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  • Aeration – When, Why and How?

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    Aeration is often touted as a ‘must-do’ for wine enthusiasts looking to get the most out of their wine – but what is it really all about?

    Aeration is the process of letting a wine ‘breath’. When you pour wine, the wine is suddenly exposed to oxygen. The level of oxidation that occurs can play a role in how the wine actually tastes – it allows the wine’s aromas to open up and the flavour profile to soften and improve. The difference in aroma and taste will vary with types of wine, age of the vintage, and level of tannins. Reds usually require more aeration than whites, older more than young, and wine with higher tannins more than those with fewer tannins. The more dense and concentrated a wine is, the more it will benefit from aeration. Continue reading Aeration – When, Why and How?

  • What is a Syrah?

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    Have you ever wondered what a Syrah wine is? Or whether it bears any similarity to a Shiraz or a Petite Sirah? Let us walk you through a brief history of Syrah so you can become a well-versed wine enthusiast.

    Syrah is one of the darkest red wines you can find today. It is full-bodied and has a medium to high level of tannins, depending on the terroir it is grown in. While flavours vary in Syrah wines, those that are often noted include dark berries, pepper, chocolate and espresso. In our Vanessa Vineyard 2012 Syrah, notes of black fruits, leather, white pepper, and chocolate fill the mouth over silky tannins. Continue reading What is a Syrah?

  • Wine 101: Learn the Basics, Look like a Pro

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    Whatever the occasion, impress your guests by following these basic tips for a perfectly served wine. It will make you look and feel like the ultimate host.

    Have you ever been underwhelmed by a well-rated wine? Odds are that one of the following steps was missed by the server. Many factors go in to how a wine tastes – from the serving temperature to the type of wine glass you use. Here is a brief overview of tips, from the Wine Spectator, to help you bring out your inner sommelier. Continue reading Wine 101: Learn the Basics, Look like a Pro

  • Pairing our Wine

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    Our 2012 vintages include two elegant full-bodied wines, a Meritage and a Syrah – two names you may not have heard of before. So what meals are best to pair them with?

    Let’s start with our 2012 Syrah. This is a full-bodied wine that gives off a rich bouquet of dark plums and floral aromas with notes of cedar. Black fruits, leather, white pepper, and chocolate notes fill the mouth layered over silky tannins. The long finish shows spice and smoky oak.

    A full-bodied Syrah, like ours, has bold flavours that pair well with flavourful foods. Try barbecued meats – pork, lamb, sausages all work well. For a unique but fitting pairing, try wild game or beef stew. And in terms of a cheese pairing, go with an aged hard cheese, something that will let the bold wine flavour shine without clashing with the cheese. Continue reading Pairing our Wine