You know the old saying, 'it's better to give than to receive'? Well amigos, I'm in a giving mood as it's my birthday AND I've just been to the 2006 Toronto Wine and Cheese Show (www.towineandcheeseshow.com), so this week, I offer you not one but two feature articles. As I turn one year younger, so does the show- this marks their 23rd year of offering the best in wine, gourmet food, beer, scotches and cheeses to an appreciative crowd.
Shortly after entering Mississauga's International Centre, I saw a rather dapper older gentleman and his wife offering explanations and tastings of Portuguese Madeira. I knew I was in for a very good night when I sampled the Henriques & Henriques 1995 Single Harvest Madeira. A luscious gold in colour, this sweet libation is not only one of my favourites, according to lore, it was also William Shakespeare's favourite! Here's another nifty "did you know" for your next dinner party: Madeira was the spirit of choice in English Victorian parlours when folks gathered for their mid-morning snack of a glass accompanied by fruit cake. Lightly chilled as an aperitif or a digestif (it's recommended as a true indulgence after dinner with cigars), any way you sip it, it's a heavenly fortified wine fit for any gathering. For those living in the Liquor Control Board of Ontario-regulated province, a bottle of Henriques & Henriques 1995 Single Harvest will run you $19 CAD in the Vintages section.
Other liquid finds were the New Zealand and South African whites. Yes, whites. I know some say South Africa isn't known for their white wines, but Bellingham's Sauvignon Blanc ($13.95 CAD a bottle) was clean, crisp and refreshing at every turn. Perfect with fresh seafood- oysters, tuna tartar, or steamed mussels in a cream sauce. Villa Maria Estates Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand was also refreshing with a lemongrass, citrus hit that came alive on the palate. For $15.60 CAD a bottle, it makes a wonderful summertime drinking wine.
I wove my way through dozens of stalls offering up goodies such as Ivanhoe Cheeses, made in Madoc, Ontario. The Horseradish Cheddar had a pleasant spicy zing that my husband devoured, while I preferred the Extra Old Cheddar Vintage with its lingering, creamy flavour. We found ourselves perusing the literature produced by the Dairy Farmers of Canada when we learned that at 9pm, a complimentary cheese tasting class was on offer. We walked to the Hernder Estates booth- the same vineyard in wine-growing Niagara where we were married almost 3 years ago, and handed over some tickets for a taste of their lovely Vidal (their much-lauded, award winner however is their Riesling). Then we settled in for the best part of the evening.
Presenter Andre Piche of the Dairy Farmers of Canada proceeded to introduce us to some wonderful Canadian produced cheeses. Most cheese in Canada is made in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, but some artisanal cheese makers turn out exceptional products from British Columbia to New Foundland.
The Swiss-style Frère Jacques with its distinctive yellow rind has a sweet, buttery, hazelnut flavour. Paired with some of Ace Bakery's finest breads, this was an unexpected treat. Next we turned to Agropur's Brie Extra, which Andre recommends be consumed with a glass of red Cabernet Franc. When eaten with the rind, you get an earthy, buttery flavour than when eaten without- a rich, gorgeous piece of cheese. We nibbled our way through some BioBio Medium Cheddar, a Fritz Kaiser Raclette that was a hit with my husband who likes intense-flavoured cheeses, a Gattuso Food produced Suisse Cheese and another crowd pleaser- the Damafro St-Damase. This young version of the St-Damase we were told, develops stronger flavours as it ages. The golden rind will turn to a more copper colour as it ages, imparting a deeper, earthier taste.
Continuing in the spirit of giving, here are some other fantastic food/drink finds, unearthed at this year's Toronto Wine and Cheese Show:
• Harbour Estates Winery makes the most lip-smacking Raspberry Merlot Drizzle. Served as an accompaniment to cheese or as a dessert sauce, this ruby red elixir of the gods makes any ho-hum cake sing an aria!
• Alexis de Portneuf's Chevre des Neiges goats cheese from Quebec. Creamy, smooth, flavourful and delectable.
• Dalmatian Fig Spread (available at numerous grocery stores throughout the GTA) is DIVINE! Straight from the jar or spread on a sliced baguette round on top of some Portneuf goats cheese- heavenly stuff! SO glad I discovered this taste of Croatia here in Canada!
• Hot Mama's Hot Pepper Jelly is as the mama's say "first you get the sweet and then you get the heat!" Jamaican Scotch Bonnet peppers provide the heat against the perfect amount of sweetness. Serving recommendations range from pouring some of this wonderful jelly over baked Brie, or as a basting and grilling sauce. Check them out at: www.hotmamams.ca .
• Cornerstone Estate Winery- located in Beamsville, Ontario- this winery is winning kudos for its oaked, 2002 Cabernet Franc. They also have fruit orchards on-site making a mid-August pit stop mandatory for those looking for ripe-off-the-tree, juicy peaches! I'll be there! For more information, go to:
