Author Archives: ladminmccalden

Wine is Ancient History

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  • 6000BC Persia – 1st wines were made from dates and fruit, this became wine by “accident”
  • 3200BC – Egyptian vineyards were cultivated for only the rulers
  • Ancient Greece – dried fruits played a huge role in winemaking; olive oil was poured over the wine to in the amphorae to prevent oxidation
  • Ancient Romans March (@200BC-400AD) – winemaking spread throughout Europe as the Romans marched and conquered
  • Cab Sauv (Burgundy) and Chardonnay (Chablis) lineage suggests they were the first grape varietals
  • The 1800s – Wine-making spreads to “New World” (US, Australia, South America) via European migrants

 

Featured Vineyard – Smokie Ridge Vineyard

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A short drive from Ottawa, Smokie Ridge Vineyard is a local family owned and operated winery specializing in northern varietal grapes. We were established in 2007 and have raised over 10,000 vines from infancy within 40 miles of one of the world’s coldest capital cities. These hearty “Cold World” varietals include Frontenac, Sabrevois, Louise Swenson, St. Pepin and Marquette and can be tasted in our 2010 to 2015 vintages, our sm’Oaked Collection, and our recently launched Dessert Wine.

  • 2007 planted first 6,000 vines in the upper field
  • 2008 planted 2,500 additional vines in the lower field
  • 2009 broke ground on winery, store and cellaring facilities
  • 2010 first harvest
  • 2011 bottled the first vintage
  • 2012 store opened
  • over 10,000 vines
  • Frontenac, Sabrevois, St-Pepin, Louise Swenson, and Marquette
  • rose, red, white, desert
  • marquee tent available to outdoor events, tastings, and tours

Visit Smokie Ridge Vineyard

Bucket List 2020

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Rome – Orvieto – Spoleto – Assisi – Montefalco – Bevagna – Florence – Siena – Monteriggioni – Volterra – Guarnacci Museum, San Gimignano

Private cooking classes, home cooked meals, wineries, olive oil, and some more surprises along the way – 11 Days, 16 Meals

28 March – 7 April 2020

Small group tour (19 travelers) lets us venture off the beaten path for more adventure and immersion into the local communities.

Have a Sneak Peek here!

Special Travel Presentation:

Date: 3 April 2019
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Ottawa
Aa-5929 Jeanne D’Arc Blvd S
Orleans, Ontario

Contact Fortified Grape or email Audreyaknight@cruiseshipcenters.com to let us know you’re planning to attend.

 

Sabrevois

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It was named after the village near the Richeliu River in southern Quebec where Gilles Benoit of Vignoble des Pins first made high-quality wine from the variety. Where you find Sabrevois, you’ll often find St Croix.

Characteristics

A small to medium size black grape. Deep ruby red, aromas and complex flavours of black currant, dark cherry, pepper, and spice (look for hints of cinnamon). Barrel aging creates a full-bodied red. Great as a rose with lots going on on the nose. Keeps for a long time in your cellar.

Food Pairing

Serve with foods made with tomatoes - bruschetta, stone fired pizza, rich pasta dishes. Also try bacon, caramelized onions, mushroom dishes, dark meats or wild game.