Wine producing countries and their subregions, such as Armenia, have a scarce presence in Ontario with a state monopoly controlling all wines flowing into the province except for the miserable duty-free wine quotas a traveller can bring into Canada from abroad or “smuggle” in from other provinces. There is no free Canadian interprovincial wine trade.Continue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: Armenian Wine: The Next Great Hope? Not Enough Volume in the Market to Make That Determination”
Tag Archives: Travel
RKS 2025 Wine: Decent Cabernet Sauvignon Hiding Out in Washington State
In the 14December2024 Liquor Control Board of Ontario’s Vintages Release catalogue in the California red wine section there are 8 wines listed and 5 are Cabernet Sauvignon. Ontario has been “taught” (is that the correct word?) to worship Cali Cabernet Sauvignon. Grabbing a bottle of reasonably priced California Sauvignon in the $25 CDN range canContinue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: Decent Cabernet Sauvignon Hiding Out in Washington State”
The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous (The Final Version):Chapter 19: Escaping Quebec Nationalist Fervor from Montreal to Hogtown!
I graduated with two law degrees from the University of Cote St. Luc Law School in Montreal. Despite the fact I spoke very good French having learnt this noble language at the King’s School for Young Men in Bombay my French was trés Parisien and nowhere near the joual of the Montreal working class. IContinue reading “The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous (The Final Version):Chapter 19: Escaping Quebec Nationalist Fervor from Montreal to Hogtown!”
RKS 2025 Wine: “Back to the Volcano”: Italian Red from ETNA
“Under the Volcano” is a novel by Canadian Malcom Lowry not to be confused with my heading above “Back to the Volcano”. I have had the pleasure of a day of intense fine tasting on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius outside of Naples 5 years ago and in May I am heading to Mount EtnaContinue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: “Back to the Volcano”: Italian Red from ETNA”
RKS 2025 Film: Scarborough Hits the Big Screen in “Morningside”
I grew up in Montreal and fled as a refugee to Toronto. I encountered incessant references about this neighbourhood called Scarborough and not always in the most positive language. An undertone of poverty, crime and naughtiness. Scarborough seemed so far away from Toronto it earned the derogatory nickname of Scarberia. The only relevance Scarborough heldContinue reading “RKS 2025 Film: Scarborough Hits the Big Screen in “Morningside””
RKS 2025 Wine: Armenian Wine: A Daring Move by The Liquor Control Board of Ontario!
Shame on you who decry the monopolistic Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO)! The “Control” in the corporate name shouts out a paternalistic and profitable heart. The LCBO wants to control what you drink reducing its administrative and business costs as much as possible to maximize profits. No expensive forays into new wine markets onlyContinue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: Armenian Wine: A Daring Move by The Liquor Control Board of Ontario!”
The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous (The Final Version):Chapter 8: Minah My 140 Kilo Sweetheart
You may recall my initial infatuation with Minah my little hummingbird and tabbouleh slinging sweetheart in Montreal. I had been accepted to McGill University in Montreal with a full Claire and Warren Quimby Scholarship for Third World Disadvantaged Urchins. I didn’t need the tuition money but seeing the bastards the First World can produce, particularlyContinue reading “The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous (The Final Version):Chapter 8: Minah My 140 Kilo Sweetheart”
RKS 2024 Wine: Croatian Plavac Mali
At one time it was thought Plavac Mali was Zinfandel but at best Plavac Mali and Zinfandel may have shared some ancestral grape heritage. It is my go-to red in Croatia and has its most extensive planting on Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian coast. Two or three times a year Torontonians see some Plavic Mali on ourContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Croatian Plavac Mali”
The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous (The Final Version): Chapter 6: Juanita Joins Big Bopper and Buddy Holly
Flying to New Delhi from Montreal is far better than the Delhi Belly flight from New Delhi to Montreal as with the latter Indian food seeks its revenge on those not used to it. Flatulence and the runs are the perfect storm for an unholy stench that not even the smell of eggplant curry couldContinue reading “The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous (The Final Version): Chapter 6: Juanita Joins Big Bopper and Buddy Holly”
RKS 2024 Wine: Chasing Rain Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington’s Red Mountain
With today’s climate change one can be hoping to chase the rain either towards or away from you! Which way is the chase going for Chasing Rain Cabernet Sauvignon? The Red Mountain AVA receives approximately 5 inches of rain annually. The winery’s website states, “Minimal rainfall, a dry climate and fast draining soil force moreContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Chasing Rain Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington’s Red Mountain”
A Bird's Eye View of Fashion, Food, Travel, Culture, Beverage and Curiosity 