In a post COVID-19 world, society wont be the same anymore and the world of wine is no stranger to that. The pandemic has brought us the concept of virtual wine tastings.
La Grande Degustation Event
For its 2020 edition, the organizers of La Grande Degustation de Montreal are launching La Grande Degustation virtually from October 26 to 31. This ambitious virtual event will allow to connect producers, importers, and wine lovers, who, in the safety of their homes, will be able to exchange, discover and order their bottles, just in time for the holidays.It sounds quite strange to do a wine festival online but its the best option out there under COVID-19 circumnstances.
The festivities start on October 26 with a a live 5 to 7 to kick off the celebrations. Then on October 30 and 31, inspired by the spirit of what made the event famous, 25 small tasting workshop in ”webinar” mode will connect together producers and specialists, in an informal mood. After choosing their respective webinars, customers will be able to order the wines via the SAQ.
A first in this edition-Available online: a directory of 600 private import products
Another premier , in collaboration with the SAQ, the mobile application and the website of La Grande Degustation will offer a listing of 600 private import products, which it will be possible to order, individually, then have it delivered, at any SAQ store in Quebec
For more information please visit: https://www.lagrandedegustation.com/en/
Wines of the week:
Yllera Verdejo Vendimia Nocturna 2019 SAQ # 13602019 $17.85
A rich version of Verdejo. Fruit reminiscent of ripe orchard fruit reminiscent of pear and peach jam. On the palate, it has a riper and creamier texture than most Verdejos yet retaining a freshness and beautiful acidity. Lovely wine to have with a vegetable fall risotto
Il Grappolo Rosso di Montalcino – SAQ #13629676 $23.35
A beautiful Tuscan red reminiscent of dark olives, leather and red currants. Full body, austere with a marked acidity. Traditional in style but nevertheless an awesome wine. Perfect for a steak dinner.
Stefano Amerighi Syrah 2016 ( Private Import, Le Vin dans le Voiles, around $50, Six pack case)
Vintage tasted 2015: On the nose this wine displays bright aromas of lavender, licorice and potpourri. The bouquet has great depth leading to deep notes of savoury cured meat with hints of cloves and black pepper.The fruit is so fine as well. There are hints of blueberry, black cherry and plum. On the palate, this wine is all about texture. It is quite polished in the palate, enveloping every inch in your mouth. Actually. It has a flair of Auguste Clape Cornas with the nose of a Crozes-Hermitage. Tannins are quite silky and ultra smooth but don’t let this fool you. This wine has not said its final song. This is a perfect wine. So please, get yourself a case or two and live the experience like myself
COENOBIUM RUSCUM 2018-Italian Orange wine from Lazio $36.60 ( Private Import, L’Enoteca di Moreno De Marchi)
Divine and graceful. Aromas of orange peel, dry orchard fruit complemented by nougat and roasted herbs. Elegant, almost ethereal. Pairing well with lentil soup. Interesting blend of Trebbiano ( 45%), Malvasia ( 35%) and Verdicchio ( 20%).
Poderi Sanguineto I e II. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2016. $48 ( Private Import, Symbiose Vins)
Fantastic Sangiovese from the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG in Tuscany. Delicate yet complex aromas of cherry confit, leather and that dusty minerality so sublime of well made Sangiovese. With aeration in the glass, nuances of halzenut dark chocolate and toasted cofee comes to mind. Great palate. Polished with silky a mouthfeel. Tannins are a bit tight now so you can hold it for a few years. Complex retronasal that brings to mind violets, and barn nuances. Long and harmonious with a finale that brings to mind Cohiba tobacco.
Please let us know your thoughts and experiences on virtual wine tastings.
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