OOIers: Leah, Donald, Richard, Dave, Veronique
After another of our never-ending summer downpours, we started our summer whites event on Dave and Vero's back deck - the sun came out and we started our evening!
We tried 5 white wine grape varietals which we sampled in order of increasing body strength. We had several scents available to help us with the nose, and paired them with a variety of nibblies.
Our lovely Smell-ier, Richard.
We started with a Pinot Gris Rosehall Run 2006 VQA (Ontario, Prince Edward County), recommended by the neighbourhood LCBO. We were all surprised by the dark colour, and the strange nose - not like any Pinot Gris we had ever had. More like apple cider with no finish. Decided that it was corked and should be returned - an odd start to the evening, but we were ready for something better...
Next, a lightly oaked chardonnay - Macon Blanc Domaine Ferrand 2006 (France) (recently recommended by Beppi in the Globe & Mail). Subtle in many ways - oak and fruit - but well balanced. We sampled some lovely cheeses, including a Bluebry (from Pontneuf, QC) and the intense Tiger Blue (from the Okanagan) with this wine.
Our third wine was a classic Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (New Zealand). Super grapefruity, tart, and zingy. Discussed the concept of a wine having a "mineral" taste. We paired this with some sauted scallops. (Leah and Donald ALWAYS bring this wine....).
Our 4th wine of the evening was a Baron Philippe de Rothschild Viognier 2007 (France). Surprising nose, incredibly flowery, melon flavours. The herbed bruschetta was perfect....
Our last wine of the evening, and the most robust, was a Wolf Blass Yellow Label Chardonnay 2007 (Australia). Lots of oak and vanilla, full bodied,.... Had smoked salmon with capers and onion, as well as a nice smoked gouda. 
A fun evening under the stars!
