyards' winemaker tour seminar

A Visit from Rhone Valley Vineyards Wine Makers to Vancouver

 mywinepal  November 29, 2023  0 Comments on A Visit from Rhone Valley Vineyards Wine Makers to Vancouver

Did you know that ten bottles of Rhone Valley wines are consumed every second?  Recently, Rhone Valley Vineyards‘ winemakers visited Vancouver to remind us that they are more than just Syrah and GSM blends.  They also produce white wines, rose wines, and sparkling wines.  I attended a lively presentation from five Rhone winemakers to cover their wines plus remind us…

Il Molino di Grace Gratius IGT, Chianti Classico DOCG, and Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Enjoy Quality Chianti Classico by Il Molino di Grace at VanWineFest 2024

 mywinepal  November 28, 2023  0 Comments on Enjoy Quality Chianti Classico by Il Molino di Grace at VanWineFest 2024

A quality producer from the Chianti Classico region, Il Molino di Grace, I read also was once owned and managed by monks.  All the wines from this winery are produced organically.  Find out more about this winery in their own words below, and welcome them to VanWineFest 2024. About Il Molino di Grace Il Molino di Grace is, simply, the…

Monte del Fra Chiaretto di Bardolino, Ripasso Classico Superiore, and Amarone Classico Superiore

Taste the Wines Once Made by Monks via Monte del Fra at VanWineFest 2024

 mywinepal  November 27, 2023  0 Comments on Taste the Wines Once Made by Monks via Monte del Fra at VanWineFest 2024

Wineries change hands over time, but you do not often hear of a winery with a vineyard going from monks to lay people.  Monte del Frà is one of those wineries and we are lucky to have the winery attending VanWineFest 2024.  Their wines are in our market already, but you can get a chance to speak with a winery…

Good or Bad wine experience

Do You Have a Nose for Wine Faults? Take the Quiz.

 mywinepal  November 25, 2023  0 Comments on Do You Have a Nose for Wine Faults? Take the Quiz.

Understanding and identifying faults in wine is crucial for both novice and seasoned enthusiasts. Wine faults can significantly diminish the overall enjoyment of a bottle, affecting its aroma, taste, and texture. Common faults include cork taint, oxidation, and microbial contamination, each imparting undesirable characteristics to the wine. Recognizing these faults, and others is essential for developing a discerning palate and…

Montes Purple Angel 2012

In Celebration of Carmenere Day on November 24

 mywinepal  November 24, 2023  0 Comments on In Celebration of Carmenere Day on November 24

The history of the Carmenère grape is a tale of rediscovery and revitalization, with its roots deeply intertwined with the viticultural landscapes of both France and Chile.  Carmenère faced near-extinction in France due to the phylloxera epidemic in the 19th century. Unbeknownst to many, some vines were transported to Chile before the devastation, where they thrived in the climate and…

High Note Estate Winery Cadenza Red Blend 2021 and Verismo Syrah 2021

Two Big Red Notes from High Note Estate WineryPR SAMPLE 

 mywinepal  November 23, 2023  0 Comments on Two Big Red Notes from High Note Estate WineryPR SAMPLE 

Here are two musical compositions in wine from BC’s High Note Estate Winery.  Cadenza Red Blend 2021 (of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Sauvignon) and Verismo Syrah 2021.  Wonderful wines to share with family and friends for the holiday season.  Let me tell you about these wines. My Wine Tasting Notes High Note Estate Winery Cadenza Red Blend 2021…

Cans of California Ripe Olives

California Ripe Olives Deliver

 mywinepal  November 22, 2023  0 Comments on California Ripe Olives Deliver

When I think of olives, I think about olives coming from Europe.  They are typically brined and salty.  But there is an alternative; California Ripe Olives.  I was invited to a lunch with calolive.org to learn about how olives are grown and processed in California. Our host was Emily Lycopolus, a level-two olive oil sommelier and author of eight cookbooks. …

Gran Appasso

Say Ciao to Gran Appasso by Femar at VanWineFest 2024

 mywinepal  November 21, 2023  0 Comments on Say Ciao to Gran Appasso by Femar at VanWineFest 2024

One of the newer Italian wineries, FEMAR VINI SRL, formed in the 1990s.  They are in the Apulia region of Italy and will be attending VanWineFest 2024 to let us try their wines.  They use an appassimento method where they dry the grapes.  Other wineries pick the grapes and dry the grapes in bins/racks.  FEMAR lets the grapes dry on…