Y WINE , BEER & SPIRITS
Ask The Expert
GURVINDER BHATIA
Gurvinder Bhatia is the wine editor for Quench magazine ( Canada ’ s most widely read food and wine publication ), wine columnist for the Edmonton Journal and Global
TV , an international wine judge , wine educator and consultant , wine buyer for UnWined boutique , and one of six Vinitaly International certified Italian Wine Experts in the world .
WHERE : What type of wine would you recommend for someone who likes bold flavours ? Bhatia : It ’ s important to distinguish between flavour and weight . Often people mistake weighty wines as having a lot of flavour . Flavour is something you taste , while weight is something you feel . Lighter wines can have bold flavours , just as wines that feel heavy , could have very little flavour . A grape that I am extremely fond of that I think more people should experience is Tannat . It is bold with lots of dark fruit , firm tannins and a great edgy quality , but it is still juicy and fresh . Try Finca Decero , Colome , and Don Rodolfo from Argentina ; Artesana from Uruguay ; or Madiran wines from France .
W : What types of wine are better for those who are looking for something light ? B : Some of my favourite lighter red wines are COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria from Sicily ( which can pair with just about anything ) wines made from the Gamay grape like Cru Beaujolais from France and Tawse , Orofino , Haywire , Cave Spring , Chateau des Charmes , Malivoire , and JoieFarm all from Canada . I also love good Pinot Noir from around the world . For whites , I love Verdicchio from Marche , Italy .
W : Restaurant wine lists can be overwhelming , do you have any tricks for people trying to chose what to drink ? B : Go to restaurants with knowledgeable staff and good quality wine lists . I recommend Corso 32 ( pg 43 ) or Rge Rd ( pg 37 ) here in Edmonton .
W : When buying a bottle as a gift , is there a type of wine to go for that is guaranteed to impress ? B : I would suggest giving something different , not the same old commercial brands or large producers . Staff at a good wine shop will be able to help you find something from a great small producer . It ’ s always great to give someone a bottle that they ’ ve never tasted before , or might not buy for themselves , and have them fall in love with it . — L . S .
EDMONTON ’ S PREMIER WHISKEY BAR
Specializing in our signature handmade pizzas , from scratch burgers with fresh cut fries , homemade potato salad & corn fritters
Karaoke Thur / Fri / Sat nights Pool tables and pinball
Big Rock on tap and our all day everyday Jack Daniels specials
Hours : Open daily at 3pm Closing daily at 2am , Sundays 1am
Open for lunch starting in March NO MINORS
Ph : 780.465.4450 8937 - 82 Ave , Edmonton
FOR FULL LISTINGS , PLEASE VISIT where . ca / edmonton
The following symbols , located at the end of each listing , denote the establishment ’ s location :
D — Downtown
N — North Edmonton S — South Edmonton W — West Edmonton
LIQUOR STORES
ALIGRA WINE & SPIRITS Located in West Edmonton Mall , this shop carries an extensive number of fine wines , spirits , and scotch . They will gladly make special orders for hard to find products . Mon - Sat 10 am - 9 pm ; Sun 11 am - 6 pm . West Edmonton Mall , 8882- 170 St ., 780-483-1083 . aligrawineandspirits . com Map 4-K4 W
DEVINE WINES & SPIRITS deVine offers an extensive selection of fine wines , scotches , and craft beers and the knowledgeable staff can help you find the right drink
TIP for the occasion . Mon - Wed 10 am - 8 pm ; Thu 10 am - 7 pm ; Fri 10 am - 9 pm ; Sat 10 am - 7 pm ; Sun 12 pm - 5 pm . 10111-104 St ., 780-421-9463 . devinewines . ca Map 3-E5 D
ROSSLYN LIQUORE STORE With over 800 wines in stock , the helpful staff at this store can help you find a bottle that ' ll fit your tastes , whether you ' re a novice or a seasoned sommelier . The store hosts monthly events for wine club members and can offer advice on planning events , from pairing the wine and food to deciding how much alcohol you need to buy . Sun - Wed 10 am - 11 pm ; Tue - Sat 1- am - 1 am . 13620-97 St ., 780-456-4872 . roselynliquorstore . com Map 1-D2 N
SHERBROOKE LIQUOR STORE Looking for craft beer ? This is the place to go ! They ’ ve got over 2,000 different varieties and you ’ ll find new releases every week and rare , limited edition brews . There ’ s an excellent selection of wine and spirits , too . Sun - Tue 10 am - 10 pm ; Wed - Thu 10 am - 11 pm ; Fri - Sat 10 am - 12 am . 11819 St . Albert Tr ., 780- 455-4556 . sherbrookeliquor . com Map 1-C3 N
Enjoy a delicious brunch with your local brew at Situation Brewing ( situationbeer . com ) located just off Whyte Ave .
PHOTO COURTESY GURVINDER BHATIA
46 where . ca // MARCH / APRIL 2017