Opening of the 19th ed of EU Film Festival – Toronto

The opening of the EU Film Festival (EUFF) was held last night at Alliance Française, 24 Spadina Rd., Toronto. The well-heeled crowd included the 27 consuls, VIPs, sponsors and special guests. The wines served were a great selection from the EU membered states.

This year is 19th edition which runs from November 15 to December 1. There is a curated selection of 27 award-winning movies and hidden gems of all genres. The festival will showcase the rich diversity and creativity of European filmmaking, with post-film Q&As with directors, producers, and actors!

Here is the schedule for your viewing: https://euffto.com/schedule/

Press Release: TORONTO, November 30, 2021 /CNW/ – Les Dames d’Escoffier Ontario and Crafting For A Cure partner once again to bring Ontario Residents “Uncorked – Holiday Auction”

“Uncorked Holiday Auction” invites Ontario residents, 19 years of age and older to bid on a wide variety of amazing items, including Air Canada tickets, wines, spirits, product packages, vacation stays, experiences and so much more! Wine enthusiasts, craft-lovers or those who embrace the opportunity to give back to the community will find items to bid on. Uncorked – Holiday Auction is completely online, allowing participants to bid for items from the comfort of their own homes. Values range from $100 up to $5,000.

Auction Dates: November 25th to December 5th, 2021

Registration: https://www.32auctions.com/CC-LD

“We are thrilled to partner with Crafting For a Cure once again and to contribute to the success of “Uncorked: Holiday Auction”” said Liz Palmer, President, Les Dames d’Escoffier, (Ontario).

All proceeds raised will help support two critically important causes – “Crafting for a Cure” in delivering Craft Kits to over 100 hospitals in 7 countries and contributing to “Les Dames d’Escoffier’s Ontario” Scholarship and Bursary Program for 2022.

Our sponsors include:

A special thank you to the Air Canada Foundation for your tremendous support helping to make this event possible!

Air Canada@aircanada
Air Canada Foundation@aircanada_foundation
Les Dames d’Escoffier@lesdamesontario
Heather Zordel

Virginia Hutton

 

@virginiaannhutton

Liz Palmer@Lizpalmer_
Doris Bradley@lacontessa89
Wine Plush@wineplush
Académie du Vin Library@academieduvinlibrary
Meukow Cognac@meukowcognac
Bottega@bottegagold

@bottegasparkling

Andrea Kaiser@andreakaiser
Drea’s Wine Co.@dreawine
Grand Marnier@grandmarnierofficiel
Villa Maria Estate (New Zealand)@villamariawines
Frankie Solarik@frankiesolarik
BarChef@barchef
Arterra Canada@arterrawinescanada
Le Dolci@ledolci
Giffard@giffardcanada

@giffard_liqueurs_syrups

Nike MPG Sports Camp / Sports Camps Canada@nikesportscampcanada
Kanvas Chefs@kanvaschefs
Janet Dorozynski, DipWSET, PhD Trade Commissioner for Canadian wine, beer, and spirits at Global Affairs Canada@winetrackmind
Mel Umali
Sergii Daragan
@miss.lissa.u
@serjinio_daragan
Inniskillin@inniskilllinwines
Dymon Wine Cellar + Club Membership@dymonwinecellar

“We have an opportunity to make things better for children in unimaginable circumstances,” said Pamela Bielak, President, Crafting For a Cure. “Uncorked will support our mission to ensure that every child has a positive experience when a hospital visit is necessary.”

Pamela continues, “We are excited to collaborate with Les Dames d’Escoffier Ontario (LDE), and renowned wine expert, the wonderful Liz Palmer on this incredible fundraiser. Uncorked will contribute to both helping make hospital stays more manageable for children and supporting LDE Ontario’s Scholarship and Bursary program.”

About Les Dames d’Escoffier Ontario

As an incorporated, not-for-profit organization, LDE is a collective of forward-thinking women who aim to advance and support aspiring professional women in food, beverage, and hospitality as well as to champion critical industry issues. With a focus on philanthropy and education, their Scholarship and Bursary Program is one of their proudest achievements, providing aspiring students in the world of food, beverage, and hospitality with financial assistance and other industry opportunities.

Contact Information: Virginia Hutton, Communications, virginiahutton@gmail.com, Tel: 416-579-3788, www.lesdamesontario.org, @lesdamesontario – Instagram, Lesdamesontario – Facebook, lesdamesdescoffier-ontario

About Crafting For a Cure

Crafting For a Cure is a registered charity that collaborates with over 100 hospitals worldwide that looks to ensure all children have a positive experience whenever a hospital visit is necessary. Our “Committed to Crafting” program, provides craft kits and other distractions to children in hospitals, and our “Creating Breathing Space” program enables us to support teens in mental health wards with distraction and self-esteem items.

Contact Information: Pamela Bielak, President, pamela.bielak@craftingforacure.net, Tel: 416-995-0635, www.craftingforacure.ca

Les Dames d’Escoffier Ontario’s virtual auction closes next week!

Les Dames d’Escoffier Ontario’s virtual auction closes next Sunday.  This gives you the chance to bid on everything from Air Canada tickets, hotel stays, wine, spirits, beer, gift baskets, personal experiences and so much more…. It’s easy you just create an account, log in and track your bids online at:

https://www.32auctions.com/CC-LD

A shoutout to our wonderful sponsors for this auction!

Thank you for making this happen!

Liz Palmer 

Air Canada

@aircanada

Air Canada Foundation

@aircanada_foundation

Les Dames d’Escoffier

@lesdamesontario

Heather Zordel

Liz Palmer

@Lizpalmer_

Doris Bradley

@lacontessa89

Wine Plush

@wineplush

Académie du Vin Library

@academieduvinlibrary

Meukow Cognac

@meukowcognac

Bottega

@bottegagold 

@bottegasparkling

Andrea Kaiser

@andreakaiser

Drea’s Wine Co.

@dreawine

Grand Marnier

@grandmarnierofficiel

Villa Maria Estate (New Zealand)

@villamariawines

Frankie Solarik

@frankiesolarik

BarChef

@barchef

Arterra Canada

@arterrawinescanada

Le Dolci

@ledolci

Giffard

@giffardcanada

@giffard_liqueurs_syrups

Nike MPG Sports Camp / Sports Camps Canada

@nikesportscampcanada

#wine #wineauction #nonprofit #fundraiser #lesdames #lesdamesdescoffier #ldei

#wineforacause #uncorked #womensupportingwomen #craftingforacure #giveback #womeninwine #womeninhospitality #womeninwinebusiness #womeninfood #womensupportingwomen #wineauction #wineauctionToronto #corporategifts #corporategifting #lesdamesON #uncorkedToronto #womenleaders #studentscolarships #wineauction #toronto #ontario #canada #savethedate #onlineauction #giftideas 

Celebrating Wines of Italy: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

From Alto Adige down to Sicily, a few countries can boast the variety, quality and history as Italy. I enjoyed an online Master Class on Vino Nobile di Montepulciano a few weeks ago to learn more about Tuscany’s noblest red wine.  The masterclass and tasting was organized by the Italian Trade Commission, Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and hosted by Ms. Lauren Power.

Nobile became D.O.C in 1966 and D.O.C.G. in 1980. These Sangiovese-based red wines are named after the town Montepulciano.

Throughout history, these wines were favored amongst Italian Kings, Popes, Presidents and celebrated as wine of the nobles, hence its name “Nobile”. Thomas Jefferson, a renowned wine aficionado, fell under its spell, stating: “For the present I confine myself to the physical want of some good Montepulciano…this being a very favorite wine and habit having rendered the light and high flavored wines of a necessary of life with me. It was most superlatively good.”

There are 1,300 hectares currently under vine for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.  The vineyards are situated between 250 and 600 meters above sea level. By law, these wines are made up of (minimum 70%) Sangiovese (‘Prugnolo Gentile’) with the balance of 30% of other varieties also authorized by the region. Other legal requirements include that both vinification and ageing must take place in the municipal area of Montepulciano and must be aged for two years (three for Riserva) before being sold.

We tasted both 2016 and 2017 vintages.

The 2016 as a “classic vintage”; it had nice intense colour, with pronounced aromas, good structure and tannic texture, with medium acidity and alcohol – overall a year with high quality, elegant and refined.

The 2017 vintage is considered outstanding – there was extreme hot and dry weather conditions that impacted vine growth which resulted in smaller yields and excellent quality wines. The 2017 wines have intense colour, are more concentrated, some darker notes; are well-balanced both in alcohol and acidy, and complex with significant tannins.

Here are eight wines tasted as part of this Master Class, which showcased 2016 and 2017 vintages:

 

Cantina Del Giusto San Claudio II D.O.C.G. 2017

85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo Nero, 5% Mammolo

Six months in stainless steel, 24 months in large Slavonian Oak and eight months in the bottle. Cantina del Giusto is a small size farm at the the foot of Montepulciano, in Acquaviva.

Tasting Notes:
Ruby red with a slight orange tint; a bit high on alcohol; precise and defined sensory profile of raspberry, cherry, plum with hints of lemon zest, some smoke and earthiness; medium body perfectly ripe tannins and with a long finish

www.cantinadelgiusto.it

 

Fattoria del Cerro Silineo D.O.C.G. 2017

100% Sangiovese

Eighteen months aging.

This the largest private estate producing Vino Nobile, which also invests in indigenous varietals and biodiversity.

Tasting Notes:
Vivid ruby red; elegant and bold with a smooth and strong body showing cherry, raspberry, chocolate and earthy notes both on the nose and comes through to the palate; malolactic fermentation comes through with hints of cream and butter; a savoury wine with a nice long finish.

www.fattoriadelcerro.it

 

Il Molinaccio La Spinosa D.O.C.G. 2017

100% Sangiovese

Il Molinaccio is close to the town of Montepulciano, is currently transitioning to certified organic and has a strong green philosophy.

After Malolactic fermentation, wine ages for twelve months in French Allier oak and 12 months in bottle.

Il Molinaccio states: ‘the porcupine is a shy and feared animal but La Spinosa, on the contrary, shows itself with an elegant dress’.

Tasting Notes:
Ruby red, graceful, elegant on the nose of raspberry, cherry currant; hints of pepper, mushroom and coffee – all present through to the taste – well-balanced, medium body, soft tannins and a round finish.

www.ilmolinaccio.com

 

Salcheto D.O.C.G. 2017

100% Sangiovese

70% large barrels/30% tonneau for eighteen months, with six months in bottle.

Salcheto is organic, biodynamic and committed to environmental sustainability. Their wines are sulfite-free and use indigenous yeasts.

Tasting Notes:
This wine displays notes of flowers and red berry aromas, red plums, rose petals; medium-full body; notes of red fruits, spice; fine tannins very well blended in the matrix; creamy rich with a long finish.

www.salcheto.it


Tenuta Valdipiatta D.O.C.G. 2017

95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo

Family-owned winery founded in 1960; is certified organic and has sustainability and environmentally sensitive practices.

Aging period of 15-18 months, partly in French oak barriques and partly in Slavonian oak barrels of 30 and 50 hl

Tasting Notes:
Ruby red with hints of orange; opens up on the palate showing notes of flowers, plums, with some hints of smoke; medium-full body, soft and mature tannins – well-balanced finish.

www.valdipiatta.it

 

Podere Casanova D.O.C.G. 2016

 97% Sangiovese

Malolactic fermentation in stainless steel and subsequent transfer in barriques, casks, and 1000 l barrels for 18 months; followed by 6 months in the bottle.

Podere Casanova, is located in the heart of Tuscany on the borders of Val d’Orcia near Lake Trasimeno and Montepulciano.

Tasting Notes:
Intense ruby red color; aromas of red fruits, currants and black cherry, with subnotes of cocoa, tobacco and coffee; the palate it is confirmed by vivid freshness and flavor, dynamic, juicy, presents a strong body and fleshy tannins; pleasant ending.

www.poderecasanovavini.com

 

Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano D.O.C.G. 2016 

Mostly Sangiovese

18 months in large 35-85 hl Slavonian durmast barrels, with a short time in the bottle.

Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano is the oldest cooperative in Tuscany with around 400 member estates with a total of 1,000 hectares.  The vineyards are cultivated using the espalier system, with spurred cordon vine training, Guyot, double Guyot and G.D.C.

Tasting Notes

Bright ruby in colour; cherry, blackberry and wet-earth aromas and flavors, with notes of spice and smoke; medium to full body; round with soft tannins; long finish with some lingering chocolate and wood flavours.

www.vecchiacantinadimontepulciano.com

 

Carpineto Riserva D.O.C.G. 2016

70% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), 30% Canaiolo and other authorized grape varietals.

Carpineto was founded in 1967 in Dudda, just outside of Greve, in Chianti by Giancarlo Sacchet and Antonio Mario Zaccheo with the purpose of making great Sangiovese.

Best decant for 1-2 hours before tasting.

Tasting Notes:
Intense ruby red; is wonderfully fleshy and expressive, has plenty of structural underpinnings; dark cherry, plum, spice, menthol, licorice and mocha; The balance of fruit depth allied to a mid-weight sense of structure is compelling; well-balanced and elegant with tons of character.

www.carpineto.com

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH FRANCE CANADA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP – MARCH 8TH, 2021

I am honoured and delighted to participate in an online panel discussion to mark “International Women’s Day 2021 – France Canada Chamber of Commerce (ON) and the French Embassy in Canada” celebrating – Women in Leadership –

I am excited to come together with other industry leaders and to hear their perspectives.

A special “Thank You” to Ms Riva Walia for suggesting me as a panel speaker.

I invite you to join us to celebrate International Women’s Day!

Registration:

https://www.fccco.org/event-details/women-in-leadership

Happy Women’s Day
Liz Palmer 

#grateful #honoured #internationalwomensday #womensday #womensday2021 #womeninwine #womenintech #womenleaders #womensdayspecial #francecanad #frenchembassy #onlineevent