Category Archives: Wine

RKS WINES OF FRANCE: A Cabernet Franc from the Loire in France: Somewhat of a Tired Old Bird

In Ontario we are accustomed to drinking world class Cabernet Franc produced here. So much so is it possible we overlook Saumur Champigny from the Loire in France? Don’t be deep faked by France with Cabernet Franc! In this case we try a Domaine Raton Clos des Cordeliers Cuvée Prestige Saumur Champigny 2019.  Aroma: PrimaryContinue reading “RKS WINES OF FRANCE: A Cabernet Franc from the Loire in France: Somewhat of a Tired Old Bird”

RKS ONTARIO WINE: And Now for Something Completely Different: Rosewood Blau

There is Blaufränkisch galore in Austria and Germany but when encountered in Canada think of Monty Python’s “And Now For Something Completely Different”. Thank goodness for that incessant Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Ontario becomes boring. Three cheers to Rosewood for a Blaufränkisch. Cool label art by Liam Goslett. Don’t panic as itContinue reading “RKS ONTARIO WINE: And Now for Something Completely Different: Rosewood Blau”

RKS British Literature: A Comparison of Opium and Wine (Part Three) (Thomas De Quincey)

“Thus, for instance, opium, like wine, gives an expansion to the heart and the benevolent affections; but then with this remarkable difference, that in the sudden development of kind heartedness which accompanies inebriation, there is always more or less of a maudlin character which exposes it to the contempt of the bystander. Men shake theirContinue reading “RKS British Literature: A Comparison of Opium and Wine (Part Three) (Thomas De Quincey)”

RKS British Literature: A Comparison of Opium and Wine (Part Two) (Thomas De Quincey)

“But still, wine constantly leads a man to the brink of absurdity and extravagance, and, beyond a certain point, it is sure to volatize and to disperse the intellectual energies: whereas opium always seems to compose what has been agitated, and to concentrate what had been distracted. In short, to sum up all in oneContinue reading “RKS British Literature: A Comparison of Opium and Wine (Part Two) (Thomas De Quincey)”

RKS ONTARIO WINE: NO FOG WITH FOGOLAR’S 2022 CABERNET FRANC FROM NIAGARA’S PICONE VINEYARD

Fogolar produces some superb Ontario wines. I was off the Ontario Riesling rails for quite some time until Fogolar Riesling set me back on track. Warm fermented for 28 days in stainless steel and aged in French oak for two years. The Fogolar Cabernet Francs must not be ignored including the Fogolar Picone Vineyards 2022Continue reading “RKS ONTARIO WINE: NO FOG WITH FOGOLAR’S 2022 CABERNET FRANC FROM NIAGARA’S PICONE VINEYARD”

RKS Wines of Portugal: A Wine Fit for Miss Piggy?

This wine is a regular in Liquor Control Board of Ontario’s Vintages releases. “Trina Bolotas” in its name is Portuguese for grazing “acorn cracker pigs” which include acorns as part of their diet. Its distinctive taste makes for delicious roast pork even more sublime when matched with the right wine! A blend of Alicante Bouschet,Continue reading “RKS Wines of Portugal: A Wine Fit for Miss Piggy?”

RKS PORTUGUESE WINE: Ravasqueira Encantado Red

A blend of Syrah, Touriga Franca and Alicante Bouschet. Grown in clay-limestone soils with rocky influence of granite and schist. The vinification of the Syrah and Touriga Franca was in open stainless steel lagares and the Alicante Bouschet in stainless steel fermenting tanks. The blend was aged 8 months in new French oak barrels. TheContinue reading “RKS PORTUGUESE WINE: Ravasqueira Encantado Red”

RKS Literature: Soaking up Cheap Wine in the Slums of Paris (George Orwell)

“There was R., an Englishman who lived six months of the year in Putney with his parents and six months in France. During his time in France he drank four litres of wine a day, and six litres on Saturday; he once had travelled to the Azores, because the wine there is cheaper than anywhereContinue reading “RKS Literature: Soaking up Cheap Wine in the Slums of Paris (George Orwell)”

RKS Wines Of Greece: Xinomavro a Most Difficult Grape Unless….

Xinomavro, a Greek red grape, is problematic. It can be highly tannic and grape quality aside, if not sufficiently aged, your mouth is in for a battle. For this reason, I largely avoid Xinomavro. Yet I have had the pleasure of Xinomavro aged some twenty years and it was remarkable. I was at the TorontoContinue reading “RKS Wines Of Greece: Xinomavro a Most Difficult Grape Unless….”

RKS WINES OF GREECE: A True Greek Blend: Novus Altitude White

A blend of 60% Moschofilero, 25% Assyrtiko and 15% Malagousia. Aroma: Peach, apricot and Nafplio marmalade Palate: Explosion of Greek peaches and juicy oranges with a long spicy finish. Personality: A true Greek blend I am. Food Match: Gavros tiganitos (fried anchovies). Cellarbility: Drink in 2026. Price: $18 CDN. RKS WINES OF GREECE Rating: 87/100.Continue reading “RKS WINES OF GREECE: A True Greek Blend: Novus Altitude White”