I like wine. No wait scratch that I love to drink. Drinking wine that costs more than $10 a bottle is a new thing for me. I usually get really nerdy about new things that I love. However, wine is going to be the exception. The amount of knowledge out there and potential spending a lot of money on this new adventure is the deterrent. Anyway, from time to time, you’ll see that I’ll be commenting on wine. I ain’t no expert, just someone who enjoys a decent affordable glass of wine. Currently my MO is to sample as many wines as possible and figuring out what I like. I think wine tasting is wholly subjective and the marketing folks have made a racket at selling us stuff we don’t need.
I have lived in New York and Montreal. The SAQ (Quebec’s liquor commission) has a great wine selection. You have to hunt around for the stores that stay open late, but I’ve always been pleased with the SAQ. Sometimes you can find a grocery store that sells wine, and depanneurs sell wine and beer. New York has spoiled me because their liquor stores are open ridiculously late. The city that never sleeps likes to get its drink on. Also, at my old apartment, there were 2 huge liquor stores within stumbling distance.
Now, I’m moving to Toronto. The LCBO (Ontario’s liquor commission) has a good selection of wines. I picked up a great bottle of Castillo de Almansa Reserva 2005 for about $13. Tasted nice, and had a nice finish.
I visited the Wine Rack on Friday night because it was the only wine store in walking distance from where I was staying. The staff there was extremely helpful, and helped me choose a 2006 Jackson Triggs Meritage. Which I pronounced Meritage it with a French accent, and the woman at the shop pronounced it more Anglo-y. Anyway, I spent around the same amount and got a less tasty product. My drinking companions voiced similar sentiments. Roxanna said it tasted like dep wine.
I’m going to give Jackson Triggs more of a go, but honestly, the Canadian wines have got to do a little better.
Pass the Butter Please 