| 03 September 2010
Here it is again, the last long weekend before the end of summer. Back to school, back to work … the great thing is that the weather continues to be fabulous. Make the most of this long weekend with a get-together. Whether you've planned a grand meal or just some snacks, Tidings has you covered. We've found some very tasty offerings that are sure to keep guests coming back for more.
Labour Day goes all the way back to 1872 when Canadian trades unions launched a demonstration for workers' rights that was heard all around the world. Inspired by the approximately 10,000 Canadians who marched by Sir John A. MacDonald's residence in Ottawa, citizens of other countries began to petition their own governments to repeal harsh anti-union laws and improve general working conditions. Eventually, work places became safer and healthier, pay increased and the length of the working day was reduced to eight hours. Were the labourers of the time victorious? They certainly accomplished a lot in the two or three decades before changes began to take hold. (That's a very short span of time in terms of history.) Yet, we still have a ways to go.| 02 September 2010
Arneis, pronounced ar-NAYS, is a bit of an unknown in the world of wine. It's an Italian white grape that's been grown for hundreds of years in Piemonte. The name of the grape gives us some insight into the nature of the grape. Arneis, in the dialect of the Piemontese, means "little rascal". The ancient Italians apparently gave it that name for a very good reason. It's a grape variety that can be quite temperamental to grow. Although it thrives in the cool climate at the foot of the Alps, if the thermometer tips the balance toward either the cold or warm side, the grape's development goes a little awry. In good years, arneis is crisp, indicating nice acidity, and floral.
So, if the arneis grape is little more than a headache for grape growers, why is it still cultivated? Well, it actually wasn't for a very long time. Vineyards growing arneis had dwindled almost into non-existence by the 1970s. Prior to that, the grape was important because it was blended with Nebbiolo to reduce the harsh tannins present in that famous Barolo grape. Since the last century, Barolo makers have used 100% Nebbiolo grapes to make their sought after wines, and Arneis is no longer blended. There has, however, been a resurgence in interest in growing and producing Arneis-based wines, not only in Italy but in the cooler parts of California, too.
Looking for something particularly rare to add to your cellar collection? Do you happen to have some money you've just been itching to spend? Well, for $3200 you can be the proud owner of a bottle of the new "luxury" cognac just released by Courvoisier called, L'Essence de Courvoisier. Only 50 bottles will be sold in select liquor stores and on-premise accounts Canada-wide.