Truffle Pig Wine

For some reason (it's who you know, I guess) I was chosen to be a judge for the 2008 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Wine Competition.

This was their first year, and they wanted to go in a bit of a different direction then most wine competitions, by using industry "experts" like sommeliers, restaurant owners, agents and winemakers, instead of traditional wine judges. I was one of ten judges, most of whom worked at various restaurants around town: Sara D'amato from the Four Seasons, Mark Cutrara from Cowbell, John Sinopoli from Table 17, John Pekka Woods from Alice's Restaurant, Jeremy Day from Cafe Taste, Steffan Howard from Palair Royale, and a few others who's credentials I didn't jot down.

It was a great group, and I think we choose a group of wines that showcase some great Ontario potential. Riesling, oaked Chardonnay, Meritage and Cab Franc were all very strong categories; and there were some great standouts like a Fume Blanc from ???. There was even a Baco Noir that made almost everyone's short list of the top few wines. For some reason none of the Pinot Noir really shined, which is too bad given it's Ontario's (I think) best varietal. Maybe none of the really top producers made entries...

The show was fairly small this year, held with little fanfair, and with only about 90 entered wines. Apparently the organizers wanted to keep the show small in order to work out the kinks before going all-out next year.

The tasting itself was organized by Brock's Oenology & Viticulture program, with profs Gary Pickering and Dr. Linda Bramble leading two tasting groups.

The entire event was a wonderful experience, and it was a treat to take part. Thanks go to Tammy Dopson & Pamj Misener at the Royal Winter Fair for having me, to the people from Brock's CCOVI program for running a great event, and to all the other judges -- it was an absolute joy to talk about wine with you all.

If the Fair will have me, I'd love to take part again next year!

I'll post results, and some of my own notes, when I get them back from the organizers...

Update Nov. 20, 2008:
I've posted the winners here.