Vine Styles in Kensington offers free tastings every Saturday, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Divine Offering and I dropped by as Mark from Juice Imports was sampling three newish wines. For this post, let’s listen to Oh! Darling.
There was quite a line to taste these wines, proof that Vine Styles is full of “grape” neighbours from the hood. Throughout the afternoon, groups of friends, of all ages, dropped in.
Mark was showcasing Dormilona 2024 Blanco ($37.95), Francesco Cirelli 2024 Trebbiano d’Abruzzo ($35.95), and Clos Cibonne 2024 Tentations Rosé ($38.95).
I’m familiar with Dormilona wines, a woman-led winery in Margaret River, Western Australia. Mark described this wine as creamy, crisp, and fresh. I liked the vibrancy of this white wine and picked up a bottle. It’s hard to find a wine that pairs well with salads, and apparently, this one pairs nicely with any vegetables and mint.
The flavour of Francesco Cirelli was unique to me. Mark mentioned this Italian white was an easy-drinking, savoury wine that paired well with seafood, such as ceviche. Divine Offering picked up a bottle because it stood out from the wines she had been stocking. She tasted peach or apricot, and thought it would be a good, cold summer wine. I remembered that I was already sharing a case of white wine from Domaine Richaud with Lululemon and Divine Offering, so I bowed out.
The third wine, Clos Cibonne 2024 Tentations Rosé, was described as a classic Provence rosé. Unsure of what that meant, I looked up an AI definition and got “A classic Provence rosé is pale and elegant, with crisp notes of citrus, red berries, and herbs, finishing clean and refreshingly dry.” The Tentations rosé was lovely, but with a case of Domaine Richaud rosé already at home, I decided to pass this time.
We tried the other three tastings from another wine merchant. Divine Offering bought a bottle of the Terenzuola Vermentino Vero ($38.95, discount $35.06). She found this wine smooth and thought it would pair well with a variety of snacks. She doesn’t usually drink a lot of red wine, so she must have liked this one.
I bought a bottle of the Fontana Vecchia Piedirosso ($31.95, discount $28.76). Described as bold and full-bodied, I took to the fragrance and the juicy flavour. I was told this wine pairs well with any protein, pasta and pizza.
If you haven’t been to Vine Styles, check it out. On a Saturday afternoon, it’s a lively spot to discover something new. Even better, time your visit so you can leave with the perfect bottle for dinner.
I just had the best meal of 2025. Sure, the year’s only half over, but I don’t anticipate eating better than I did at Bar Gigi last Saturday. For this post, let’s listen to E-Pro by Beck.
I was shocked at how small Bar Gigi is. There were barely a handful of tables. I understand now why it’s so hard to get a reservation. If you make a reservation, keep it. A last-minute cancellation can seriously hurt their end‑of‑day sales.
Our server was an absolute star. When I mentioned my recent appetite issues, she suggested half pours of wine and smaller portions so we could try even more dishes. Who does that? Let me answer that for you. No one! No one but her! I’m going to give our server the pseudonym, Fairy Godmother, or FG for short.
FG recommended pairing a glass of the Bernard Defaix Chardonnay Chablis (2023, $20) with the scallop crudo ($22). The scallops were silky, lovelier yet with a delicate crunch from celery and onion crisp on the top. Chew Steel thought the wine went well with the thick viscosity of the green lime yuzu.
FG paired the Loimer Gruner Veltluner (2023, $20) with the prawn toast ($21). I loved this wine pairing, and since I can’t pair wine with food for the life of me, I was in bliss. The bread had a buttery, golden crunch that gave way to the prawn filling of rich, almost devilled egg–like creaminess. It brought to mind the fried goodness of a dim sum shrimp spring roll. The wine, served icy cold, sliced through the toast’s fatty goodness.
FG recommended dipping our toast into the green yuzu sauce, which toned down the richness of the dish. Chew Steel initially rebuffed trying the sauce, but after he dipped, he agreed it was a good combination. I reprimanded him, stating FG has proven her worth.
I’m unsure if FG paired the Squash Blossom ($18) with a glass of pink Améztola Txkoil Rebentis Hondarrable Zurl (2023) or a Sauvignon Blanc, Château de Poot (2022). I just know I had both on the table, and that I was having the time of my life.
The fried squash blossom was a winner. It’s lightly battered, delicate, and sweet, stuffed with a warm ricotta filling that was as smooth and heavy as whipped potatoes. Topped with a hint of honey, this is easily one of the best things I’ve eaten all year.
I was full at this point, but I ordered the Chew Steel Potato Bread ($14) because I could see him eyeing it as it sailed past us to the following table. I took a bite. The bread was warm and pliable, made decadent with salty charred leek butter, bespeckled with black olives. I took a swig of my rose, loving how smooth it tasted against the herby oil and salty bread.
For Chew Steel’s main, we ordered the Ricotta Cavatelli with Morels and Tarragon ($34) paired with a glass Reserve de Vignerons Cab Franc (2023, $16). The wine was delicious on its own and with the pasta, which Chew Steel mentioned brought out the creamy nutmeg flavour in the sauce.
Though I was too full to eat Chew Steel’s pasta, I wanted dessert, the Sour Cherries Amaretto Cream Phyllo Pastry ($14). Oh, this was way too good to share. I loved the cold tartness of the cherries, the softness of whipped cream, and the crunch of the phyllo. I would order this again.
We washed the dessert down with Lo Milla grappa ($14). Honestly, at this point, I just remember raving and rambling about how happy I was to find a restaurant that quenched the thirst that Bar Von Der Fels left behind.
I think there’s something so magical about a small restaurant run by big talent. And while I am naturally an enthusiastic person, the food, service and wine at Bar Gigi lives up to its hype. Trust me! Hitting the Sauce gives Bar Gigi and the Fairy Godmother two phat thumbs up.
Lululemon and I dropped by to visit Mark Couillard from Juice Imports, as he was featuring a tasting at Unfiltered Wine Bar in Sunalta. Let’s listen to ‘Milkshake’ for this post.
When we arrived, there was a line-up to get in. I’m unsure if it’s usually this busy or if it was Mark’s featured wines that were ‘bringing in all the oenophiles into the yard’. In any case, I’m thankful Lululemon made a reservation.
We chose Mark’s flight ($31), which featured three wines: Laurent Saillard Loie & Cher, Clos Cibonne Tentations Rose, and Cantina Marilina Currivu Rosso.
The first wine we tried was Laurent Saillard Loie & Cher ($81/bottle). Lululemon noticed immediately that her wine was cloudy, and mine was clear. Mark explained that Lululemon’s glass was from the last pour, while mine came from the first pour of the bottle. He described the wine as having a slightly brassy character, similar to a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with a tart, fresh, and fun profile. I recalled buying another bottle from Laurent Saillard, Lucky You, last year.
The second wine, Clos Cibonne Tenttions Rose ($77/bottle), was some damn easy sipping. Mark informed us that the winery is located in a very hot climate, which is cooled off by the sea breeze. He described floral notes of melon, peach, and strawberry. I could taste strawberries.
The last wine we tried, Cantina Marilina Currivu Rosso ($72/bottle), hails from Sicily. The red wine had a distinct fragrance. Cantina Marilina is a women-led organic farm, located in the province of Siracusa. He described the wine as bold, plummy, fruity, with herbaceous notes. I could taste cherry. I recognized this label as Lululemon, Divine Offering and I both shared a case of Cantina Marilina’s Fedelie Rosato.
After our fun tasting, Lululemon took me to Una’s takeaway store for a pizza slice and fried dough balls. I ate more there than I have in a month! If you’re after a quick bite, a slice is the perfect nightcap.
A recent health development has kept me mostly at home over the past few weeks. However, I’ve been punctuating my sad little existence with the occasional jaunt. For example, I prebooked a Vine Arts wine tasting ($50) with Erik Mercier from Juice Imports before I was diagnosed, and I figured going wouldn’t literally kill me, so I went. Let’s listen to ‘Edelweiss’ for this post.
Having attended Juice Import’s tasting for years, I realized early on that the two business partners, Erik and Mark, have a passion so deep for their work that they are willing to host these lovely tastings essentially for free. The only things in life that are free are air and pain. So, not to be dramatic, but I’ll always gladly take in a Juice Import’s tasting. The fee for the tasting goes towards using the space, which Vine Art kindly allows them to use for a minimal cost.
My friend Divine Offering came this time, along with Lululemon. I wanted Divine Offering to meet Erik and Lululemon, as we are all taking a wine tour with Erik and Mark in 2026. We sat in the front of the tasting room, where we soaked in the sun-filled room and the shining variety of white wines, varying in minerality.
Photo credit: Divine Offering
Our welcome bubbles were Meinklang Epic ($29, discount $26). I found this wine refreshing with lovely tiny bubbles. I bought a bottle.
I hadn’t eaten much that day, and oh boy, was that cheese platter delicious. Peasant Cheese always does it right. The brie was soft and gooey, even better when paired with various crackers and dried apricots. The hard cheese was buttery yet creamy. And those big, fat, sweet red cherries tasted like it was just been plucked from a tree in the Okanogan.
The first wine was Testalong Cortez Chenin Blanc ($57). Testalong is one of the top three wineries in South Africa. Grown on decomposed granite with quartz and silica, Erik observed the stony characteristics. I find it challenging to describe minerality because I haven’t had much experience tasting things like stone or flint. Erik explained that flavours in wine that aren’t fruity, floral, or spicy are often considered mineral notes.
We compared Testalong Cortez with Escala Humana Chenin Blanc ($37.50), a wine from Argentina. Erik described this wine as fruity, with floral notes and citrus aromas. Lululemon liked this wine a lot. Divine Offering mentioned it complemented the fruit on her plate. Both purchased a bottle.
The Maloof Thistle Pinot Gris ($40, discount $36) was just right for me. Erik could taste both spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom, as well as the iced tea and lemon. The grapes grow on ‘Jory soil’, found in Oregon. The soil is volcanic, which is considered ideal for growing Pinot Noir grapes. I picked up a bottle for my in-laws, Turned and Dave.
The fourth wine was a real goodie, Gut Oggau Timotheus ($80). I love Gut wines, but I have what you call a beer budget, so I just sat and enjoyed experiencing the Juicy Fruit-like flavour. Erik mentioned the winery has a cult status in New York and Paris, and is served at Noma, a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Copenhagen. There’s actually a whole page dedicated to Gut wines.
The fourth wine we tasted was Le Grappin Macon Villages ($50). The smell was lovely. Erik noted that this was a white burgundy, an excellent value for such a bright and fresh wine. I had trouble describing what I could taste.
Erik mentioned that the winery farms its grapes with great intensity. Someone at the table asked what that meant, and he explained that when you grow fewer grapes, it gets more attention. He said to think of growing one ton of grapes versus ten tons on the same plot of land. When there are more grapes, they compete for nutrients, which can dilute their concentration of sugar and alcohol.
My favourite bottle just so happened to be Marnes Blanches Savignin Les Molates ($62, discounted to $55). Domaine Des Marnes Blanches is the first winery I fell in love with from Juice Import’s portfolio. The trick I learned at home, however, is to pair the wine with cheese. For some reason, it tastes so much better.
Photo credit: Divine Offering
I smelled brown sugar. Erik mentioned this wine could be aged for 30 years. I couldn’t muffle my snicker in time. I’m not waiting three decades to drink a nice bottle of wine. Erik suggested pairing this wine with Comte cheese. He sniffed and sipped, tasting spicy, peppery, green tea and tropical fruit. Lululemon mentioned the Savignin les Molates reminded her of lasagna. Yes, I could see it. Divine Offering found it creamy, sweet, yet herbal and smooth. Lululemon, Divine Offering, and I bought a bottle.
Photo credit: Divine Offering
I asked if wines with minerality are less approachable to novice wine drinkers because it’s harder to describe what they taste. Erik disagreed, saying a novice drinker can’t tell the difference, as it takes a lot of practice. People aren’t naturally good at tasting notes in wine. He says that, in comparison, semi-knowledgeable drinkers are worse than novice drinkers, as they get in their heads a little knowledge and become resistant to trying certain wines. For example, those who claim they dislike sweet wines, such as Riesling, are missing out, as many are delicious and highly regarded by both wine experts and novices.
Photo credit: Divine Offering
Another guest asked about the best places to drink wine in Paris and New York. I tuned out because I didn’t find it relevant in my near future. I perked up when Erik mentioned that Class Clown in Calgary has an incredible natural wine selection at bargain prices, just a few dollars above retail price.
I mentioned the Ship and Anchor has an inexpensive wine list, with several bottles from Juice Imports. Erik confirmed, but noted that his business partner had drunk all of the Ship’s champagne because it was priced so cheaply. Erik recommended Missy This That for the best wine selection.
On August 14, Juice Imports and Salt and Brick are hosting an intimate dinner featuring a rare selection of Burgundy wines ($350). I was very tempted, but since I can’t eat much, I figured it would be wasted on me. However, if you are interested, you might still be able to get a ticket.
Last Sunday, my friend Lululemon took me to a Juice Imports tasting ($35) at Vine Arts. I was extra excited. The wines are from Gut Oggau, located in Austria, where Lululemon and I are visiting with Juice Imports in 2026 for a wine tour. Let’s listen to for this post “The Lonely Goatherd”.
Typically, it’s Erik who speaks at their tastings. However, this time around, his business partner, Mark Coulliard, led the class. I like the speed at which he speaks, which is fast enough that I don’t zone out and that he’s to the point. Mark is a skilled storyteller, weaving between his personal experiences at the winery while dropping juicy nuggets of information.
Juice Imports doesn’t make any money off these tastings, and to add to the incredible value, he and Erik offered Gut Oggau wines at a much lower price point. The reason? Though these high-quality obscure Austrian wines are priced accordingly, many people in Canada, unfamiliar with Gut Oggau, may be reluctant to spend the money. While wine bars in New York and Tokyo are willing to pay for these high-in-demand wines, the locals here haven’t caught on. So they wanted us to taste them at a lower price point. The Guu collection ranges from $60 and up; even by Mark’s standards, the line-up we were trying was an indulgence.
The label on each bottle features a person, and I initially assumed that each name and image represented a family member. However, I soon discovered that they were part of a fictional family. I felt a sense of disappointment, as I had grown fond of the idea of a large, eclectic family who boozed it up together.
Mark met the owners, Stephanie and Eduard Tscheppe, in 2016 when Erik signed them. Now, not even a decade later, the wines are world-renowned. Throughout our tasting, Mark would reminisce about their subsequent visit to their 17th-century farmhouse, eating at their sister’s Michelin restaurant and picking out any bottle they fancied in the cellar. I nearly fainted from excitement when he recounted how wine was poured from 12-litre bottles.
The first wine we sampled was the Theodora (Gruner/Welshrizling), Gut’s version of white. A mellow yellow, Mark described the wine as light and fresh. I thought it was nice and lemony. I learned that their wine is made in Austrian wood, which is more neutral than oak.
My favourite wine was the Emmeran Gewurtztraminer (discount $61). Lululemon and I loved the floral fragrance. Mark mentioned he likes a good Gewurztraminer, especially when it’s so aromatic, juicy, and bright. To him, the Emmeran tastes like spring. We learned this wine is produced from forty-year-old vines with a low grape yield. Lululemon got a bottle. I wanted to buy this bottle, but it’s beyond my 2025 budget, even with the big discount.
The next wine was Cecilia (discount $75), an orange rose wine. Mark noted this was a new wine, at least for him. As he sipped, he described the wine as unique, explaining it was very different from all the others. Mark informed us that Cecilia is made with a blend of unknown red and white grapes. An easy-to-drink wine, he described the flavour as rosy oranges. I found this one subtle, light and interesting. If I weren’t such a small potato, I would substitute water with Cecilia.
The fourth tasting was Masquerade Rose (discount $35). The rose smelled like port, with a dessert-like sweetness that reminded me of cherries. Mark characterized this wine as bright, easy, and approachable. I bought a bottle for myself and one for Lululemon, who treated me to this tasting. When asked how long it takes to hold onto these wines, Mark recommended five years.
The fifth wine was a winner, though apparently, transporting a living product across the ocean turned Athanasius Blaufrankisch/Zweigelt (discount $40) into a frothy, spritzy red wine. I liked the juicy, light flavour and the bright red hue. I bought two bottles, and Lululemon bought one. Mark explained that most wineries remove the C02, but natural wines make them more alive and fresh.
The sixth wine was Joschuari Blaufrankisch. I found this wine punchier and heavier than the previous ones. We learned the Gut land consists of low-yielding plots of 30-40 plants, all scattered around different soil types, making various wines. Mark stated these are soulful wines made from super high-quality grapes. For example, they cut out grapes to concentrate on the remaining ones.
Mark treated us to a special bottle, Edmund, made from unpruned vines. Mark described this as bright and fresh with teeth. I loved this wine. I found it unusual but in a good way. When asked what temperature red wine should be drunk, Mark suggested 13 degrees or popping the bottle in the fridge half an hour before consuming it.
The conversation about the price of wine going up in Alberta came up. Mark predicted that customers at restaurants would either face higher prices or have fewer options, while other establishments might start offering cheaper, more standardized wines. He rationalized that most customers have a budget, and convincing them to spend more is becoming increasingly difficult. I couldn’t agree more. With the rising costs of everything, I’ve found myself cutting back and dining out less.
Regardless, this was the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Afterward, Lululemon took me to Cold Beer and Pizza, a casual little joint across the street. She plied me with fresh bread, dips and my beloved Ol’ Beautiful hard ice tea as we plotted our wine getaway in 2026. Thank you, Lululemon and Mark, for a glorious afternoon.
Erik is back in town! I saw on Instagram he was hosting Rhone Ragers ($50) at Vine Arts. I immediately called my trusty wine pal, Lululemon, to find out if she was up for some natural wines. Let’s listen to “Voulez-Vou” by Abba for this post.
I was early, so I shopped and picked up some Ol’ Beautiful Hard Ice Tea ($18) and non-alcoholic mocktails from Wild Folk ($5.50). At 3:00 p.m., I noted that Lululemon hadn’t arrived yet, which is uncharacteristic of her. Usually, I text her the day of, but I knew she had back-to-back events, so I didn’t want to bug her. It turns out she forgot but managed to scoot down in time. I drank her welcome bubbles because I figured, why not?
Erik knows how to set up a tasting. The pastel colours in each glass shone in the sunlight and lit up like liquid gems. I’m also noticing his wine gatherings always attract a young female demographic.
Erik chose his favourite region for this tasting, with rare examples to sip. He mentioned that Rhone Valley is the ancestral home of many of the world’s favourite grapes: Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier.
First up was a South African white wine, Testalonga Bandits Kloof Grenache Blanc. The fragrance was unusual, as I wasn’t familiar with it and couldn’t identify any particular scents.
Erik described the land, how scary baboons hung around the winery and how it took the owner ten years to produce his first vintage. Aged for two years, I found this wine really bright on the tongue. He took a sip and described the wine as tasting like a lemon meringue or a salty margarita. He thought this was a nice, contemplative wine to sip in a quiet space.
In contrast was the Dormilona Yokel Grenache Rosé. I liked how the wine wasn’t tart or sweet like other rosés. Erik mentioned that grapes grow in very hot temperatures, as high as the mid-40s. If you live by the winery, you can drop by with an empty one-litre and get it refilled. Lululemon is a huge fan of this woman-led winery, and she bought a bottle.
In contrast to the rosé, which everyone in the room agreed was very gulpable, we tried an orange wine, Broc Cellars Grenache Gris. This scent was nice, but again, I found it unfamiliar. The Grenache is grown from 110-year-old vines and aged sandstone jars. Erik mentioned this as one of the best vintages he tried, as it was a great season. Erik tasted blood orange, Aperol spritz, and rose hip tea.
We were looking at the labels on the bottle and Erik noted how much money goes into a label and how many other things can increase the cost of a bottle, such as the cork, weight, colour and gloss on a label.
I observed one man sitting at the back of the table. I’ll refer to him herein as the Winefather. When he spoke, it reminded me of a school principal speaking at an elementary school assembly. I was mesmerized as he punctuated Erik’s lecture with his own nuggets of knowledge. He exuded mystery with his European accent and authoritative tone, which sharply contrasted with Erik’s gentle, easygoing charm.
The next wine was from southern Rhone, Domaine Richaud A La Source (discount $27.64). I admired the pretty scent and the raspberry hue. The winemaker told Erik he knew he would be famous at a young age and decided to drop out of school at 14 to pursue his dream. I’m glad his confidence wasn’t misplaced. Both Lululemon and I bought a bottle.
We tried the last two wines side by side. The first of the two was a super badass wine, Matthieu Barret Cornas Gore ($220). The scent was beautiful. Lululemon smelled olives. I found this wine tangy, like cherries. Erik described the wine as wild, bombastic, and dark-fruited. We learned this wine is fermented in glass.
The other wine, Martin Texiere Brezeme (discount $41.61), was more to my liking. I appreciated the black tea notes and the herbal element. The Brezeme is made two kilometres away from the Cornas Gore. Erik informed us the wine is made from 100% Syrah grapes and, unlike the Cornas, was destemmed and aged in a neutral barrel. I bought two bottles.
Two wine tastings in a week! It’s been a wild ride. I’ve also blown my monthly budget but stocked up on some epic wine for future parties.
Lululemon asked Erik if he would organize and host a wine tour for us. He said he was up for it. Lululemon has a lot of friends, so I’m optimistic that I’ll be enjoying a Juice Imports tour in 2026-2027.
On Wednesday, Divine Offering and I went to a wine tasting at Vine Arts – Meet the Maker – Mikko Alkio of Clos Alkio. For this post, let’s listen toCaminito a Motel.
We checked out Sound Bar before the tasting. It’s a cozy, dimly lit space reminiscent of a chic basement. I was early and walked up to someone I thought was Divine Offering. After the woman told me she was not Divine Offering, I noticed she wasn’t even of the same ethnicity. This isn’t the first time I’ve made an error like this. Face blindness is a real thing.
Photo Credit: Divine Offering
Divine Offering texted me and asked me if I was inside. Yes, of course, I responded. Why would I wait outside in -25 weather? It turned out that someone had locked the door, and she couldn’t get in. When I went to open the door, another customer next to her yelled at me for locking him out. I responded indignantly that I didn’t lock him out. I was letting him in! He apologized.
I’m a big fan of the hard iced tea ($7) —it’s bubbly, full of rich black tea notes, and perfectly sweet without overpowering the tea flavour. Divine Offering tried a blood orange beer ($5), and for her second drink, she went for the non-alcoholic Bees Knees cocktail, which she loved. Divine Offering liked that the music was at just the right volume—not too loud. She also mentioned wanting to come back to try their snacks.
Photo Credit: Divine Offering
Right on time, we walked across the street to Vine Arts. Mikko, the winemaker, is from Finland. We learned that he’s familiar with Calgary. As a youth, he did a homestay in Calgary, where the hosts became like a second family.
Photo credit: Divine Offering
His passion for wine became a business when he and his family moved to Barcelona so his three kids could immerse themselves in the city’s tennis scene. As there were no iPhones at the time to distract him, he developed a deep appreciation for Spanish wines. Despite being a partner at a law firm in Finland, he also chose to create a side hustle as the proprietor of a world-class winery in Priorat, Spain.
The first wine we tried in his line-up was Fam de Vida Chenin Blanc 2022 ($60.54). I found this wine fresh and clean, with a non-typical sweetness. Mikko noted that 14% of the wine was produced in high-quality inox tanks, with no oak aging, producing 900 bottles. Mikko said to wait eight to 10 years for the wine to mature. Divine Offering loved this wine so much that she purchased a bottle.
Photo credit: Divine Offering
The second wine was a 2021 Fam de Vida Ull de Liebre ($64.50). I marvelled at the pretty purple hue and its smooth flavour. Mikko mentioned he was pleased this wine was well-received at one of Spain’s biggest festivals, which showcased thousands of Spanish wines. He shared that, much like law, the devil’s in the details regarding winemaking. He’s all about precision. His grapes use significantly less water than other wineries and have about five times less sulphur than other winemakers.
Photo credit: Divine Offering
The third wine was my favourite – Fam de Vida Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($85.70).The fragrance was so lovely, reminding me of something very pretty and floral. It tasted clean and vibrant. I loved it so much that I stopped eating the cheese and charcuterie before me and sipped as slowly as possible. Mikko recommended aging this wine for ten years, but there’s no way I will wait a decade. I liked this one so much I bought two bottles. I asked Mikko what he would pair with this wine. He looked surprised as if the answer was so obvious, and apparently, it was to everyone except me. Cheese! Divine Offering also bought a bottle.
Photo credit: Divine Offering
Mikko clearly favoured the fourth tasting – Fam de Vida Syrah 2022 ($88.70). This wine is aged in French oak for 14 months. He recommends tasting the difference after ten hours and then again the next day. I’m an impatient drinker, so this bottle was a no-go for me to purchase.
Photo credit: Divine Offering
You can tell by listening to Mikko that he is obsessed with grapes, which is reflected in his wine quality. He’s all about letting his grapes speak for themselves, making wines that authentically reflect the land and the fruit.
The fifth wine was Caminito a Motel 2021 ($36.85). The wine is named after a song his son recommended, Caminito a Motel. Mikko would often listen to this song while searching for property.
Carminito a Motel is a blend of 35% Garnatxa, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Carinyena, with a 15% alcohol content. Aged in French oak for eight months, Mikko recommended opening this wine in five, 10 and 15 years. I bought three bottles for friends of mine who like to age their wines.
The last wine of the evening was Clos Alkio 2021 ($108.24), a top blend Mikko is so proud of he put his name on it. Plucked from aged vines, the grapes blend 30% Garnatxa Negra, 30% Carinyena, 20% Syrah, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Divine Offering and I had a blast. The wine importer who set up the event was a great host, ensuring we had everything to be comfortable. Thank you, Mikko, for braving the cold Canadian prairie and sharing your wines. Hitting the Sauce gives this wine tasting two phat thumbs up.
Town Hospitality organized an event. The lineup included Chef Garret Martin and Bar Manager Nate Wry of Francine’s, Sugar Water Events, and Kyo-Jean Chung from Crush Imports. Garret previously ran Major Tom and later, Francine’s, where I ate one of the best steaks in my life.
Set from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. dinner included five courses paired with cocktails and wine ($243 per person). I asked Divine Offering if she was interested in attending with me. Lucky for me, she’s always up for fun! Let’s listen to “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman for this post.
The dinner was at The Garret Loft, above FinePrint on Stephen Avenue. We climbed the stairs and stepped into a long, lofty room. At one end, the kitchen welcomed us; at the other, a view of downtown’s ever-changing nature unfolded. A table stretched through most of the space, adorned with fresh blue delphinium flowers and burning candles.
This was my first time meeting Garret and Nate in person. I’ve only seen their photos in the Herald and was surprised by how fresh-faced they looked. With their resumes, I expected them to appear older, or at least more weathered.
The welcome drink was a French 75, created by Nate. The macadamia syrup added a nutty element, while the lemon provided an element of tartness. Delicious! We took our drinks, sat by a nook near the piano, and observed the scurry of activity before we sat for dinner.
We sat in the middle of the table, which roughly thirty other guests. The famous cheese monger, Isaac from Say Cheese Fromagerie, sat to my right with his posse. I’ve seen him on Instagram, usually chiseling into a massive wheel of cheese. To my left was a cluster of female friends, one donning a white hat. At the end of the table were couples. I sat across from one of Town Hospitality’s partners, Wyatt Norm.
The first dish was ham and chips with honey butter glaze, Bayonne ham, and aged comte cheese, paired with a glass of Montgermont Blanc De Blancs. Divine Offering took a bite and declared the honey butter glaze far better than the Korean snacks she’d bought. I picked up hints of thyme, while the chips tasted like cornflakes, topped with salty ham and cheese shavings.
The second dish was baby romaine salad with date vinaigrette, bacon, fried rosemary, and Roquefort blue. Paired with Maya Meaker Elgin Riesling, we learned the wine had a hint of residual sugar and high acidity, making it a perfect match for the sweet blue cheese from southern France. Divine Offering declared the cheese the star of the salad, smooth and creamy, without the usual sharpness of blue cheese. I loved how it melted in my mouth.
The salad was hearty yet light, sweet from the honey and salty from the bacon. I loved the combination of ingredients and textures, particularly the satisfying crunch when you cut into the “boat” of lettuce. I would order this again, and salads do not usually wow me.
Divine Offering eats slowly, while I’m usually quick. But I took my time for this meal as I didn’t want to stop tasting the flavours. One of my favourite of the night was the mussels, paired with a Pauet Macon-Villages Nos Cinq Terroirs, a smooth textured chardonnay.
The broth smelled fragrant and oceanic. The mussels were spectacular, plump, silky, and creamy, with a taste like fresh West Coast oysters. I loved how the delicate radish, apple, yuzu, and vanilla broth let the freshness of the mussels shine. She usually avoids shellfish, but these mussels were so soft and free of any fishy aftertaste that she ate every last one. I was disappointed she liked them so much, as I was hoping for her portion.
We were treated to extra cocktails throughout our meal, in addition to the welcome drink and five pairings. The Perfect Lady cocktail was simple and fun. I tasted peach with a hint of something tropical, like lychee. Divine Offering thought the Perfect Lady was a good break before the main course.
I thought nothing could outdo the mussels, but I had forgotten how well Garrett can cook a steak. The slow-roasted “delmonico” style steak was paired with a glass of contra soarda terra veneto rosso, a red wine from northern Italy. The peppercorn sauce was hot and full of flavor. The steak had a perfect chew, deep beefy richness, and a mouthwatering char. The whipped, buttery potatoes were smooth and creamy.
Divine Offering exclaimed the steak the best she’s ever had. We would both order this dish whenever it is on the menu at Francine’s. Garrett explained that all the food prepared was authentically French, buttery, rich, and salty.
Dessert was Divine Offering’s favourite course. The praline was creamy and not too sweet. I liked the salt and cheese, which countered the sweetness of the caramel. She quietly scraped the remaining butterscotch sauce off the plate to get every bit of sauce. She said if she were in the privacy of her own home, she would have licked the plate clean. I believe her. Her focus remained entirely on her dessert throughout the entire course. The wine was like a second dessert, sweet and complemented the parfait.
Divine Offering noted the cocktails made by Sugar Water Bar were expertly timed throughout dinner. The French 75 stimulated her appetite, while the ‘Ti Punch, her favourite cocktail tonight, ended the dinner perfectly. Nate noted that he prefers to use French spirits, such as French rum, and simple garnishes with the cocktails to focus on the taste. The last drink was funky and fun, fragrant and had a real “punch” to it.
The hospitality we received from everyone was an A+. Wyatt explained that these events give chefs a chance to create new dishes, as many grow tired of repeating the same hits night after night. Divine Offering thought the event was well-planned and definitely worth the money. The night was worth every nickel, with outstanding quality and drinks flowing all evening.
I plan to go again. I hear there will be a New Year’s Eve bash, though I might wait for the event following. I highly recommend Town Hospitality events and look forward to Garret and Nate’s upcoming restaurant, Francine’s. Hitting the Sauce gives the whole collaboration two phat thumbs up!
Last Monday, we wanted to get out and try somewhere new. I suggested Avitus, a tiny wine bar in Marda Loop. Chew Steel was game, so off we went. For this post, let’s listen to “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado.
Before we walked in, I warned Chew Steel that Avitus was a chick magnet. Usually, the men who show up look like they are on a hot date and aiming to impress. The bar is always full of women whooping it up—the ratio for every fearless man to woman is one to seven.
We sat at the only high table and started with a glass of wine. I tried the Gun Metal Riesling ($16), a dry, minerally fruit-forward white wine. Chew Steel wanted a full-bodied wine and ordered a Pavillon De Trianon ($15). When I sipped his wine, I instantly got buyer’s remorse. Smooth and flavoured with infatuation, this is a bottle I would happily crush all night long.
For nibbles, we tried two cheeses, Delice de Bourgogne ($12), Comte ($12), Berkshire pork salami ($18), honey truffle ($4), carrots ($3), and a pickle ($3). The Delice De Bourgogne was Chew Steel’s favourite cheese; it was creamy and soft, oozing all over the bread. I liked the Comte because I’ve been more into nutty, hard cheeses lately. The truffle in the honey was dominant. The taste of truffle hit you first and then dissipated into the sweetness of the honey. I could taste a little smoke in the honey.
Chew Steel raved about the richness and chew of the salami. I thought the salami looked fattier than it tasted. The carrots were sweet, crunchy, and homemade. I enjoyed the juicy slices of the pickle, which helped cut into the salami’s fat.
We wanted another Pavillon De Trianon for our last glass of the night. However, fate is a cruel lover, and our server, who I suspect may be the owner, said there was no more. He suggested another wine that was similar but a little more refined, Chateau Beaumont ($17). While this wine was very good, I preferred our first red wine. The second wine tasted lighter and more delicate, but I like my wine with more of a punch.
I mentioned to Chew Steel that I would like to know what the owners of Cassis Bistro think of the wines and cheeses at Avitus Bar. It would be like Mozart and Beethoven meeting and reviewing each other’s work.
We had a great time trying new wines and cheeses. When we left, the bar was full of boisterous ladies jonesing for a good time. They know a good thing when they taste it. Hitting the Sauce gives Avitus two phat thumbs up.
Erik, co-owner of Juice Imports, visited Calgary and hosted an all-red wine lineup event ($50) at Vine Arts on 17th Avenue SW. When Chew Steel (formerly known as L) and I arrived, we were handed a glass of Tomato Wheels Lambrusco. I see this sparkling red wine everywhere in Calgary, and I noticed it’s popular with sommeliers, as it is always highly recommended. As we were sipping this delightfully fizzy beverage, I bumped into Alia, a co-worker at my previous place of employment. For this post, let’s listen to some chill French cafe music.
Erik dreamed up this session because he said the phrase, “I only drink red,” is the most common comment he’s heard here in Alberta, partly due to the calibre of the province’s beef and long winters. He described the wines we were about to try as “nerdy” and fun.
The first tasting was Jochen Beurer Trollinger ($34.11), one of his favourites in his lineup, and a wine he helped make in 2020. Light and bright, our wine master commented this drank like a white wine. The grapes themselves are big and juicy, thin-skinned and ruby red.
The second wine was Pinard et Filles Vin de Jardin ($51.83, discount $46.65), one of the rarest in his wine portfolio. The winery exports only to Paris, New York, Ontario, and, due to Erik’s persistence, Alberta. The fragrance was fantastic, and I loved how different this wine was from anything I had tasted. I asked Erik why this wine tasted so unusual. He explained that the grapes are resilient and hearty, and the genetic profile of these hybrid grapes is unfamiliar to most wine drinkers. He tasted “roses, hippy, floral and something utterly haunting.” Erik recommended pairing this wine with something opposite of its flavour, such as meaty French dishes, beef, liver, steak, or blood sausage.
Erik mentioned he only had six remaining bottles of this garden wine and other limited quantities of the rest of the lineup. Alia said she would battle it out with me. She mentioned she was competitive, and I said I wasn’t, which is true because the word I would use to describe myself in these situations is ‘pour’severant. Whenever I enjoyed a wine, I trotted downstairs and asked an employee to tuck it away for me. I fancied this wine so much that I bought three bottles, two for me and one for my friend Lululemon.
The third wine was Craven Firs Syrah ($40.21). It smelled like a conventional red wine, but it tasted sweet and silky. Erik noted dark fruit, like figs or blueberry pie. He mentioned the wine maker’s philosophy revolves around texture and noted factors that affect the style and flavour of red wine, such as stems, maceration, and oak. Another interesting fact is Cabernet Sauvignon contains white juice.
I enjoyed the fourth wine, Pacina Rosso Toscana (2014, $46.98). Chew Steel took a shine to this red, which I found fresh, light and dry. The sips with sediment tasted better than the first sip without. Erik described the scent as roses in their riper stage, and another customer likened it to the smell of a leather jacket.
I asked Erik about wine markup at restaurants and what to expect for a wine I buy at a liquor store for around thirty bucks. A customer piped up and mentioned the Keg doesn’t markup any of their wines. I told Chew Steel that we have to start dining there again. I mentioned to the other guests that Class Clown sells the best priced wines in town, and you can get a good one for only $50.
The fifth wine was Domaine Breton Nuits d”Ivresses ($44.70), a dry wine that pleasantly puckered my mouth. Chew Steel enjoyed this wine. Erik communicated that the winemaker is a legend in France and told us this wine uses Cabernet Franc from 50-plus-year-old vines from several terroirs, grown in primarily clay and limestone.
The sixth wine was Domaine Richaud Terre De Gallets ($37.37, discount $33.63). Chew Steel and I agreed this was our second favourite wine. Erik mentioned that marketing dictates price; the more successful a winery is, the better price they can get. This winery is less marketed than its neighbours, reflected in its price to customers. I bought two bottles. Erik recommends pairing this wine with lamb and thinking of what grows well in the region’s landscape rolling hills, such as wild lavender, rosemary, oregano, and garlic.
Erik advised us that vintages can differ yearly due to countless factors and explained how some wineries can create the same flavour profile year after year. I quizzed him on his stance on consistency versus the style of dynamic wines he sells. For example, if I splurge on a bottle, I want to know what I’m getting, hence my fondness for his wine tastings. Torn, he expressed it comes down to two different experiences. He enjoys the emotional expression of his lineup and the fun that comes from tasting wildly different flavours and textures. He compared these wine styles to Marc Seguin’s work (i.e. dynamic) versus the familiarity you can get at IKEA (i.e. consistency). He said it was like comparing the familiarity and affordability of Campbell’s chicken soup and his love for his grandmother’s soup, which changes based on the ingredients in her kitchen.
The bonus tasting is from a place I’m familiar from past events, Laurent Cazottes. The farm produces incredible liqueurs from tomatoes, walnuts, pears, plums and grapes. 2015 Folle Noir (discount $34.51) is made with 50-plus-year-old grapes, its whole berries macerated in a distillate from Folle Noir from the previous vintage. I bought three bottles, some for gifts.
Thanks, Erik, for hosting an epic wine session. Your Calgary customers badly needed the ‘pour-fact’ guidance from their favourite wine expert, who always uncorks the secrets of superb wines.
Hitting the Sauce 