Summer Wines Tasting: A Journey Through Greece and France with Amanda Thomas & Jerome Christie

Amanda and Jerome Taste and Review Wines from Greece and from France

There’s no better way to celebrate the beginning of warm weather in Canada than with a delightful wine tasting. Recently, Amanda Thomas from @secretplaceest and Jerome Christie, the portfolio manager at Intra Vino Inc., hosted an exquisite wine tasting event at the Intra Vino headquarters. The event was a sensory journey through the vineyards of Greece and France, featuring four exceptional wines that left a lasting impression on them both.

The Greek Selections:

1. Domaine Porto Carras Granduca Rosé: Is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a well-crafted rosé with a balance of fruitiness and acidity. It’s perfect for sipping on a warm summer day or as an accompaniment to light meals. 

2. Panagiotopoulos Cube Rosé: Is a refreshing and aromatic wine that that speaks softly of summer evenings by the sea, with delicate balance of fruitiness and minerality.

3. Panagiotopoilos Malagousia: Is praised for its balance of fruitiness and acidity, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate a well-crafted white wine with a refreshing character. It’s perfect for enjoying on its own or paired with a variety of dishes.
   

The French Finale:

• Famille Bougrier Pure Valee Pinot Noir: To conclude the tasting, a French wine was uncorked. This Vibrant Pinot Noir is praised for its medium body, bright fruit flavors, and smooth finish. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate a well-crafted Pinot Noir that’s approachable and versatile for any occasion.

Throughout the tasting, Amanda Thomas shared insights into the hospitality industry, her journey in wine and her current position at “Wine on Main New Market”. Jerome Christie provided valuable information on mentorship, working for a wine agency, transitioning careers and studying to become a sommelier.

They tasted and reviewed how these exquisite wines are not only for enjoyment but also for collection. The day was not just about tasting; it was an educational experience that deepened their appreciation for one another and especially the art of wine. They were reminded that every bottle tells a story of tradition, passion, and the pursuit of perfection.

Amanda Thomas @secretplaceest

Jerome Christie @sonovaseamstress

https://www.instagram.com/panagiotopoulos_wines?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://www.instagram.com/famillebougrier?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://www.instagram.com/domaine_porto_carras?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Pairing Wine & Pasta with Sommelier Beverly Crandon

https://youtu.be/jwHcItvjCzU?si=79jAGmsN_OIWe77o

On The Good Stuff with Mary Berg, Sommelier Beverly Crandon paired wines from our collection with various pasta dishes

Beverly Crandon Explains, when it comes to pairing wine with pasta, there are a few key principles to keep in mind. The goal is to create a harmonious balance between the flavours of the wine and the pasta, enhancing the overall dining experience. Here are some tips to help you master the art of wine and pasta pairing:

1. Consider the Sauce: The pasta sauce is crucial in this pairing. Different sauces call for different wines.
   

2. For instance:
   

• Creamy sauces like Alfredo or pesto pair well with crisp white wines that have some weight on the palate. Think medium to full-bodied whites like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

• Hearty tomato-based sauces are best complemented by medium-bodied red wines, such as a Chianti.

• Depth and Weight Matter: Consider the intensity of both the pasta dish and the wine. Robust pasta dishes go well with equally robust wines. Lighter pasta dishes, on the other hand, pair nicely with wines that have lively acidity.

• Texture of the Pasta: The type of pasta noodles matters too. Thicker, denser pasta (like Pappardelle) calls for wines with a robust backbone of acidity to cut through the density. For lighter pasta (such as Angel Hair), opt for wines that won’t overwhelm the palate.

Wine Recommendations

Now, let’s dive into the wines:

1. Semeli Oreinos Helios White 2022:

• A dry white wine with vibrant acidity and medium body.

• Pairs beautifully with shellfish, fish, pasta with seafood, sushi, sashimi, poultry, and white meat.

1. Casagara Chianti Riserva 2014:

• A medium-bodied red wine.

• Ideal for hearty tomato-based pasta sauces.

Remember, the key to successful wine and pasta pairing is to take cues from the sauce, but most importantly, have fun, experiment, and trust your taste buds. Cheers!

Keep an eye out for Beverly and her successful "Spring into Spice", "Fall into Spice" and "Black Grapes" events taking place anually in Toronto.

"Exploring the Elegance: A Review of Château Grand Haut-Médoc 2018 by John Szabo, MS for Wine Align"

LCBO VINTAGES RELEASE Château Grand Haut-Médoc 2018

This ripe wine is spicy and perfumed, with abundant black fruits, rich tannins, and intense black-currant notes derived from the Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Aged in wood, this wine will reach its peak starting in 2023.

Release Date:

May 11, 2024

• Alcohol/Vol: 14%

• Made In: Bordeaux, France

• Sugar Content: 3 g/L

• Varietal: Bordeaux

• VINTAGES#: 35374

• $21.95

John Szabo, MS

Maturing, indeed drinking well now, this Haut Medoc still has some grip on the palate nonetheless, framing, the dark fruit, spicy and earthy. Dusty tannins provide resistance, but overall I'd say it's pretty well a point, especially if you want to enjoy the sunset of fruit. Good length. Tasted May 2024.

Wine Align Review - 89 Points