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DO REAL MEN DRINK PINK?  Let’s ask Eric McCormack!  Sommelier Pam Cohen pours 6 Roses for Savvy Series.

The Guys from Tacofino. From a truck in Tofino to a new location in Yaletown.

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THE SHOW

Eric McCormack –  Traveller

 Given the many choices on TV,  you may have missed  Eric McCormack in  Lonesome Dove or Andromeda Strain, Trust me, Perception or  Full Circle. However,  it’s fair to say that none of us missed his starring role for 8 years as Will Truman in Will and Grace. Here was a series so fresh, like a wild drum solo..you didn’t know where it was headed until the lines were delivered by a killer cast.

Eric McCormack – Travellers

Eric has moved on to many new roles. His latest  ‘Travellers’  is shooting in Vancouver for Showcase/Netflicks with a air date debut of October 17^th at 9PM.

I initially asked him to join me at the studios of Roundhouse Radio to talk about Travellers, Will and Grace, his one man show fundraising for Cancer Research and because he knows his wines..and yes because he’s a great guy who’s  funny as hell and makes me/us laugh.

But when I saw that Sommelier Pam Cohen from Marquis Wine Cellars was doing another Savvy Series on Rose..I decided to put them together.

Because Pam really knows her wines and  because Rose has presented a image problem for some “men” who don’t want to be seen with pink in their glass.

Thus, a manly man was needed to step  forward and Drink the Pink. Be the Guy. Enter Eric McCormack..known for years now as the gayest man on TV- Will Truman.

FYI – He’s a great Dad and Husband, a pal to your host and well versed on his wines.

Eric McCormack – The concert I never gave

Eric and I carry on after the Rose has been tasted..one-on-one. Man to Man. Revealing everything ..and nothing.

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEricMcCormack/

https://www.facebook.com/TRVLRSseries/

Sommelier Pam Cohen  – The Savvy Series is back:
Professional Sommelier Pam Cohen guides Eric and I  through tasting six different styles of rosé in a fun, sit down tasting session. We Learn about the history and methods surrounding the production of rosé wines, and see how they have gained popularity in recent years. Find your new favourite  rose.

FYI – The Savvy Series  takes place at Marquis Wine Cellars  1034 Davie – Wednesday Sept 14  6:30-8:00 . Seats limited to 18 per class, so get your tickets now! $19.99!!

Pam Cohen Marquis Wine Cellars

Here are Pam’s choices..

Don Juan del Aguila 2012 Rosado                              –    11.21 (Spain).

Provenquiere 2014 Peche Coquin Rosé                     –     16.44 (Languedoc-Roussillon)

Argiolas 2014 Serra Lori Rosé IGT                             –    28.60  (Sardinia)

Domaine de Reuilly 2014 Pinot Gris “Les Chatillons” –   $30.34  (Loire)

Poplar Grove 2015 Blanc de Noir                                –     30.35  (BC).

Domaine des Apras 2015 Les Trois Freres                 –     34.69 (Provence)

https://www.marquis-wines.com

 Tacofino Managing Partner Gino Di Domenico and Owner/Partner Ryan Spong   – TACOFINO IN YALETOWN

Located in the heart of Vancouver’s trendy Yaletown district, Tacofino is the latest venture by Tacofino cofounders Jason Sussman and Kaeli Robinsong, who have been serving up their unique brand of eclectic, California-inspired cuisine since launching the original Tacofino food truck in Tofino, BC in 2009. The newest addition to an ever-expanding Tacofino family that includes three food trucks and four brick-and-mortar restaurants in Vancouver and Victoria.

Tacofino in Yaletown is a counter-service and take-out restaurant that features eighties-inspired, surf-punk decor, a 38-seat dining room and 12-seat patio, full bar and the trademark Tacofino fusion of quality, fresh and affordable food with an environmental and nutritional conscience.

Each location has its own unique neighborhood, clientele and menu.

TacoFino Yaletown

They each also have their own special charity and social service that they support.

This is our way of saying “Congratulations on your successes and  for making the Vancouver/Victoria food scene soooo much better”
1025 Mainland Street, Vancouver   www.tacofino.com | @TacofinoVAN

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Fanny Bay – The Osyter and The restaurant

Unsworth Winery – well worth the drive and the chase.

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Checking out new pours from Valeria Tate at Bench 1775.

Bloom 2016 brings fresh pours from  Ann Sperling (Sperling) , John Skinner (Painted Rock) Chris Jentsch  (CC Jentsch) and Gavin Miller (Upper Bench).

And Daenna van Mulligan brings a Master Class in the wines of The Loire Valley.

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THE SHOW

Val Tait – GM and Executive Winemaker  Bench 1775 (Naramata)

“There isn’t much Malbec grown in BC, and even fewer (any?) blended with cabernet franc. But that’s the beauty of being an adventurous winemaker like Valeria Tate of Bench 1775 in a pioneering wine region like the Okanagan Valley. From her coveted perch on Naramata Bench, she deftly weaves together interesting blends like this, ignoring convention, thankfully, to spark creativity.”  Treve Ring / Scout magazine

There was a fire sale of wineries on the Naramata Bench a couple of years ago.

They were all owned at one time by Lang Vineyards.

One was called Soaring Eagle with a hand carved sign you couldn’t miss.

The Viticulturalist who helped plan the vineyard was Val Tait. Upon the sale it was re-branded as Bench 1775. The key to any future success was Valeria,  who was pals with that land and those vines.

6 years later, she’s now the General Manager and Executive  Winemaker  There’s a whole wall of hard-won awards and a patio with one of the very best views in the entire province.

I caught up with Valeria at the recent Naramata Bench Spring pour in Vancouver. She proudly takes us through the new portfolio.

Keep an eye on Valeria Tait. She’s a winner!

www.bench1775.com

Bloom 2016 – Sperling/Painted Rock/CC Jentsch/Upper Bench

It’s the annual showcase of BC’s VQA wineries. All in one room at the same time.

It boggles the mind because we can’t cover them all.

I tried once – I ended up getting a knee replaced.

This year we feature four highly deserving wineries who want you to know about this year’s wines.

Ann Sperling – Sperling Vineyards (kelowna) www.sperlingvineyards.com

Ann Sperling

John Skinner – Painted Rock (ok falls)  www.paintedrock.ca

Chris Jentsch – CC Jentsch (golden mile)  www.ccjentschcellars.com

Chris-Jentsch CC Jentsch

Gavin Miller – Upper Bench (Naramata) https://www.upperbench.ca

Looking for your next favourite  BC wine?  Have a listen. It’s right here.

www.bcvqa.ca

Daenna van Mulligen – The Wine Diva – The wines of The Loire Valley

Wine-Diva

The Loire Valley is the heart of France, famous for its natural beauty, magnificent châteaux and great wine. The region is rich in history and culture: Renaissance writer Rabelais was born here; Joan of Arc led French troops to victory in the Hundred Years’ War in the Loire; and, as the Cradle of the French Language, its residents speak the purest French.

The Loire Valley contains several distinct wine regions, each with its own characteristic grapes, appellations and styles

As a testament to all the region contributes to French and global culture, the Loire Valley (between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire) was added to UNESCO’ World Heritage list in 2000.

Who better than to take all of us through a master class in the character of  Loire wines than The Wine Diva.

That consistency of character is remarkable when you consider that the Loire follows a 630-mile course from a source near Beaujolais to the Atlantic Ocean. The Loire is a land of moderation: It’s cold in the winter, and never gets super hot in the summer. Vines can really only grow here because of the river and its tributaries, which raise the temperature just those few vital degrees and ensure long, leisurely autumn days for the harvest.

The countryside is beautiful—wide expanses of vines, gentle slopes, grand castles and ancient cities, all dominated by the rivers and the milky blue light of the summer sky. If a vineyard area deserves to be called pastoral, this is it.

When you realize that the region is dominated by a mere four major varieties—Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne and Cabernet Franc—the wines become accessible, and therefore enjoyable. This is step one in deciphering the surface complexity of Loire wine.

Please take a seat – The Wine Diva class is about to begin.

www.winediva.ca

www.loirevalleywine.com

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

 Mike Grgich

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One of the World’s best winemakers Australia’s Ben Glaetzer, the maker of Amon Ra, Wallace, Bishop, AnaPerenna plus Heartland and Mitolo.

Then it’s   Sisters Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat who’ve released their third cook book Lick Your Plate.  These ladies are just a bag of fun.

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THE SHOW

 Ben Glaetzer – Winemaker at Glaetzer Wines (Barossa Valley)

 His father Colin was winemaker at Barossa Valley Estate before the family set up Glaetzer Wines, also based in the Barossa, in 1995.

Ben is now winemaker at Glaetzer Wines. The  line-up includes the top end, award-winning Amon-Ra and Anaperenna, and is also winemaker at Heartland Wines from the Limestone Coast and Langhorne Creek (both in South Australia), and at Mitolo in McLaren Vale (just outside Adelaide).

Ben Glaetzer

Ben has been made a “Baron of the Barossa” for his contribution to the cultural fabric of the Barossa Valley. Life membership of this wine fraternity is by invitation only.

New World Winemaker of the Year in Behind the Label 2006 (UK).

Qantas Young Winemaker of the Year in 2004.

Robert M. Parker Jr chose Ben as his Wine Personality of the Year 2005.

These wines have won so many awards around the World it’s important to know where and how  they’re grown.

All fruit for Glaetzer Wines is taken from the small sub-region of the northern Barossa Valley, called Ebenezer.

The ancient dry-grown vineyards in the renowned Ebenezer district are an important part of Australia’s winemaking heritage and a living link to traditional Barossa viticulture. Exceptional fruit from a loyal group of third and fourth generation Barossa grape growers is the backbone of Glaetzer wines. The most exceptional fruit is sourced from 80-110 year old, non-grafted bush vines which are extremely low yielding.

Glaetzer Vines

The very old vines require minimal attention. Their deep root structure means they are self-sufficient and can adapt to climatic extremes.

Amon Ra and Anaperenna are World class wines..at world class prices BUT one of the best secrets in wine you can afford is the fact that Ben Glaetzer also leads the winemaking team at Heartland Wines..The makers of Directors Cut  and Heartland wines and they are very affordable.

But before you leave this planet..please make an attempt to have one of Ben’s top wines. Glorious and good for the soul.

www.heartlandwines.com.au

https://www.glaetzer.com/

Lick Your Plate  –  Authors Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat

Yes,  they are sisters and best friends, they each have 3 kids and they live within 5 blocks of each other.

These sisters  create a force in any kitchen. Julie writes Lisa Cooks.

Julie and Lisa have  released their third cookbook Lick Your Plate. A follow up to Bite Me and Bite me Too!

The girls write about food and family (family first).

They talk with me about Sloppy Joe’s, Baja Fish Tacos, Slutty brownies and the fact that it takes  Twinkies 45 seconds to explode in a microwave!

We do take time to go back and remember their Grandmother.  Alice Leiberman welcomed them into her kitchen and very likely set this whole career in motion.

We also get sidetracked into their fave MuchMusic VJ, Bon Jovi and what BC wines I’m recommending to these two Torontonians

Lick Your Plate offers 160 original recipes, several 30-minute dinner ideas, tips, tricks, mouthwatering visuals, funny anecdotes, drool-worthy descriptions of every recipe, and is perfect for everyone from the beginner to the well-seasoned home cook.

“We’re not Martha telling someone to make the eight-hour broth, but we’re also not Rachael Ray saying put cheese on toast. There is that happy medium,” says Gnat, who developed the recipes.

The sisters say they understand the importance of accessible recipes, where all the ingredients can be bought in one shop.

“We love and admire ‘the foodie’ and we’re happy to sit down to a gourmet meal. And we are all about fresh flavours and great food. But we also live in the real world with six kids between us. We don’t always have that sort of time and inclination to go on a goose chase for fig paste,” says Julie.

http://www.bitememore.com/

http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/252970/lick-your-plate-by-julie-albert-and-lisa-gnat/9780147529886/

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STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON

Mike Grgich – His life and his book

Fanny Bay Oysters. They open a restaurant in Vancouver.

Unsworth Wines in the Cowichan Valley.  The wines and the Food.

Bruce Cockburn.  Singer, songwriter. Wine fan

TacoFino.  The exploding taco truck.

The Wine Align Winners