January 2009, Issue: 5
Limited Edition 2010 Wine Kits (Cont.)

It's the start of a new year and the Wine Place has acquired limited quantities of both the Ken Ridge Showcase and Selection Ltd. wine kits to celebrate. Place your orders now, these award winning varieties won't last long! Which of the Ken Ridge Showcase wine kits will you choose?

We have also included a short intro on how to decant your wines.

South African Shiraz
http://www.wineplaceniagarafalls.ca/limited.html
$150 / per batch
Shipping Date: January 2010 (Originally offered in January 2006)
Sugar Code: 0
Body: Medium/Full
Stellenbosch is South Africa’s oldest growing region, the centre for study of viticulture and oenology in Africa, and the heart of the wine industry. Famous for its stunning natural beauty, it has soaring mountains, forests, vineyards, olive groves and veldts. South Africa’s finest red wines thrive in the Cape’s moderate climate, and the Shiraz from this region is dense with jammy richness, intense fruit, and complex spiciness.

California Lake County Trio Blanca
http://www.wineplaceniagarafalls.ca/limited.html
$150 / per batch
Shipping Date: January 2010 (Originally offered in January 2005)
Sugar Code: 0
Body: Full
In California’s Lake County, the vineyards nestle in steep hills in the west, while Clear Lake, directly east, moderates the blistering heat of summer, ensuring slow, even ripening and perfect grapes.

Australian Petit Verdot
http://www.wineplaceniagarafalls.ca/limited.html
$150 / per batch
Shipping Date: February 2010 (Originally offered in April 2004)
Sugar Code: 0
Body: Full
South East Australia is a literal hotbed of grape growing. The abundant sunshine hours and heat allow growers to ripen varieties that have all but been abandoned by growing regions less blessed. Petit Verdot is one such variety. It makes unsurpassed red wines in Bordeaux, where it goes into their classic Cabernet-Merlot blends, yet the climate there is too cool to ripen it reliably.

Pacific Quartet
http://www.wineplaceniagarafalls.ca/limited.html
$150 / per batch
Shipping Date: March 2010 (Originally offered in March 2007)
Sugar Code: 1
Body: Full
The Pacific Coast of North America has micro-climates that match those of the blazing sunshine of the Mediterranean to the crisp mountain air of the upper Rhine. With so much range and variety, there is a perfect terroir for almost any grape you can name.

Italian Brunello
http://www.wineplaceniagarafalls.ca/limited.html
$150 / per batch
Shipping Date: April 2010 (Originally offered in April 2007)
Sugar Code: 0
Body: Medium
Italy’s long, narrow peninsula reaches deep into the Mediterranean, basking in the relentless sunshine and welcoming warmth. Gentle sloping hillsides, rich mineral soils, the moderating breezes off of the Mediterranean waters and unique grape varieties work to make wonderful wines.
Decanting Wine
The practice of decanting wine began out of necessity as it was often poured directly from the barrel without much of a filter process. Today a more refined winemaking process results in a thoroughly clarified product before it's bottled. Decanters are now widely used for aesthetic purposes. Found in many shapes and materials, they typically come with a stopper and can hold a standard bottle of wine. Yet, while it is no longer necessary to decant some wines, most can benefit from it.

What began as a process to remove the sediment from wine before serving has also been adopted in aerating younger medium or full-bodied wines like Syrah, Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon and Port. This will help to bring out other aspects of their personality the same way swirling it in a wine glass would. Older wines that have been stored for ten years or more should, of course, still be decanted to avoid any sediment being consumed.

The actual process of decanting can be done one of two ways; by placing a wine strainer over the decanter or lighting the neck from behind allowing you to see any sediment that's about to escape when pouring the wine. Take your time pouring and let the wine hit the bottom of the decanter. Splashing will permit the wine to open more quickly. Once completed you should be left with a full decanter of clear wine and a small amount of sediment-laden wine in the bottle.
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Message From
"The Wine Guys"

Welcome! A part of an Irish lineage or not we can all celebrate with our own unique batch of wine this St. Patrick's Day if orders are received before February 1st! Remember too that the Limited Edition 2010 Wine Kits have arrived! Reserve yours early to avoid disappointment.

Thank you for your continued support!

Did You Know?
Carafes are similar to decanters with the exception of having a stopper and are used for less expensive wines.

Red Wine vs White Wine
The Debate Rages On:

Typically, one is given preference over the other and we want to know why. Do you base your decision on taste, calories, health benefits or something else?

Come down to our store and let us know. We would be happy to talk with you