I had the opportunity to attend the media event for the launch of the annual La Grande Dégustation wine tasting event in Montreal. At the beautiful Alambika on September 22 and hosted by sommelier teacher Marie-Hélène Boisvert, attendants had the chance to taste exclusive wines representing the 5 honored regions this year - Alsace, Washington State, Portugal and Abruzzo - as well as the official cocktail of this year... the Kir du Monde!
We started our trip in Alsace with the organic Pinot Gris from Domaine Barmes Buecher available at the SAQ at $36.25. Read my detailed wine review.
We continued our trip next to California's Central Coast with the Morning Fog from Wente Vineyards, 98% Chardonnay and 2% Gewurztraminer. Lovely aromas and flavours of peach with hints of vanilla. The Morning Fog is available at the SAQ at $19.75.
We remained in the U.S. for the third wine but moved up to Washington State with the organic Syrah from Château Ste Michelle in Horse Heaven Hills in the Columbia Valley which is available at the SAQ at $24.95. We then went back to Europe and landed in Portugal's Douro wine region with the absolutely magnificent Tavedo, a fantastic blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cao and Tinta Barroca. This Portuguese red blend is available at the SAQ at $12.95. Read my detailed wine review. Our final wine was from Italy's Abruzzo wine region with the Masciarelli Montepulciano which is also available at the SAQ at $16.60.
Don't miss La Grande Dégustation de Montréal, the amazing annual wine tasting event to be held October 20 to 22 at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal with more than 280 exhibitors from all over the world and with more than 1,600 products for tasting, including many exclusivities.