A Whole New Stratus
About the Author
Screen Name: Andi S.
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Birthplace: Burlington, Ontario
Date of Birth: May 27
Joined jazzwines.com: Jan 04, 2007
My Bio
I started out life as an avid observer.
My grandmother told two stories about me as an infant.
The first was that I was very serious, always watching everyone and everything around me.
And, the second was that when the dog ran away, she knew she could leave me--sitting in the middle of the room--and chase him.
When she returned, I would be sitting right where she left me—watching with a serious expression on my face.
So, I’ve always been an observer. I started my career in psychology, I think, for that reason.
I took to writing when I realized that it was the stories that mattered. Stories, I believe are the building blocks of everything; language, perception, ourselves.
Later, I went to chef school and took wine classes so I could write about two things that I love.
One thing about standing still—or still sitting in the middle of the room—instead of rushing about in our modern world, is that you have time to really know people, time to talk to them about what drives them, and time to appreciate the depth and beauty of their stories.
-
Aug
24
2007 - Memorable Moment
- Wine Tasting Occasion.
Writer - Wine. - Date & Time
- Aug 24, 2007. 9:05pm
- City, State/Region
- Toronto, Ontario
- Location, First Time There?
At a friend’s house.
- Favorite Place or Frequent Hangout?
Her place is becoming a destination of sorts for wine and food soirees.
What made the moment
We had gathered at the end of a long week. My chef school friend and I had spent all morning making handmade gnocchi - little clouds of potatoe-y goodness. The hosts had bought some lovely beef, and all the freshest things they could find at the market. There was green beans, fresh spinach and of course brilliant tomatoes. We drank a couple wines but the one that stood out to me, that brought the whole night together was a 2004 Stratus, from Niagara. It was a perfect match.
The Stratus is a blend of lots of grapes (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah). It was big enough to stand up to the beef, but subtle and balanced enough that it didn’t overwhelm it. My friend Gill is really into Niagara wines, and I felt really lucky that she shared this bottle with us. It’s not easy to find but well worth it.
I think the 2004 is sold out, but Gill tried some 2005 from the barrell and said it was going to be good, too.
Recommendations
Striploin seared then finished in the oven, with a mushroom/red wine/rosemary sauce, gnocchi in a sage and butter sauce, steamed spinach, fresh tomatoes with a little olive oil, paired with Stratus Red 2004
