“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)”
Category Archives: Wine
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”
RKS 2026 Wine: More El Enemigo Bonarda
I recall years ago reading a newsletter from a Canadian wine writer who on occasion would say don’t walk to the store to buy a particular wine but run. I can’t recall using those words but I might be tempted to say that here as El Enemigo Bonarda does not disappoint and it ages wellContinue reading “RKS 2026 Wine: More El Enemigo Bonarda”
RKS 2026 GREEK WINE: Novus 2023 Altitude Red
Agiorgitiko 68% at 510 m. Syrah 22% at 710 m. Merlot 10% at 580 m. Vinification occurs in stainless steel. Aroma: Raspberry, black cherry and mountainous Hellenic scrub. Palate: Low tannins and acids. Smooth. Somewhat juicy. Lingering peppery finish. Plum. Cactus pear. Cinnamon. Personality: As for grapes the Agiorgitiko makes me by majority Greek. ItContinue reading “RKS 2026 GREEK WINE: Novus 2023 Altitude Red”
