Drop in Tasting: Wilco Fine Beverage

Join Louise Wilson Cormier, Master of Wine and Vintage Conservatory Member, as she pours select Italian and French wines from her Wilco Fine Beverage portfolio. Louise’s portfolio celebrates high-quality wines with a point of difference, creating new tasting experiences for wine lovers.

A Master of Wine, or MW, is a beverage industry professional with exceptional wine business expertise. To become a member of the Institute of Master of Wine, each candidate must pass a rigorous exam as well as adhere to a code of conduct. The exam, which was first written in 1953, tests the candidate’s knowledge of wine theory, their tasting ability and requires the completion of an original research paper. There are currently 416 Masters of Wine based in 31 countries around the world. Louise is one of ten Masters of Wine in Canada and one of four in Ontario.

Wines to be poured: 

Osvaldo Barberis Nebbiolo DOC 2022

Langhe DOC, Italy

The 2022 Osvaldo Barberis Langhe Nebbiolo offers plenty of varietal character with a developing bouquet of fresh and dried cherry, mint, tea and leather. These aromas are echoed on the palate, with fresh red berry fruit notes pulling to the forefront. With fine-grained, well-integrated tannin and a long, juicy finish, enjoy this wine today or continue to cellar through 2030. Pair with dry-aged rib-eye steaks or mushroom and truffle risotto.

Nizza Silvano Barbera d'Alba DOC 2022

Barbera d'Alba DOC, Italy

This smooth operator captivates with a satisfying depth of fruit wrapped in silky, sleek tannins. The bouquet of earthy grilled cherry transforms into bright fruit flavours of cherry, cranberry and red currant. A beautifully balanced wine that signs off with a hint of smokiness on the finish. Enjoy over the next 4 years.  Louise Wilson Cormier – Master of Wine

Domaine des Carabiniers Côtes du Rhône AOC 2021

Côtes du Rhône AOC, France

This classic Rhône wine impresses on every level. Its bouquet is an expressive mosaic of violet, plum and smoky bacon. The first sip reveals a fruit-charged palate packed with flavours of plum, black cherry and raspberry. Bright acidity and smooth, generous tannin provide flawless balance. Enjoy through to 2026. Louise Wilson Cormier – Master of Wine August 2023.

Canta Rainette Elegance Chardonnay 2022

I.G.P Méditerranée, France

While Chardonnay is not commonly grown in Provence, the 2022 Canta Rainette Elegance shows the potential for high-quality expressions in the region. Its refined bouquet is scented with the fragrance of lemon, apples and buttery pastry. Mouth-filling citrus and orchard fruit notes are wrapped in toasty oak flavours on the palate. This core transitions into a delightful finish woven with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. This luxurious French Chardonnay could easily be mistaken for top Napa examples. It’s a perfect match for lobster drizzled with garlic lemon butter. Enjoy through to 2028. Louise Wilson Cormier – Master of Wine

Domaine des Carabiniers Tavel 2022

Tavel AOC, France

This bountiful Tavel delights with a vibrant cherry hue and an attractive bouquet of fresh summer berries. Juicy flavours of strawberry, raspberry and red plum fill the palate and linger on a pleasing finish. As a weightier rosé, this is an ideal wine for food and wine pairing. Match with cedar plank salmon or an assortment of charcuterie. Enjoy today through 2024. Louise Wilson Cormier – Master of Wine

Weingut Schloss Englar Leon Vernatsch 2019

Alto Adige DOC, Italy

If you are not yet familiar with the Vernatsch grape variety, the 2019 Weingut Schloss Englar Leon is a delightful introduction. Its bouquet is a marriage of dark cherry fruit, worn leather and fallen leaves on a fresh Autumn day. The palate sings with flavours of cranberry, raspberry and cured meat that extend into notes of subtle baking spice on the finish.  With bright acidity and gentle, refined tannins, this mid-weight wine is reminiscent of a perfectly aged Pinot Noir. Enjoy now through 2026. Louise Wilson Cormier - Master of Wine