Category: Wine tasting

Brunch · Wine tasting

Deane House and Pinot-Fest

Featured Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

I snagged tickets to Juice Import’s second-ever Pinot Fest ($50). Bricks Wine Co. sent an email recommending guests to eat beforehand due to the anticipated massive selection of wines. I invited Sunflower as my guest, as she is my number-one wine buddy. She, in turn, insisted on treating me to brunch a Deane House. Let’s listen to “Take Me To Church” by Hazier for this post.

We sat in the peaceful nook by the windows. The natural light filtering through the windows illuminated the white framed walls in the historic building. We both ordered the specialty mimosas ($13), I tried the house-made apple, and Sunflower chose the cherry flavour.

I was craving seafood, so I ordered the Salt Spring Island Mussels ($24) while Sunflower ordered eggs benny with potato rösti and house preserves ($18).

The mussels were of varying sizes – some were supersized and plump, and others more petite. The thick garam masala sauce made reddish-brown splotches on my white linen napkin. The shoestring fries were tasty and crisp, similar to Mcdonald’s but superior in caramelized potatoey flavour. Delicious, and a different take on the usual moules frites.

The service at Deane House is top-notch, from the welcoming committee at the front of the house to every employee we encountered. It’s a darling spot, and I enjoyed the experience.

When we finished our food, we walked over to Bricks Wine Co. Our group was divided into two sections: bubbles and the red wine section. Like everyone in our group, I wanted to start in the champagne area. I pulled Sunflower to the front of the group because I predicted Juice Import co-owners Erik and Mark would remove the extra guests from the back. As usual, I was correct, and Sunflower and I scored the first part of the tasting in the bubbles section.

The crowd was different from the usual Sunday gang. I recognized only one Juice Import groupie, Coke. I spotted a woman who resembled the profile picture of a Calgary Herald food writer. I also recognized a bearded guy who was dining at the Deane House the same time as Sunflower and me.

In total, we sampled 22 wines. There was so much to try, so out of the necessity of not turning this post into a novel, I’m only going to highlight my favourite bottles. For fizz, we tried three bottles: Adn De Meunier Mignon Champagne ($76.95), Vigne D’Or Tarlant Champagne ($104.95) and Vigne D’Or Tarlant Champagne ($201.95).

Erik described Adn De Meunier Mignon as “tight, fresh and minerally.” I enjoyed the gentle carbonation and thought it was a tad tart. The more I drank, the more I liked this one.

Sunflower and I loved the Migne D’Or Tarlant. She commented on the creamy mouthfeel, and I enjoyed the prominent carbonation. Coke announced if there was ever a time to eat potato chips now, it would now. I walked over to the bowl and scooped some potato chips for Sunflower and me to munch on.

At two hundred buckaroos, I was most curious about the Vigne D’Or Tarlant. Erik informed us the region was the coldest area in the Champagne area. Aged since 2006, we were surprised by the smoky flavour. Erik commented this champagne was “grippingly acidic.”

We moved on to white wines: Franz Weninger Feherburgundi ($29.71), Maloof Thistle Pinot Gris ($42.95), and Field Blend A Sunday in August ($45.96). I liked the Feherburgundi so much that I bought a bottle. The colour was cloudy and it smelled a little of the forest. Erik described this wine as minty, waxy, tart and lemony. Erik suggested pairing this wine with white asparagus or pork sausage.

At this point, I started to feel woozy. I followed the lead of the lady standing beside me. She sipped, smacked her lips, and spat into the wine spit bucket. She made a neat pinging sound, while my first few attempts sounded more like a cough and sputter.

We tried three orange wines: Maloof Rouge De Cris ($44.50), Craven Pinot Gris ($35.96), and Else Pinot Gris ($46.95). The Craven wine was a stunner. The colour shone like a Christmas red stained glass window. Erik described this wine as approachable, meaning the flavours would be familiar to a North American audience. I tasted a hint of smoke. I snagged a bottle for an upcoming dinner party.

Our final tasting with Erik was Peter Wetzer Rose ($35). Almost all the 120 bottles that Juice Import received were sold to Bridgette Bar. He only had two bottles left to sell to us. I took a sip and was so impressed by the smooth, sweet flavour that I snuck away from the group and bought a bottle. Coke saw me and grabbed the remaining bottle.

Everyone was loud and merry when we switched to Mark’s section of red wines. I overheard my new friend Kat ask another woman if she was Elizabeth Chorney-Booth, the Calgary Herald food restaurant and CBC radio columnist. She confirmed she was, and Kat squealed in delight. Kat declared she was a fan girl of Chorney-Booth. Others chimed in with questions about restaurants, John Gilchrist and her writing style.

The first three pinots that we tried were the Claire Naudin La Plante ($40.95), Lighting Rock Elysia Pinot Noir ($54.95), and Lighting Rock Canyon View Pinot Noir ($54.95). Sunflower and I enjoyed La Plante. I managed to score one of the last two bottles.

Our table was boisterous, and everyone made side conversations throughout the tasting. I felt bad for Mark, who was valiantly trying to quiet us down and proceed with our wine tasting. I’ve been to more than six Juice Import Sunday tastings, but this was the first time the tasters spoke more than the presenters. We talked so much that a Bricks employee, who was pouring our wine, joked about hurrying up and chugging our fifty-dollar wines because we were running out of time and the next group was coming in.

Mark described how at one winery, he helped harvest the grapes. Sunflower asked about the hygienic practice of crushing grapes. Someone asked, did one have to shave their legs or clip their nails before commencing grape crushing? Mark tried to bring our rowdy laughter down and described the physical work that went into grape-crushing. Sunflower exclaimed that it sounded like a great workout. Coke heckled Sunflower and called her Miss Lululemon. You know, he’s on to something. She’s so fit, it’s intimidating. Hereon, I will refer to my friend as Lululemon.

Franz Weninger Pinot Noir ($38.95), Marnes Blanches Pinot Noir ($54.95)
and Hermit Ram Zealand Pinot Noir ($41.95) was the last trio of wines. Lululemon and I enjoyed the Franz Weninger Pinot Noir. I also bought one of the only two bottles of Marnes Blanches Pinot Noir. I thought this French beauty had a beautiful scent. Mark described thee wine as aromatic, with black tea notes. He recommended pairing this wine with goat cheese and strawberries. Coke suggested a strawberry shortcake.

Elizabeth said she found the Hermit Ram wine spicy. Everyone at the table nodded in unison. Mark described the scent as tomato leaves. Lululemon and I sniffed and agreed it smelled like fresh garden tomatoes.


Many of the wines we tried are exclusive to the Bricks Store, and all the wines we tried were biodynamic and natural. I’m glad I got the opportunity to attend a power tasting as the Pinot-Fest was a rare wine rager. Thanks Mark, Eric and Erin for hosting the twice sold out event.

Wine tasting

Juice Imports – Dormilona

Featured Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Last Sunday, Sunflower and I attended a natural wine tasting ($25) at Bricks Wine Store. Juice Import co-owner Erik Mercier showcased wines from Dormilona, a woman-led winery in Margaret River, Western Australia. For this post, let’s listen to “French Disko” by Stereolab.

An interesting fact about winemaking in Australia and the wine owner / maker Josephine Perry. The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. Josephine hops back and forth between Western Australia and the Northern Hemisphere and doubles the wine she can make. Furthermore, the harvest times in Australia is from January-February and March-April in New Zealand, which allows her to add a third harvest.

Josephine’s intense work ethic results in a dawn-to-dusk schedule. Being so busy means she rests when she can and is known for falling asleep at the dining table. This drowsy habit turned into her moniker, wine label and the name of her winery. Dormilona translates to “lazy bones,” and a sleepy skeleton is the motif.

The first wine we tried was a 2022 Crum Pet ($44.95). Erik described this sparkling wine as friendly and clean, with tangy lemon zest. Erik noted this wine is bottled while still fermenting, resulting in a naturally sparkling wine.

The 2020 Chardonnay ($53.96) had a strong scent with a pleasant aftertaste. Erik mentioned the grapes come from an impeccable biodynamic farm called Burnside Farm, and the method of dry farming results in highly concentrated grapes. He likes the soft texture and gentleness of the 2021 chardonnay. I found this wine a little buttery.

The grapes from the 2021 Clayface Chardonnay ($75.95) come from the same vineyard as the previous wine we tried, except only the very best fruit is used for this vintage. Sunflower tasted kumquat, while Erik described clementine. I say potato, potahto, tomato, tomahto. Erik mentioned this is Josephine’s top chardonnay cuvée, with only 45 cases produced and each bottle hand numbered.

The next wine, a 2022 Clayface Chenin Blanc ($75.95), is even rarer, and Juice Import’s first-ever allocation of Josephine’s top chenin blanc, with only 25 cases produced. There are only six bottles of the 2022 Clayface Chenin Blanc in Calgary and six in Edmonton. Erik sniffed, sipped and sighed that this was a crazy good flavour.

My favourite wine is the 2022 Yokel Rosé ($35.59). I’m not usually a rosé fan, but this was just sumptuous. Erik thought there was plenty of structure, complexity and nuance. The grenache grapes are farmed from the hottest commercial region in Australia. I bought three bottles of the rosé.

The 2022 Yokel Grenache ($38.95) is Erik’s favourite in the lineup. He tasted cherry pie, cherry danish and fresh cherries. Sunflower tasted blood orange. Sunflower and I both bought a bottle of the grenache.

The last wine we sampled was the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon ($68.95). Erik called this an “intense, luxurious, but not heavy.” I bought a bottle for my sister Me Shell, who’s visiting me in July. I know her taste, and she would love this style of wine.


Erik should consider becoming a full-time wine lecturer. I don’t know if there is a university for natural wines, but he should look into it. His passion is so evident you can hear it in his voice and see it in his eyes. I’m looking forward to the next Juice Import event, a raging, sold-out Pinotfest.

Wine tasting

Juice Imports – Milan Nestarec

Featured Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Bex.oxo is becoming a regular at Juice Import’s events! We recently attended the Milan Nestarec wine tasting ($25) at Bricks Wine Co, another sold-out event. For this post, let’s listen to “Fly Me to the Moon” by The Macarons Project.

I noticed that our fervent host, Juicee Import co-owner Erik Mercier, has a formula for each class. He likes to begin by delving into the background of each winemaker’s ethos, the sustainability of their farms, and winemaking philosophy. In the case of Milan Nestarec, a winemaker in the Czech Republic, he also spun an intriguing history lesson.

Milan Nestarec hails from Moravia, the Czech Republic’s most southern wine region. In the post-communism era in Moravia, the government restricted winemakers to only selling wine and grapes in bulk to the state-run cooperative winery. As one can only expect when the focus is on quantity, there was no incentive to produce top-quality wines. Instead, chemical farming became the norm, and thousands of years of the country’s winemaking tradition and history were almost lost.

That’s where 30-year-old Milan comes into play. When he was growing up, wine was something to consume after dinner rather than with the meal because the quality of wine was so poor. Milan didn’t want the wine culture to die, so he began producing some of the most compelling wines in the Czech Republic. He’s succeeded. Internationally, he has reached fame in New York, London, and Tokyo. Erik noted that sommeliers regularly battle for his limited-production wines.

I’m always amazed at natural wines’ vivid colours, which shine through the glass like liquid gemstones. Our first tasting was Danger 380 ($47.75), a sparkling wine. Erik retold the story of when Milan first made sparkling wine, a total of 5,000 bottles. Unfortunately, too much sugar resulted in each bottle exploding in his basement. The experience delayed his second trial for five years. Now, his sparkling wine is the sought-after in his line-up. I found Danger 380 light and refreshing, reminiscent of grapefruit, but also with a unique flavour. Aptly named, this wine is dangerous. Bex.oxo called this the perfect jubilation bubbly. I agreed and bought two bottles for the upcoming celebrations.

The second tasting, 2020 Forks and Knives White ($44.95) offered a ton of flavour. I found this wine pleasant, with a tang that tickled the back of my throat. Milan uses only the aromatic grape varieties in the Forks and Knives White: Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling, and Neuburger. Erik commented on the wine’s beautiful acidity and earthy, broth-like quality.

Bex.oxo and I enjoyed the aromatic notes in the rosé – 2021 Ruz ($36.95). The colour was similar to strawberry juice. This wine, and the following two bottles, contain a litre, making it a mini-magnum. I knew my friends Kournikova and Fougui would love this wine, so I bought two bottles. I asked Erik what food would pair with the Ruz. A Juice Imports regular, Coke, piped up and said it would pair with Tuesday. Everyone laughed but me, as I have a friend named Tuesday, and for a second, I thought he knew her too. Erik recommended pairing salmon poke or watermelon and feta salad.

The flavour of the 2021 Okr ($40.95) stood out. And what an interesting fragrance! I smelled lycee. Bex.oxo didn’t take to this wine, so she gave me her glass to finish. Erik described this wine as wild, with savoury notes like curry leaves. I bought a bottle for Sunflower as she’s into orange wines and funky flavours.

We tried a red wine next, a 2021 Nach ($36.95). Erik informed us that Nach is the Czech word for “purple,” representing this youthful wine’s colour. Erik described Nach as bright, juicy and fresh. Milan wanted to create something low-key and easy to drink to share with his neighbours. I could taste pepper. Bex.oxo gave me her glass to drink, so I double-fisted my tasting again.

Bex.oxo and I enjoyed the 2020 Forks and Knives Red ($45.95). Erik exclaimed there is tons of structure in the wine. When he sipped, he envisioned jazz music and tall white candles burning. I wanted to buy a bottle, but at this point, I had already surpassed my budget, so I had to tap out.

The last bottle, ATYP #1 ($51.95), is made from a blend of all Milan’s varieties: red and white co-fermentation of Blaufränkisch, Portugieser, Sankt Laurent, Muscat, Grüner Veltliner, as well as others. ATYP #1 is a hard-to-find wine, as only 166 cases were produced.

The fragrance was so pretty, Bex.oxo whispered she wanted to make a candle out of the scent and burn it all night. I thought this was a wild, silky wine. When I asked Erik to describe the flavour and aroma, he laughed and said it smelled like grapes or jam. He could taste dark fruit, such as Saskatoon berries, but with a light body.

Something terrible happened to me after the tasting. The next day when I sipped on a glass of wine, I almost spat it out. Compared to what I tasted the day before, my usual house wine tasted like vinegar. Financially, I miss the days when I could enjoy a glass of Apothic.

Wine tasting

Pinard Et Filles – Juice Imports

Featured Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Sunday is my Funday, particularly when Juice Imports hosts a wine tasting ($25)! The night before the event, my friend Quebecoise confided that the wines from her home province were notoriously bad. Despite this inside tip, I was confident that Sunday’s wines would be stellar because I’ve personally tasted the whimsically delightful wines Juice Imports brings to Alberta. For this blog, let’s listen to “Old Love” by Dominique Fils-Aimé.

We sampled six wines from Pinard Et Filles, a winery in Magog, Quebec. Erik confirmed what Quebecoise stated – Quebec does have a reputation for making atrocious wines. However, there is always an exception. In this case, winemaker / farmer Frederic Simon is dedicated to excellence. According to Erik, Simon’s passion dictates the unparalleled quality of his wines. If the crop doesn’t meet his expectation, he won’t bottle it, despite any financial loss he suffers.


The first two tastings were what Erik referred to as “serious and brooding” wines. First up was Bambine ($59.95). Amber in colour, I smelled ripe, dank nectarines. What an entrance this wine makes on your tongue! Erik mentioned this wine was on his top ten list in 2021. He described this orange wine as “beastly, full-bodied, supple, with rich, black tea characteristics, like oolong.” Sunflower whispered that it reminded her of funky cider.

The second wine – Ciel Ouvert ($61.95), is Erik’s current favourite. To me, this wine smelled bright and potent. Erik tasted brine and almond characteristics. He compared this wine to a book you repeatedly reread because you discover something else each time you look through the pages. It’s a wine you can taste over and over and, each time, find new depths. Sunflower thought the Ciel Ouvert would pair with a fatty cheese with an unusual flavour.

The third wine was Sunflower and my favourite – Verres de Gris ($52.95). What a fun wine! I drank this far too quickly. Sunflower tasted blackberry or gooseberry and said it smelled jammy. Erik commented that Pinard Et Filles has a cult following, and their stock sells out instantly in New York and Toronto. Even in Quebec, there are lineups to buy their wine, and customers are limited to one bottle per person.

Next, we tried Vin de Jardin ($49.95), a garden wine. Woah, baby! I dig the smooth, silky texture and pretty scent. Sunflower tasted cranberries and mentioned it was almost like drinking white wine.

Frangin ($52.95) was another winner. Sunflower smelled raspberries. Erik described this red wine as peppery and lip-smacking. He noted that all Pinard Et Filles wines are 100% natural, with no added sulphur, colour, or flavourings.

For our last tasting, Erik opened up a can of Piquet ($11.95, 355 ml). Ah, now this is what I’m familiar with – easy quaffing wine. Sunflower tasted papaya. Piquet is yummy and delicious. Erik said this style of wine is made utilizing waste products, such as grape skins, which contain so much flavour. Erik and Sunflower commented this can would be perfect for bringing to a picnic or movie theatre. I went one step further and declared it would be ideal for work. Tough crowd – no one laughed at my joke, not even a smile.

Thanks, Erik and business partner Mark, for volunteering your time to host this event, and Bricks Wine Company for only charging a bare minimum for using the beautiful space. The (practically) free tickets just mean we have more to spend at the store.

Wine tasting

Grape Republic – Juice Imports

Featured Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

I took Bex.oxo to Juice Import’s Sunday tasting at Bricks Wine Co. Co-owners Erik and Mark were showcasing Grape Republic wines from Yamagata, Japan. For this post, let’s listen to “Carol Brown” by Flight of the Conchords.

Juice Import’s wine tastings are increasing in popularity. Each time I attend an event, the group grows in size. The Grape Republic event was not only sold-out, it was also oversold. Staff had to create another table for guests, who cheerfully announced they were at the kids’ table. 

Grape Republic’s wines are from wild fermented grapes that are raised naturally. Erik informed us it is challenging to grow grapes in Japan due to the humid climate. The grapes that do grow well are a hybrid, the result of crossing European and North American varieties, which are hyper-resistant to drought, mildew, and rot.

Erik stated he is drawn the weird and wonderful flavour profile of each the wines due to the uniqueness of the grapes. He noted that there is less research and development put into these varieties over pinot noir. The most funded wines are the ones that command a high cost in the market. 

The first tasting was Aromatico Frizzante ($45), a blend of Delaware, Niagara, and Neo Muscat grapes. This was Bex.oxo favourite wine – she enjoyed the gentle carbonation and the refreshing grape-like flavour. Another person piped up and said the wine tasted like grape Hi-Chew. Erik described this wine as wild, tropical and floral.

I learned something from Erik that I’m eager to share with my mother. Wine is nutritious. Historically, wine was made so one could survive the cold winter months. As Calgary is a bitterly frosty climate, she should see the value in my new passion.

The second tasting was Dela Fresca Frizzante ($47), made from Delaware grapes. Though it smelled sweet, there are zero grams of sugar, as the wines are naturally carbonated. The wine-making process Grape Republic employs causes the yeast to eat the sugar, which turns into CO2.

Bex.oxo thought this wine was more acidic than the first sparkling wine. One of the things Erik loves about these wines is that many flavours remind him of the vintage candy he ate as a kid, like a sour patch cherry blaster or Hubba Bubba. He also mentioned all the wines from Grape Republic are food-friendly wines. 

My favourite tasting was Rosa Frizzante ($47), co-fermented with Steuben, Merlot, Muscat Bailey, Niagara, Delaware, and Neo Muscat grapes. Bex.oxo smelled grapefruit. The flavour reminded me of Ribena, but with a fresher, brighter, more vibrant flavour. Out of the sparkling wines, this one was the most carbonated. I bought a bottle to share with Sunflower. 

The Rosato ($45) is a blend of Steuben, Delaware, Niagara, Rosario and Bianco grapes. The smell of this wine reminded me of powered candy – Fun Dip. Unlike most rosés, this wine is a blend of white and red wine. Erik said it tasted like a creamsicle. 

The Muscat Baily A ($51) is made from a hybrid grape called Muscat Bailey A, developed in 1927 in Japan by Zenbei Kawakami. What a gorgeous ruby hue! I enjoyed this wine immensely – it was intriguing, floral and bright on my tongue. Erik thought this wine smelled like Hot Lips candy or cinnamon hearts. 

The Rosso ($47) is co-fermented with Steuben and Niagara grapes. Of all the wines, this had the most potent fragrance. The Rosso is a showstopper.

Anifora Arancione ($47) is a classic Italian orange wine made from Delaware grapes, aged in clay vessels that are buried in the ground. We learned that orange wine is fermented with the skin on, which preserves the grape’s flavour, texture and colour qualities. Orange wine isn’t new, and it existed before white wine. It was only 150 years ago that white wine was produced in colder climates, such as Burgundy and Germany, and then later became popular in the 1950s.

Bex.oxo thought it was neat that we were trying such rare wines because of Erik’s international connections. She also liked that she could taste each wine before plonking big money for a bottle. I agree. When I splurge for a nicer than usual bottle, I want to know it will be worth it. I’m looking forward to Juice Import’s 2023 events, because the collection I’ve accumulated in 2022 will be gone by New Year’s Eve.

Restaurants · Wine tasting

Laurent Saillard – Juice Imports

Featured Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

So, it’s official – I’m a groupie. I should start wearing a Juice Import tee shirt to show my support for natural wine importers Erik Mercier and Mark Couillard. On Sunday, I took my sister-in-law Turned to Juice Import’s Laurent Saillard wine tasting ($20) at Bricks Wine Co. For this post, let’s listen to “Foux du Fafa” by Flight of the Conchords.

Bricks Wine Co. has one of the city’s most pleasant tasting rooms. The sunlight emitted through the windows adds warmth, while the roominess makes it comfortable to tuck into a session. Sequestered in a quiet nook in the back of the shop, guests remain mostly hidden from customers shopping in the store.

Erik began our session by delineating Laurent Saillard, a small winery in the tiny town of Pouille in Loire Valley. The owner, Laurent, and his team produce only 2,000 cases yearly. I took the information to mean I had to act quickly to pick up some of Brick’s stock, as these wines won’t hang around for much longer.

The first bottle we tried was Blank (Sauvignon Blanc, $41.95). Made from one hundred percent Sauvignon Blanc grapes, Erik described this as the antithesis of Sauvignon Blancs, so if you typically hate Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll relish this one.

Oh my goodness – what a pretty fragrance! Erik said this was the most sought-after bottle in the line-up. I loved it. Since I was buying a bottle, I asked Erik what food to pair with Blank. Considering the grassy and gooseberry notes and high acidity, he suggested something bitter, like radicchio leaves and/or goat cheese.

The second tasting was White ($37.95), a delicately sweet wine made from fifty percent Ugni Blanc and fifty percent Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is a rarity, as the wine production resulted from Laurent losing most of his crop. The White vintage is a collaboration with his neighbour and a winery in the south of France.

Erik described this wine as “lush, with body, weight and a ripeness to it.” I asked Mark what he would pair with White. He suggested cooked vegetables that are mild tasting in a creamy sauce. I bought a bottle to share with my vegetarian friends.

The third bottle was Un Ete Partage Grolleau ($37.95). The fragrance was floral, and the texture was silky. Erik described the wine as light, fresh and herbaceous, with a nuttiness similar to sunflower seeds.

The fourth wine was La Paire Gamay Noir ($37.95). I found this a lively, wild wine with a bite to it. Erik mentioned the whole cluster of grapes and stems are kept on while being pressed. I asked what the branches add to the wine-making process. I learned that the stems are still alive and metabolizing throughout fermentation, contributing to a softer feeling of the wine.

The fifth tasting was La Pause Gamay Noir ($37.95), which reminded me of the smell of a plastic Barbie doll. Turned said she smelled whiskey. I guess our lived experiences do influence what we taste in new wines.

The sixth bottle we sampled was Ca Se Discute Pineau d’Aunis ($37.95). I smelled raisins. Turned tasted Dr. Pepper. Her neighbour Coke said he could taste cola. Erik described this wine as peppery with pomegranate, and he could envision eating this with salami on the steps of a cafe in Paris. Turned joked that this wine would pair perfectly with a cigarette.

The seventh tasting was Grenache ($37.95). Erik characterized the wine as supple and aromatic. He recommended slightly chilling this wine and all the other wines we tried before drinking it. He noted the cellars in Loire Valley are cool, so the wine is brought up and served colder than room temperature. The coolness gives the wine more structure and grip and allows the flavours to pop out.

Erik and Mark surprised us with a bonus bottle from their cellar- 2017 La Pause. He described this wine as everything you could want from a Gamay Noir – soy and dried leaves backed up perfectly with cherry Cola.

As with all of Juice Import’s tastings, we received a ten percent discount on the wine we sampled. I left with two bottles, Turned with three, and another guest picked up a case of Laurent Saillard wines. With the wine seminar only costing twenty bucks, the discount on wine, and factoring inflation, this is the deal of the century! Hip, hip, hooray to Juice Imports.

Restaurants · Wine tasting

Kindeli Wines – Juice Imports

Featured Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

On Sunday, Kournikova joined me for a wine tasting ($29) at Vine Arts. Hosted by the co-owner of Juice Imports, Erik Mercier showcased Kindeli wines from Nelson, New Zealand. Let’s listen to “Hurt Feelings” by Flight of the Conchords for this post.

Our welcome drink was Kindeli Primavera, a rosé with a dark, raspberry-like hue and a light sparkle of carbonation. Erik informed us that this wine is made from several grapes: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Viognier, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Noir. He noted this rosé drinks more like red wine. Kournikova liked this one so much that she bought a bottle.

Our first official tasting was Blanco ($39.37). I was surprised when I took the first sniff, as I’d never smelled a wine like this before. Kournikova thought the wine smelled grassy. Erik described this wine as “rocking” and said it smelled like the Sauvignon grapes in Kindeli’s vineyard. He mentioned the wild fermentation process Kindeli employs results in a wider range of flavours.

Kournikova enjoyed the Luna Nueva ($44.91). This wine consists of a blend of Pinot Gris, Viognier, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Erik said this wine had a crazy texture, describing it as round, soft and bright.

When I asked him to define “texture” to me, he compared the difference between skim and whole milk. Erik told me to think about the words “fatty” and “saturation” and what that sensation would feel like in my mouth. For example, he stated Viognier is an oiler and heavier white wine.

My favourite wine was Verano ($44.91). Erik described this dry, fresh wine as savoury, with notes of dried apples and Oolong tea. I knew right away my girlfriends would love this bottle. I bought one bottle for my friend Sunflower, who has a penchant for orange wines.

Erik recommended pairing this wine with something funky and sweet, like a Japanese curry. He stated that Verano represents a complete picture of Kindeli’s farm, as every variety is blended into this bottle: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.

The Otono ($44.90) is made from Gewurztraminer grapes, fermented on skins for five days in an amphora (Greek vase). After the pressing, Riesling and Pinot Gris juice is added to the “spent skins”. Erik noted this wine is bottled unfined, unfiltered, and without sulphur.

Erik loved the smell of Ivierno ($44.83). He stated one of the many reasons he likes natural wines is the different breadth of flavours it produces. This wine contains about 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Gris.

Kournikova thought Tinto ($44.83) smelled peppery. Erik described the flavour as dark fruit juicy with a violet floral. Of the red wines, this was my favourite. With each sip, I noticed a new tasting note.

The last wine we tried was Luna Lena ($44.90). Erik described Luna Lena as sweet, with dark fruit characteristics. I asked him why my initial reaction to his wines changed with each sip. At first, I was unsure if I even liked the wine. However, with each quaff, I started to appreciate different flavours I didn’t pick up at first. I told him this experience is the opposite when I drink terrible wine at a pub, as even though I keep drinking it, it never tastes better, no matter how hard I wish it to be.

Erik believes it’s because we initially don’t like unfamiliar flavours that we can’t describe. It is our body’s way of warning us about poison. But after we try something new, such as wild fermented wines, we get used to the unique flavours and begin to taste other things.

I’m looking forward to Erik’s upcoming events in November and December. I already booked up each class he’s teaching. These wine seminars are so cheap that I can afford to splurge on fancier bottles for my forthcoming Christmas parties. Hitting the Sauce gives Erik’s evident passion for natural wines two phat thumbs up.

Restaurants · Wine tasting

Fringe France – Vine Arts

Featured Hitting the Sauce3 Comments

On Friday evening, L, Bottlenick, and I went to the Fringe France wine tasting ($50) at Vine Arts on 17th Ave. Klaire McCallum, our host for the evening, selected wines from France’s lesser-known regions from wineries that produce only a small number of wines each year. Choosing this class was a no-brainer for me, as I have an infinite love for French wines. For this post, let’s listen to “A Bicyclette” by Yves Montand.

Vine Art’s tasting room is brand-new, located on the store’s second floor. We sipped a glass of sparkling wine and introduced ourselves to the guests closest to us.

Everyone was given a gorgeous cheese and charcuterie plate from Peasant Cheese. The brie was ripe and creamy. The gouda was even better, hard yet smooth, with a bit of texture. The charcuterie was so tasty that I chewed slowly to extract the most flavour from each bite.

The first wine we tried was the Domaine Vendange Cremant de Savoie 2021 ($26.67). We learned the location of the winery borders Switzerland and Italy, and the region produces one percent of France’s wine production. Bottlenick commented the wine was toasty. There was a breadiness to it that reminded me of champagne. Klaire recommended pairing this bubbly with alpine cuisines, such as a tartiflette. I bought a bottle of this wine and planned to bring it out while hosting a raclette dinner party.


The second wine was Domaine Nigri “Confluence” Jurancon Sec 2019 ($29.73). This winery is located in the southwest of France, close to Spain. Klaire described this wine as intense, with notes of passionfruit. L said it tasted tropical, while Bottlenick thought it was soft, interesting, and unique. Klaire advised pairing this wine with something rich, like foie gras or duck.

I enjoyed the third wine – Domaine des Carlines La Vouivre Cotes du Jura 2018 ($41.19). Klaire noted Jura is famous for its yellow wines and known for its dry and sweet white wine. Bottlenick and L were fans of this wine as well. Bottlenick thought it was oily, while L said it was slightly sweet. I thought it tasted good.

The fourth wine hailed from Cotes de Provence – Clos Cibonne “Cuvee Speciale Tibouren” 2021 ($58.30). Although the region is famous for its rosé wine, we tried a red wine with a see-through ruby hue. Klaire described this wine as herbal, with rosemary, thyme and lavender notes. L thought the wine tasted peppery.

There were two very interesting points Klaire shared with us about alcohol content and acidity. First, she pointed out the rosé’s alcohol content was 14%. She explained that the higher the alcohol, the more texture and feeling a wine has. Second, she mentioned that wine with high acidity makes the mouth water, while wines with lower acidity create more of a mouth-coating sensation. Klaire stated acidity in wine is desirable when paired with certain dishes, as it helps to cut into the fattiness.

The winning wine for me was the fifth tasting – L’enclos des Braves “Les Gourmands” Gaillac 2017 ($37.29). Klaire suggested pairing this wine with charred food, a stew, chili, or soup. I loved this wine so much that I bought a bottle. I’ll break this wine out the next time I burn a dish for a party.

Our last tasting was Thunevin-Calvet Maury 1982 ($79.06). L joked that the wine was almost as old as me. I thought this wine wasn’t as sweet as it smelled and tasted a little like a raisin. This is one of the best ports / dessert wines I’ve tried. We learned this wine is produced on mountain landscapes in a dry, hot, rugged climate. The shrubbery the grapes grow on has deep roots. Due to the poor soil, the stress on the grapes produces the best wine.

By this point in the night, everyone was comfortable, and I heard shouts of “walnut” and “bitter almond” thrown around. When asked what makes a wine worth aging, Klaire listed three things – it must have complexity, tannin structure, and acidity.

Klaire detailed how old this wine was and how this type of wine was made 400 years before the port was made through the mutage mechanism. I piped up and said I didn’t think 40 years was very old at all. The person across from me reminded me we were talking about wines, not people.

These wines were not easy drinking, patio-crushing bottles I usually consume with my girlfriends. However, Klaire noted that she picked unique wines that paired exceptionally well with food. She wanted us to try wines with attitude, not face-ripping weird wines. She succeeded – as I thoroughly enjoyed her selection.

Restaurants · Wine tasting

Laurent Cazottes – Vine Arts

Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

My buddy Chen is in town! I invited him to my newest addiction, a spirit tasting ($30) by Juice Imports at Vine Styles. I told Chen this was a rare event, as there are less than 30 bottles of each cuvée in Alberta. For this post, let’s listen to “We’re Are Going to Be Friends” by The White Stripes.

Erik was showcasing seven different spirits and liqueurs from Laurent Cazottes. Located in Tarn, France, Laurent Cozottes is a small farm with only 10-20 hectares of land. Erik told us that “eau de vie” means fruit distillment. He describes eau de vie as wine-like but with the spirit of fruit. Erik has a way with words.

We were treated to Fleurs de Sureau mixed with bubbles (Elderflower Liqueur, $54) for our welcome drink. I found the fragrance unique. Chen enjoyed this refreshing cocktail.

We learned the process the owners of Laurent Cazottes employ is time-consuming and labourious. For example, for the apple eau-de-vie, each fruit is hand quartered, the seeds scooped, destemmed, and made into a delicate cider through a maceration process. Then, a small quantity of the cider is distilled and aged in a glass bulb for years to create a smooth, soft finish with a ton of complexity.

The Pomme Pomme Gueulle (Apple Eau-de-Vie, $108) has a strong scent. Erik said he could smell the essence of the apples. The apple eau-de-vieu is made from 15 varieties of apples from the estate. As I sipped, I felt a warmth in my throat. Erik suggested adding drops of water to change the flavour profile and observe how the oil separates from the water. Erik drinks eau-de-vieu straight up but also recommended serving it with crushed ice and bubbles.

The Reine Claude Dorée (Plum Eau-de-Vie, $89.50) is made from golden green plums. Erik thought this was the most expressive de vie – a powerful floral violet. I enjoyed the full body and rich texture. However, I didn’t finish the entire glass because I felt buzzed. Erik said we could spit out the alcohol, but I whispered to Chen that I don’t drink to just taste but also to feel. Chen snickered and told me to slow down, pointing out that I drank more than him and perhaps I was getting too intoxicated. I responded that he was reminding me of my mother.

The Aetois (Eau-de-Vie Marc de Champagne Jacques Lassaigne, $90) is made from fresh champagne pressed grapes, mixed with water to extract the full flavour from the skin, then fermented for a lengthy period. Erik mentioned the eau-de-vine has a strong chardonnay finish with some fire. Someone else said it was spicy. Mark, Erik’s business partner, said he could taste blueberry. Unfortunately, I didn’t taste what everyone else was describing and began wondering what was wrong with my tastebuds.

The Cedrat (Citrus Liqueur, $63) tasted a little bitter from the pith of the lemons. However, the smell was bright and sunny. Erik told us that the citrus liqueur is aged in barrels and blended with fresh grapefruit. Chen said he could taste the lemon peel. I found the citrus liqueur intense and refreshing.

The Tomates (Tomato Liqueur, $66) is made from 72 varietals of tomatoes from the farm. Chen smelled sundried tomatoes and tased prunes. Erik described this liqueur as having lots of umami with a sweetness to it. He said that everyone’s experience influences what they taste, and what matters most is how the spirit feels and impacts you.

The next tasting was Noix de Pays d’Oc (Walnut Liqueur, $52.50), made with green walnuts, wine and brandy from the farm’s production. I could taste brown sugar. Erik described this liqueur as savoury, rich and supple. Laurent Cazottes uses a solera process for aging and blending this liquor, which produces a higher range of flavours and complexity as all the vintages play together.

We were given a special treat for our last tasting – De Poire Williams, a pear liqueur. I could smell and taste pear. Erik declared that these particular spirits taste alive because of the farming techniques employed. In organic farms, the fruit is far superior, making it a better product. Chen told me he was glad he came; as it was an eye-opening experience.

According to Erik, if stored in a dark place, the eau-de-vie lasts forever. For the lemon and tomato liqueur, you will want to drink it within three weeks, as you will lose some of the freshness. The walnut liqueur can last three months in the fridge.

I learned that Calgarians don’t know how lucky they got it. Typically these liqueurs are only found in the most lavish wine bars in New York. Even if you could get your hands on a bottle at a specialty liquor store, it is twice the amount that sells at Vine Arts.

With the rising cost of groceries, I’m eating out less and entertaining more at home. That’s why I love coming to Erik’s Sunday wine tastings. I can taste incredible wines for an insanely low price and pick out new fun drinks to hopefully impress my guests. After consulting with Erik, I bought the walnut liqueur for an upcoming dinner party and a bottle of Cocchi Rosa to liven up some Italian bubbles I purchased for my forthcoming Stampede party. I also concocted a fruiter, sweeter alternative for the lightweights.

I hear Erik is hosting a traditional wine tasting in two weeks. I’m heartbroken, as I can’t make it on that Sunday. If you are lucky enough to snap a seat, send me a note and tell me what I missed out on.

Restaurants · Wine tasting

Meinklang Wine Tasting – Bricks Wine Company

Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Sunflower brought over a beautiful wine from Meinklang for me to try. The next day, I saw Juice Imports was hosting a Meinklang tasting ($20) at Bricks Wine Company. I took this as a sign and snapped up two tickets. For this post, let’s listen to “Hang Me Up To Dry” by Cold War Kids.

A thoughtful employee from Bricks Wine Company called me before the tasting to remind me of a marathon in Inglewood, which shut down several main streets. She suggested a roundabout way to access the wine store. I promptly informed Books, Sunflower’s fiancé, who was dropping us off. I offered to book an Uber back, but Sunflower mentioned that with Covid, Books prefers her not to take public transportation or Uber. He kindly came and got us after the event.

Once we arrived, we sipped on a flute of Prosa, a sparkling rosé. I adore this wine – it’s juicy, bright, yet subtle. I ended up buying two bottles. We sat in a beautiful tasting room, similar in vibe to Vine Arts, where I attended Juice Import’s past wine tastings. I think both venues would be ideal for hosting a team-building event.

We learned that Meinklang is located in Burgenland, Austria, bordering Hungry. Ponds and a lake surround the certified biodynamic family farm. Erik informed us the nearby water takes in the heat and slowly releases it, which helps prevent fluctuation in temperature. He added that it is hard not to like these gentle, charming wines. I agreed, already swooning from the Prosa.

Surprisingly, I was a big fan of the entry-level wines – the Burgenland Weib and Gruner Veltliner. The Burgenland has a unique fragrance. Sunflower thought the wine was scented like lilacs, and she wanted her whole house to smell like it. When asked what he would pair with this wine, Erik, the co-owner of Juice Imports, suggested dill potato salad, smoked trout or mushroom morels. I liked this wine so much that I purchased three bottles.

The Gruner Veltliner was bright and clean. Erik noted there was so much flavour in this light wine, despite being only 11% in alcohol content. He described notes of green apple skins, with texture and freshness to it. Erik mentioned that 60% of the flavour in wine stems from yeast and bacteria rather than the grapes themselves.

Next up was Tag, one of the winery’s “big” wines. Tag is a one-off, meaning Meinklang doesn’t make this wine every year. Erik described this wine as intense but with a softness. This wine woke up my tastebuds with its lip-smacking flavour. Sunflower was a fan – she could taste passionfruit and pineapple, and thought the wine had a bite to it, like a cider.

One of my favourite bottles was Morgen. The fragrance reminded me of roses. The bubbles were tiny, and the flavour was fun to drink. Erik called this a breakfast wine, and said it reminded him of sour cherry. He mentioned this wine is similar to pinot noir in that it is challenging to grow these thin-skinned grapes. I bought a bottle for Sunflower and me to enjoy at a future time.

The next bottle we tasted was Nacht, a rare wine that even Erik hadn’t had the chance to try. The wine smelled like olive oil to me. When Sunflower took a sip, she exclaimed how good it was, similar to mushrooms but in a funky way. Erik described this wine as smelling like cherry blossoms or dank flowers.

I noticed Sunflower appreciated the more unique, expensive bottles. While I enjoyed the experience of the fancier bottles, I preferred the easy pleasantry of the entry-level wines because I could shut my mind off. When I drink, I like to feel the wine rather than think about what I’m tasting. I guess that’s the beauty of a wine tasting, you don’t have to commit to sharing a whole bottle.

The second last wine we tried was the Burgenland Rot. Sunflower said it smelled like her grandmother’s house. Damn girl, we sure had different experiences growing up. Erik informed us this was his number one selling red wine. He described the Burgenland Rot as a soft, gentle, picnic wine. I enjoyed this red wine, but preferred the white wines. For me, it’s a harder challenge to find good white wine at a reasonable price than red wine.

For our last tasting, Erik surprised us with an orange wine from 2018, made with 100% pinot gris grapes. I admired the soft, peachy colour. Sunflower is into orange wines and noted that this older vintage tasted quite different from a newer vintage she recently tried from Meinklang.

There was one interesting fact Erik told us that really got my attention. Fifty percent of Meinklang wines go to Whole Foods for their house wine. The next time I’m in Seattle, I’m picking up some Whole Foods house white wine.

Meinklang wines are now my go-to, not only because the wines are freaking fantastic but also because this winery offers such incredible value. The wines we tried ranged from $26 to $55, with my favourite ones being the entry-level wines. I think it’s a win-win to support producers doing beautiful things for the environment and sustainability that also charge the same price as wineries that produce less delicious unethical wines.

Thank you, Erik, for hosting such a fun tasting, and Sunflower, for being my new wine partner in crime. I look forward to future Juice Import tastings.