Riesling & Co. 2016

 Riesling & Co. 2016
German Wines Institute

May 17, 2016

The German Wine Institute in collaboration with German Wine Canada held its annual professional wine tasting at the Galerie Lounge TD (Maison du Festival). This event also represented a Montreal stop of the 31 day across Canada tour of German Riesling Wine.

The event started with an in-depth seminar on German Riesling wines, held over lunch time, and hosted by Ulrike Lenhardt from the Deutsches Weininstitut. Ten wines, the bottles of which are shown in the photo at the top of the article, were tasted. A four course meal was served to discover the perfect marriage of wines and food. The seminar provided a trove of information about which wines came from which regions in Germany, and even elaborated on soil composition and specific whether pasterns of various Germany's wine growing regions.

Overall, 23 German wine distributors and producers participated in this German wine tasting event. Their booth and displays welcomed many industry professional, local wine connoisseurs, wine promoters, and retail store wine buyers.

There was also plenty of food from the local Quebec producers to make the tasting event even more enjoyable.

Click on images to enlarge them.

For more information on German wine and the Canada-wide Riesling 31 day tour visit the following websites:

German Wines Institute

German Wine Canada

Greek Wines 2016

Greek Wines Tasting Event
May 11, 2015

Under the logo Eternally Modern, The New Greek Wines were presented today to the Canadian wine professionals at the Science Centre's largest hall in the Old Port of Montreal. The great many Greek wines is not generally known but they are definitely to be discovered by the wine lowers and general public.

47 Greek wine producers and distributors were presenting several different wines each, including the bubbly, white, red, naturally fermented or organic, and even the sweet Muscat wines. One had to choose and decide carefully to which vintages to direct one's attention since it was humanly impossible to taste them all.

The place was buzzing with people and the wine tasting activity, which required a lot of concentration.

The more relaxed part of the event was just to watch how the wine was being poured into wine glasses, and to eat the food that was offered at the event with the famous Greek hospitality and generosity.

The event was certainly a great success as many personal contacts as well as the new Greek wines distribution arrangements within Quebec and Canada were discussed and forwarded.

Click on images to enlarge them.
To learn more more about the New Wines of Greece, visit their official website.

Languedoc and Roussillon Wines

Languedoc and Roussillon Wines Tasting
May 10, 2016

The Conseil International des Vins de Languedoc and the the Conseil International des Vins de Roussillon held today a joined wine testing from their regions in Montreal, at Le Windsor. 39 wine distributors and producers were displaying a great number of vintages of white, red and bubbly wines.

The event enjoyed a great attendance by the wine professionals from the Montreal region, as well as some international wine buyers and promoters. 

A table with the local food products was also offered to all to taste.

The event succeeded to heighten the interest of all those who attended in the wines produced in the Languedoc and Roussillon regions of France.

To discover more about the Languedoc and Roussillon wines, visit the fallowing websites:

Le Conseil international des vins de Languedoc
Languedoc wines

Le Conseil international des vins de Roussillon
Roussillon wines

Click on images to enlarge them.

Quebec Seafood Launch - Spring 2016

Quebec Fisheries Products Launch
May 3, 2016

The arrival of Quebec marine products always coincides with the spring and the return of the sun. The Quebec Association of the fishing industry (AQIP) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), and the Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation (MESI), had launch today the campaign to promote Québec's marine products. The event took place today at Institute of Tourism and Hospitality of Quebec in Montreal.

Under the theme "Québec Health Sea", Chef Pierre-Olivier Ferry (restaurantReford Gardens) stole the show with his succulent seafood dishes. He created his own original recipes that showcased the tasty seafood from Quebec. A delicious crustacean counter, as seen in the image just above and below to the right, was also on the menu.

The food was generously served to all those present at the event.

The next Quebec seafood launch event will take place in Quebec City, on May 5. at the Espace 400^e.

Click on images to enlarge them.

SIAL Montreal 2016 Innovations

SIAL Montreal 2016 Innovations

Every year, the most remarkable innovations are selected as winners in the SIAL worldwide competition.

The SIAL Innovations is a contest that recognizes the best new products that showcase the trends in the global food industry. Products are chosen by an independent jury of industry experts and chaired by XTC World Innovation.

This year10 SIAL Innovation winners are

Grand Prix

Assorted Chocolates with Sorbet and Ice Cream Centres by Essence Glacier, Canada – Booth #823

"Fantastic taste and a unique touch of originality is found in these ice cream and sorbet-filled chocolates by Essence Glacier (Canada). Not only chocolates nor simply frozen delights, they are a delicate combination of these two sweet treats. Available in seven flavours, including passion fruit that will surely create a sensory experience." 

The Forerunners

Chios Gardens Fruit Juices, Greece – Booth #2505

"The jury appreciated the Chios Gardens fruit juices by Market Sage for their unique positioning. Each juice features the number of fruits pressed to make its contents. Each juice box includes 12 oranges, 26 mandarins, or even a blend of 5 oranges, 4 apples and a peach." 

Date Bites by Bard Valley, United States – Booth #910

"Eating for pleasure and health is possible thanks to U.S. company Bard Valley Medjool Dates with its Date Rolls that are coated in tiny crunchy pieces. Produced on the border of California and Arizona, these dates are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre and are available in four gourmet versions that play with taste and texture, as well as a variety of coating options. They’re sold in an easy-to-carry package and can be enjoyed as a light snack that’s both gourmet and healthy." 

Salmon Tartare by Grizzly, Canada – Booth #723

"In another industry, Canadian company Fumoir Grizzly’s Salmon Tartare also brings together health and taste. Since it’s frozen, the product is very practical, but is also rich in protein and low in calories. Its citrus marinade, which is sold separately, provides a pleasant touch of acidic freshness."

Et Voilà! Camelina Oil by Olimega, Canada – Booth #215A

"Healthy eating is yet again prevalent thanks to Et Voilà! Camelina Oil produced by Canadian company Olimega. Camelina oil has very high levels of fatty acids, including omega-3, as well as omega-6 and omega-9. The oil can be used for all types of cooking and will surely satisfy health-conscious consumers." 

Poutine Bites by St-Hubert, Canada – Booth #2647

"Practicality is yet again highlighted with Canadian producer St-Hubert’s Poutine Bites. Frozen bites of cheese in a brown sauce wrapped in a potato coating, these 335-gram boxes are ready to be shared at any time. An excellent appetizer treat!" 

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Cake by Bleumer, Canada – Booth #2634

"Speaking of pre-dinner options, one shouldn’t overlook the Bleumer smoked salmon cake by Food Momentum (Canada). This cheesecake-style smoked salmon delight features 24 pre-cut individual slices on a platter." 

MesurACC Labelling Verification System by Étiquetage ACC Inc., Canada – Booth #2630

"This year, the contest also welcomed innovations from the processing, packaging and technical fields. Experts considered the MesurACC food-label verification system, a tool designed to ensure labelling respects regulatory typographical requirements. Simple and effective, this system will definitely come in handy for professionals."

The following producer Arturo Sánchez from Spain had two products that ended on the forerunner short list for the SIAL Innovations 2016 short list.

Heritage Ham Trio by Arturo Sánchez, Spain – Booth #1401

"In terms of taste, we were able to truly appreciate the Ham Trio, known as Heritage from the Spanish company, Arturo Sanchez. This product offers up a great introduction to its products via tasting thanks to three bellota hams cured using different techniques. Served in a limited-edition box, the Ham Trio is the perfect gourmet gift!" 

Snack-Format Ham by Arturo Sánchez, Spain – Booth #1401

"As today’s consumers value practical products, the jury truly appreciated Arturo Sanchez’s convenient snack product, who won over the jury twice. The product is a ready-to-eat, individually portioned version of its Iberian ham." 

Click on images to enlarge them.

For more information, visit the SIAL website.