We did it, and we had so much fun last night! Despite a few technical hiccups, we were able to record Canada’s first ever Live Video Wine Tasting on Google +.
We paired our wines with some delicious Canadian cheeses. The conversation was terrific … you can also see the Twitter tasting that led up to this where we trended #1 worldwide on conversational topics. We’ll be back soon with our next tasting, please join us!
The cheeses and wines we tasted:
1 Year Old Cheddar Île-aux-Grues, Fromagerie de l’Île-aux-Grues, l’Île-aux-Grues, Québec
Founded in 1977 by 14 dairy farmers, only 5 remain and are part of the cooperative that provides the milk for the Fromagerie de l’Île-aux-Grues cheddars. Using thermalized milk this one year old is firm in texture and is developing a characteristic nutty taste associated with cheddar.
Avonlea Clothbound Cheddar, Cows Creamery, Prince Edward Island
Originally Cheddar was made in wheel shapes wrapped in cheesecloth. Armand Bernard is reviving this tradition, following the style of great English farmstead Cheddars. Made from raw Holstein cow milk which is then thermalized, and aged for a minimum of 14 months in carefully monitored temperature and humidity conditions. The aroma and flavour is uniquely PEI, reminiscent fresh unwashed potatoes, grassy yet both sweet and tangy on the finish. Winner, Aged Cheddar (1-3 years) category, 2011 Canadian Cheese Grand Prix.
Maple Smoked 2 years Cheddar, Bothwell Cheese Inc., Manitoba
Their matured cheddars are gently bathed in the cool smoke from smoldering pure maple wood. The result is a full, smoky flavour that complements the complex, nutty taste of this aged cheese. Add it to an omelet for a smoky breakfast alternative.
Albert’s Leap, Quality Cheese Inc., Ontario
This is a rich, full-flavored cheese with the character and complexity of French farmstead Brie. Albert the cheese maker brings classic French flavors to Ontario in the form of this bold little cheese. It’s a cheese with as much character as its maker. Cheesemaker story video.
Niagara Gold, Upper Canada Cheese Co., Jordan Station, Ontario
Handcrafted from the milk of a single herd of Guernsey cows pastured in Niagara, then hand washed and turned regularly during ripening to create the aromatic golden washed rind and complex sweet, grassy to fruity flavours that become more pronounced with age. Cheesemaker story video.
Alfred Le Fermier, Fromagerie La Station de Compton, Compton, Québec
Simon-Pierre Bolduc has created another masterpiece, named after the family’s great grandfather. This firm, washed rind cheese is made from the raw organic milk of the family’s purebred Holsteins. Carefully aged for 6 to 8 months on wood boards. The yellowish-orange rind produces a pleasant woodsy aroma with a nutty and floral taste profile. Cheesemaker story video.
The wines we’ll taste:
2009 Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Pinot Noir, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Lovely sweetly ripe cherries on the nose with soft rose petals. Medium-bodied and satin smooth. Surely, one of Canada’s best pinots at this price point (it’s a bargain). Food matches: rare roast beef. Drink: Lovely sweetly ripe cherries on the nose with soft rose petals. Medium-bodied and satin smooth. Surely, one of Canada’s best pinots at this price point (it’s a bargain). Food matches: rare roast beef. Drink: 2011 – 2016 33894 12.5% XD 750 ml $30.00 Score: 92/100 Available: LCBO Vintages , Wine Rack, on line www.leclosjordanne.com and Winery Boutique (at Jackson-Triggs)
2008 Flourish Vidal Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
A profusion of honey-drizzled apricots and peach preserves. So lovely. Top me up! Food matches: foie gras, fruit custard. Drink: 2012 – 2018 222356 9.5% S 200 ml $17.95 Score: 91/100
2007 Jackson-Triggs Entourage Methode Classique Sparkling Brut, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
A toasty, terrific bubbly with fresh notes of green apple and baked bread. Incredible price for such quality: one of Canada’s best sparkling wines. Food matches: shucked oysters, sushi, Asian fusion, pate. Drink: 2012 – 2017 80003789 12.5% D 750 ml $22.95 Score: 91/100
Bethany Harpur
Ottawa Ontario
Twitter: @2ndferment
Site: 2ndFerment
Jason Solanki
Richmond Hill, Ontario
Twitter: @cono_sur
Site: Vintage Wine Picks
Corinna Horton
Gatineau, Quebec
Twitter: @thefoodgypsy
Site: FoodGypsy
Nina Syas
Etobicoke, Ontario
Twitter: @wineandfoodlove
Site: Ninas Wine and Food
Dan Trcka
Twitter: @grapeselections
Toronto, Ontario
Site: GrapeSelections
Allie Hughes
St. Catharines, Ontario
Twitter: @alliehues
Site: Hughes and Co.
Dawn Montgomery
Oakville, Ontario
Twitter: @DawnMontgomery
Site: Dawn Montgomery Presents
Susan Desjardins
Ottawa, Ontario
Twitter: @susanswine
Gaby Israel
Richmond Hill, Ontario
Twitter: @wineGPCi
Holly Bruns
Ottawa, Ontario
Twitter: @WineOutLoud
Site: Wine Out Loud
Nita Boushey
Ottawa, Ontario
Twitter: @TipMyTumbler
Site: Tip My Tumbler
Previous notes:
Join us for a live Google + Video Canadian Cheese & Wine tasting tonight at 8 pm! When you go to my Google + page, you’ll see the screen shot above. If you get there early and don’t see it, refresh your browser page every few minutes so that it pops up when we start broadcasting live.
To refresh your browser page, click on the little incomplete circle with an arrow on one end icon on your browser or the Ctrl and F5 buttons at the same time. When you see the Hangouts Box, click on the arrow and you’ll see and hear the video tasting happening live. Have a glass of wine and cheese with us.
Please let others know about this tasting on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and by good old fashioned e-mail. The more, the merrier!
Live Video #CdnCheese & Wine tasting tonite 8 pm, join us: http://bit.ly/SRYn2W
These women are clearly enjoying a Google + video wine and cheese tasting. Why not join us and have as much fun as they’re having? See you there, meet new friends!
