Ottawa Women's Wine Club: VINO VIXENS!

June 16, 2018 - A beautiful summer evening Host: Anna Attendees: Andrea, Julie, Reem The goal was to have something other than Riesling paired with Thai food. So a bit of research revealed that there are actually many other great options out there. Sparkling Rose from France, a Pinot Noir from Niagara, a Pinot Gris from Niagara, and with dessert, we enjoyed our old favourite, Riesling from Germany. Strawberry rhubarb crisp - seasonal delight! Menu: Asian spring rolls - we paired these with the sparkling rose, French chefs would be appalled at this pairing but who cares! the pairing worked well! Thai mango chicken salad lettuce wraps with a vegetarian option with tofu, Vietnamese beef patties with jasmine rice, apple/fennel slaw. From various comments over the evening the big hit was the Pinot Gris from Cave springs , a Vintage selection at $16.95. The rose from Bourgonge area of France was a great compliment, not too sweet or dry, just the right balan

Saturday November 18th Wine Club @ Shereen's Guests: Anna, Andrea, Julie, Tayisa, Carmela (for a quick hello), Reem, and special guest Cecilia! Menu:   Charcuterie board  Minty, and carrot, pistachio & feta salad (recipe: http://bit.ly/2zWijjl) Moroccan vegetable couscous (recipe: http://armagazine.com/2zjXbnP) Beef shami kebab chicken tandoori pieces with tomato chutney (from Ariana Kebab house) Marrakesh sundae  (recipe: http://bit.ly/2zUAHcc) Wines:  Hinterland, Whitecap 2016 - PEC (paired with charcuterie) Ara Pathway, Sauvignon Blank - NZ (paired with meal) - this was the winner of the night, everyone seemed to love this one, including me who is not a fan of most white wines. $14.95 Storia Antica Valpolicella, Ripasso - this was also a hit for a light easy but tasty red. $17.95 Hacienda Valvares, Rioja - also another winner that most really enjoyed. A little spicy and heavier than the ripasso. $18.95. Joseph Cattin Alsace, Riesling - this was a

Carmie's Wine Club inspired by the K.I.S.S. principle..." K eep I t S imple, S weetie"  Feb. 25, 2017 Menu Assortment of cheese, nuts, olives, cured meats Broccoli and pistachio soup Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Ravioli with squash filling, served with homemade tomato sauce Red Lobster cheese biscuits Dessert...can't remember what it was! I think chocolate was involved. Wines Lily Sparkling Wine VQA $16.95 Tommasi Ripasso Valpolicella $22.95 Gruner Veltliner Kremstal (weingut) $16.95 Peppoli Chianti Classico $19.95

Date : April 29, 2017 Theme : Japanese Host : Julie Attendees : Andrea, Anna, Melissa, Jacquie, Reem, Tayisa, Sheree     Starters :  Sushi: Vegetable Spring rolls and California rolls Edamame Wine pairing:  Hakutsuru SAKE Comments : Paired well with the sushi, happy to say we tried it, but overall not a big hit! Loosen Bros. Dr. L Sparkling Riesling Vintages # 296095 $14.95 Light & fruity – I loved this one, and thought it paired really well with the sushi. Would buy again. Lady Bug Malivoire 2016 Rosé VQA Niagara - $16.95 Comments:    A big let down, tasted sour, and didn’t pair well with the appetizers at all. (Although before I bash the wine, I should consider maybe this bottle was off ??) Main : Spring salad with MISO dressing Teriyaki Chicken Teriyaki Salmon Vegetable stir-fry with tofu Japanese Rice Wine pairing:  Pfaff Pinot Gris Alsace LCBO 362087, $16.95 Comments : I just realized I bought this for a prev

Host : Anna Attendees: Jacquie, Reem, Julie, Andrea, special guest, Marisa!  The peonies won centre stage.   This is the pinot noir we didn't get to in case  any of you want to try it. G. Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir   Pinot Noir VINTAGES#: 258673 $19.95 Theme : Pinot Noir vs Sauvignon Blanc - white or red wine with fish ? The consensus was white. Appetizer : Chickpea Shawarma Dip  http://minimalistbaker.com/chickpea-shawarma-dip/ Paired with :  Rustenberg 2015 Petit Verdot Rosé  ($13.95 - #451773) – raspberry, cranberry, watermelon, sweet mid with nice berry finish. Main Course: Cedar plank smoked Icelandic cod with cilantro/lime/ chilli butter.  http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/04/grilling-planked-whitefish-with-cilantro-lime-recipe.html. Grilled crispy tofu with cilantro walnut pesto. Side dish: ratatouille (recipe images attached), ciabatta baguette. Wines in order:   Jardin 2014 Sauvignon Blanc ($15.95 - #663

Date : January 23, 2016 Theme : Maple - a wintery welcome to the new year! Host : Julie Attendees : Andrea, Anna, Carm, Melissa, Jacquie, Reem, Tayisa, Shereen Sparkling Maple sap (http://treewell.ca/) Comments: Unfortunately not a hit, Carm liked it, but majority found it a bit watery, but might be nice with a bit of rum or whiskey mixed in! Starters :  Cheese: Oka, Maple Goat cheese, marble  Crackers / fruit nut crisps, grapes  Arugula salad w strawberries, goat cheese, red onion, dressing (oil, balsamic, maple syrup) Wine pairing:  50 Degree Riesling Trocken, Henkell & Co. Germany Vintages 424523, $15.95   Comments : Liked by all, nice amount of sweetness, good match with the salad Main : Maple chicken curry served over penne  Wine pairing:  Pfaff Pinot Gris Alsace LCBO 362087, $15.95 Comments : with a sweeter curry, they recommend off-dry riesling or pinot gris. This one seemed to be a perfect match, particularl