Finding Vino Toastmasters

Meiomi Pinot Noir Rules The Day At Finding Vino Toastmasters

Blog, Red Wine, Wine July 4, 2016 1 Comment

Name of Winery – Meiomi

Name of Wine – Meiomi Pinot Noir 2014

Region produced in – California Sonoma County, Santa Barbara County, Montery County

Types of grapes in wine – don’t know

Characteristics of wine – flavorful, full of berries, chocolate, vanilla, a bit of oak.

Look – dark garnet, velvety

Smell – berry and earthy

Taste – expressive boysenberry, vanilla, dark cherry

Finish – smooth

Food Pairing – goes with just about anything, delicious with salmon, smoked salmon, cheese, fish or pork.

Aveleda Vinho Verda Perfect Summer Wine Showcased At Finding Vino

White Wine, Wine July 4, 2016 Leave a comment

Name of Winery – Quinta da Aveleda

Aveleda is a name which spans several generations. The first records of the sale of bottled wine date back to 1870, with Manuel Pedro Guedes (1837-1899), known for his strong enterprising spirit and believed to be the founder of the business as we know it today.

Name of Wine – Aveleda Vinho Verde

This wine remains a benchmark for the Vinho Verde region, even though the producers have now recast it as a Minho wine. It is steely, tight and crisp, with a touch of creaminess that gives it a more rounded aftertaste. Drink now through 2015

Region produced in – Portugal

Types of grapes in wine – Vinho Verde

Characteristics of wine – Aveleda’s estate wine continues to evolve, this vintage combining the granitic power of alvarinho (20 percent of the blend) with the lemon-lime freshness of loureiro (80 percent, leaving trajadura aside). A textbook Vinho Verde with plenty of acidity tied to its grapefruit flavors, this will brighten any summer party, especially if there’s grilled fish on the menu.

Look – Pale yellow

Smell – Crisp, dry and light with bit of a richer body than most inexpensive Vinho Verde and a hint of effervescence

Taste – Fizzy, citrus-drenched, delicious goods that exudes hints of grapefruit, lime, and white flowers.

Finish – Hints of white pulp fruits, such as apples and pears, come together harmoniously in the mouth, with a persistent fresh feel.

Food Pairing – Incredibly refreshing, crisp acidity, juicy lime, lemon zest, completely dry with bit of a richer body than most inexpensive Vinho Verde and a hint of effervescence making it perfect for porch sipping or accompanied by fresh seafood.

Here’s the perfect sunny day party wine at a price point you just can’t beat. It’s zippy, crisp, dry and light with a slight fizz that exudes hints of grapefruit, lime, and white flowers. Plus The low alcohol makes this a great candidate to keep the party going all night long!

The Perfect Pair — Anselmo Mendes With Western Family Choice Cooked Shrimps

White Wine, Wine May 10, 2016 Leave a comment

Name of Winery – Anselmo Mendes

Name of Wine – Quinta da Aveleda

Region produced in – Vinho Verde, Portugal

Types of grapes in wine – Blended with 60% Loureiro, 30% Trajadura and 10% Alvarinho.

Characteristics of wine – Fresh tropical fruit flavours and no oak make this wine a real nice summer afternoon drink.

. The presence of citric and white flower aromas is quite evident

Certified: Award Winner 2014

Look – Pale lemon yellow with green highlights;

Smell –aromas of green apple, grapefruit, and perfume; dry, fresh and lively, with a slight spritz,

Taste – light, crisp and aromatic -sometimes sweet

Food Pairing – The Portuguese wine goes really well with fish and sea food. I chose the Western Family choice cooked shrimps and for contrast some candied smoked Salmon.

The Grape Grinder Pinotage Showcased At Finding Vino

Blog, Red Wine May 5, 2016 Leave a comment

Name of Winery – The Grape Grinder

Name of Wine – The 2014 Grinder Pinotage

Region produced in – Swartland, South Africa

Types of grapes in wine – 100% Pinotage – (a unique South African crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault)

Characteristics of wine – Medium bodied with well-integrated medium tannins and red fruit. Great structure. Awarded silver medal at 2015 International Wine and Spirits Challenge.

Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 89-90 points

Look – Ruby Red

Smell – Coffee, chocolate, dark fruit, vanilla, hickory and toasted oak character.

Taste – Cherry, Blackberry and carob on the palate. Big flavor.

Finish – long

Food Pairing – Pinotage never has the elegance of a fine burgundy, but it will go with the same sort of dishes as a more robust, rustic Pinot Noir. Suggested pairings are: grilled meats, smoked or pulled pork, French Bistro selections as in baked pasta or pizza, strong cheddar or blue cheese, fruits as in figs or blueberries, vegetables as in peppers, portabella mushrooms and dark chocolate.

Served at our meeting on May 3:

1) Small slice of meaty pizza, which brings in the flavors of meat, cheese and has a French Bistro feel

2) A piece of strong cheddar cheese; Balderson – Vintners Cheddar Cheese, extra old

3) Fruit selection of grapes and dried figs

4) A treat of a piece of Coffee Crisp Chocolate bar, thereby complimenting the coffee and the chocolate of the wine.

Fun Wine Diabolica White Wine Sets A Festive Mood At Finding Vino

White Wine, Wine April 11, 2016 Leave a comment

Name of Winery – Diabolica Wines Vancouver

Name of Wine – Diabolica White Wine

Region produced in – Okanagan Valley in BC, Canada

Types of grapes in wine – Unique blend of several white wines including: Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay and Viognier

Characteristics of wine – The Unique blend of several white wines including: Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay and Viognier brings a tropical fruit flavor (pineapple, mango balanced with green apple, orange blossom honey with a citrus and light spicy finish, all of which encourage another long sip.

Look – Light to pale golden

Smell – The aromatics on this wine are a result of the expressive Viognier and Muscat that first greet you and lure you in.

Taste – Citrusy elements with a nice mouthfeel come from the Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.

Finish – The wine exudes with tropical fruit like pineapple and mango. Musky peach, green apple, and orange blossom honey round out the flavour spectrum with a crispness that makes you want to lick your lips. Yes, it is tempting.

Food Pairing – Pairing is best with sea foods or a spicy dish. As the name suggests, it’s a great fun time (party) wine rather than a serious wine, this wine is all about a having a good time.

The food pairing of choice was spicy vegetarian samosas. The spice and the warmth of the samosas provided a nice contrast with the chilled, sweet wine. The comparison was delightful. As beef doesn’t pair particularly well with white wine we chose vegetarian. The vegetables and rustic potatoes went really well with the various fruit flavors in the wine.