Category Archives: Wine

RKS 2025 Canadian Wine: A Red Assemblage from Ferox Estate Winery in Niagara, Ontario

A blend of Zweigelt (53%), Merlot (18%), Syrah (15%), Malbec (8%) and Cabernet Franc (6%) from 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Each component was aged in neutral French oak barriques (225L) for a minimum of 2 years before élevage, assemblage, filtration and bottling. Aroma: Black cherry, blackberry, blueberry and cassis all rather dense and heady.Continue reading “RKS 2025 Canadian Wine: A Red Assemblage from Ferox Estate Winery in Niagara, Ontario”

RKS 2025 Canadian Wine: Wending Home Syrah-Merlot

If you are going to “make it” with Syrah and Merlot in Ontario generous oak treatment and pristine quality grapes are required. This is a single vineyard dual variety wine that has spent thirty months in used French oak. 50% each of Syrah and Merlot. Aroma: Definite Merlot on the nose not lush and plushContinue reading “RKS 2025 Canadian Wine: Wending Home Syrah-Merlot”

RKS 2025 Wine: A Nero Carbone from Basilicata in Italy

The Carbone family, based in Melfi near Mount Vulture in the heart of Basilicata, values their unique terroir which is rich in volcanic soil. Situated on the slopes of the ancient volcano, their vineyards benefit from an ideal aspect. Coupled with an optimal microclimate that’s marked by significant temperature variations, this setting imbues Aglianico withContinue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: A Nero Carbone from Basilicata in Italy”

RKS 2025 Wine: Monsaraz Reserva 2022 From Portugal’s Alentejo

Monsaraz is a brand from CARMIM a Portuguese co-operative founded in 1971 by a group of 60 wine grape growers in the Alentejo which has grown to close to 800 growers cultivating over 3,000 hectares. CARMIM is the largest winery in the Alentejo and exports wine to 34 countries. This wine is 50% Alicante Bouschet,Continue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: Monsaraz Reserva 2022 From Portugal’s Alentejo”

RKS Wine Tourism: A State of Mind Trumps Cold “Scientific” Logic

In Southern Sicily on 13May2025 we visited the Villa Romana Del Casale, home of some of the most superb Roman mosaics in the world recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The villa was constructed by a prominent Roman aristocrat between the third and fourth centuries. This large countryside villa represented the height of luxury.Continue reading “RKS Wine Tourism: A State of Mind Trumps Cold “Scientific” Logic”

RKS 2025 Wine: Firriato 2023 Etna Bianco

This wine was purchased and reviewed in Taormina, Sicily on May 2025. Aroma: Lemon, lime, coal, licorice, anis and pineapple. Palate: Licorice, white pepper, charcoal and honeydew melon. Well integrated acidity. Silky and smooth with a slight jolt of a peppery finish. Personality: I am grown in volcanic soil hence my charcoal and coal characteristics.Continue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: Firriato 2023 Etna Bianco”

RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine: Losing Patience with Marynissen: Not Charmed by This Charmed Rosé

John Marynissen might be categorized as a Niagara wine legend but he’s long gone and at last account the winery is in the hands of a Chinese investors, I think. The winery website states the winery was sold in 2012 but for some reason (wonder why) fails to reveal the identity of the purchaser(s). Whatever,Continue reading “RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine: Losing Patience with Marynissen: Not Charmed by This Charmed Rosé”

RKS 2025 Wine: Agiorgitiko a Greek Munga Red From Zacharias

From Nemea in the Peloponnese a “oak aged” Agiorgitiko. Having been in Thessaloniki in November for the Thessaloniki 65th Annual Film Festival I found perhaps the best wine shop right by the main port buildings. The red wine leader on the shelves was Agiorgitiko and the same held true for supermarket and the smaller cornerContinue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: Agiorgitiko a Greek Munga Red From Zacharias”

RKS 2025 Wine: Portuguese Wine at a Give Away Price: Guarda Rios

There aren’t many notable wines at $11.95 CDN these days in Canada although in Portugal at Pingo Doce or Jumbo hypermarchés there are many at that price. We try a Portuguese red Guarda Rios from the Alentejano region that is slowly crowding off Douro wines from the shelves in Ontario, based on price to valueContinue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: Portuguese Wine at a Give Away Price: Guarda Rios”

RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine: What’s My Reflection on Looking Glass?

What is my reflection on Niagara’s Rosewood’s 2021 Looking Glass? A blend of 68% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. The wines rested in neutral French oak for 15 months prior to bottling. Aroma: Black cherry, raspberry, red currant and milk chocolate. Palate: Strict, stern and dry. Moderate tannins. Razor thin fruit.Continue reading “RKS 2025 CANADIAN Wine: What’s My Reflection on Looking Glass?”