One of our favourite customers, John came in to bottle his wines this morning.  As Maria was helping get ready, John started to sing a song he wrote especially for her!  Maria is willing to share the lyrics with you:

The lights of London are far behind

The thoughts of you all are still on my mind

I’m busy working and feeling just fine

Helping the Canucks bottle their wine.

I feel like a doctor who is helping them cope,

Through all their problems and giving them hope

Of brighter days ahead which fills them with cheer

For drinking their wine is much better than beer!

Bravo, John – we really enjoyed the performance!

FEBRUARY: Value priced promotion

For the entire month of February purchase any 2 World Vineyard Collection wine kits, and receive a 10% discount. These wines are ready to bottle in just over 4 weeks, and include these great varietals:

REDS:

• Australian Shiraz
• California Trinity Red
• California Pinot Noir
• California Zinfandel/Shiraz
• Chilean Malbec
• Chilean Merlot
• French Cabernet Sauvignon
• Italian Barolo
• Italian Sangiovese
• Spanish Tempranillo

WHITES:

• Australian Chardonnay
• Australian Riverland Reserve
• California Trinity White
• French Sauvignon Blanc
• German Muller-Thurgau
• Italian Pinot Grigio
• South African Chenin Blanc
• Washington Riesling

Perfect timing to stock up for summer visitors!

MARCH: It’s Mist-Behaving Time again!

Winexpert is pleased to introduce new Cranberry Malbec to the Island Mist line up. The crisp tartness of Cranberry enveloped with the robust fruity structure of Malbec makes this a perfect blend. Cranberry Malbec will be available in the first week of March.

Kit to go: $62.95
Kit made on premises: $116.28 (including taxes)

For the month of March when you purchase any 2 Island Mist kits, you will receive a set of Govino Glasses – these are unbreakable, and perfect for around the pool this summer.

Also available in March is the Limited Edition Austrian Gruner Veltliner. Gruner Veltliner produces stunningly intense and concentrated wines that start with citrus and grapefruit aromas, hinting from the very beginning at the variety’s    most distinguishing characteristic: the spicy fragrance of freshly ground white pepper. In addition to white pepper they can also show aromas of sour apples, flowers and minerals – surprisingly delicate. This wine works brilliantly with seafood, mussels, salmon, grilled halibut, and grilled oysters. Limited quantities available.

Kit to go: $124
Kit made on premises: $177.33 (including taxes)

APRIL: Let’s get Twisted!!

It’s time again to get Twisted! Following the highly successful introduction of Twisted Mist last year, we’re bringing them back. Returning will be the popular Mojito and a reformulated Strawberry Margarita (not quite as sweet this time). And, brand new for 2011 – a new Lime Margarita and a Margarita Combo-Kit! The Margarita Combo Kit will produce 15 bottles each of Lime and Strawberry Margaritas. It’s a party in the making! All three Twisted Mists will be available the first week of April.

All Kits to Go: $73.25
Any Twisted Mist made on premises: $126.58 (including taxes)

There has been such demand for the Selection International Spanish Rosé, that it’s coming back!! Katherine especially is pleased about this perfect summertime patio wine. This is a luscious combination of Spanish red and white grapes, including the silky and seductive Tempranillo, and creates a perfect Spanish Rosé that should be enjoyed while young, crisp and refreshing. Spanish Rosé will be available the first week of April.

Kit to Go: $122
Kit made on premises: $175.33 (including taxes)

Barons Lime Lager was introduced last year, and proved to be such a popular beer it’s coming back again. Barons Lime Lager is a refreshing American light-style beer with a bracing splash of pure lime flavour and a crisp zesty finish. Available the first week of April.

Kit to go: $33.95
Kit made on premises: $84.35 (including taxes)

Limited Edition Portuguese Douro Tinto is the final Limited Edition of the year, and available in April. It’s a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca – the names may be unfamiliar, but Tinta Roriz is the same grape as Spanish Tempranillo. Together they make an intensely aromatic wine with an impressive depth of fruit and complexity. Black fruits such as cassis along with mulberry and raspberry predominate and are complemented by plums and tobacco, followed by the resinous aromas of violets and rockrose. High tannin levels and good natural acidity mean the wine has an excellent potential for aging without loss of structure or balance.

Kit to Go: $127.00
Kit made on premises: $180.33 (taxes included)

And—a sneak peek at May—look for 2 Small Lots Releases—one red and one white. Stay tuned for news!

February: The Limited Edition Italian Primativo is available!

Sweetness Code: 0
Alcohol: 12.5-13%
Oak: 60g Toasted
Body: 4 – Medium-Full

Italian Primitivo is medium red in colour veering to brick. It is rich and concentrated, exuding aromas of blackberry, plums, tobacco, prunes and red cherries, with the Italian signature of firm tannins and a long, gripping finish with notes of vanilla and toast. Like most Italian reds it retains acidity to balance fruit character and marry well with food.

Primitivo Bolognese

• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 3 oz. tomato paste
• 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 3/4 cup Italian Primitivo
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp oregano

In a large saucepan (4 quart) sauté onion in olive oil and butter until soft. Add crushed garlic and sauté lightly. Stir in ground beef, salt and pepper and brown well. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce and sugar. Add Italian Primitivo. Add water almost to the top of the pan. Stir well. Add seasonings and stir well.

Cook uncovered on simmer, stirring occasionally to reduce liquid and thicken for an hour or more until almost desired consistency. Serve over fresh cooked noodles and sprinkle the top with freshly grated Parmesan.

Remember—the Limited Editions are available usually only once, and in their month of release, with very limited quantities. Get yours now!

Kit to go: $127.00    Kit made on premises: $180.33 (including taxes)

Rod and Katherine will head to Vancouver on April 9th to attend the Fermenters Guild of British Columbia Annual Conference and Trade Show. There will be great exhibitors demonstrating new products and techniques, seminars, and a chance to network with U-Vin owners and managers from across BC. They are both looking forward it – especially the food and wine pairing seminar, and the Gala Dinner. Rod and Katherine love their jobs!

Katherine is taking her first holiday in years! She is going to Tucson for 9 days in February. The golf clubs are packed already. Rod is looking forward to digging in the garden, and to helping his oldest daughter celebrate her 40th birthday. Maria is celebrating 5 years in Canada, and enjoying taking Bentley (the Olde English Bulldog) for long walks. sara is anxious to get back to competitive ball and is looking forward to a holiday in Mexico. Brittney is off to Spokane to cheer her brother on in a hockey tournament (and no doubt do a little shopping with her Mom!).

From all of us at Wine Central – thank you for choosing us to make your wine! We appreciate it.