Oyster and Wine Event

West coast oyster season is here. To mark the occasion, Curious Oyster is teaming up with Racine Wine Imports to host Bon Hiver, a casual evening of food and drink at the beautiful Le MarchéSt. George. Guests will enjoy some of BC’s most gourmet indulgences: oysters varieties grown by Outlandish Shellfish Guild’s family-run farms, delicious sausages and terrines from Oyama Sausage Co., served with artisanal breads. To pair, Brian and Ramona of Racine Wine Imports will serve a Muscadet and a sparkling wine from organic wine producer Domaine de la Pépière.

WHEN: November 28, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m
WHERE: 4393 St. George Street (@ East 28th Avenue)

Tickets are $65 and includes open oyster bar, food and one glass of wine (Stand-up cocktail service is additional). Tickets are limited — reserve now.

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED HERE.

Domaine de la Pépière ‘Cuvee Granit’ – A Jewel in an Unlikely Place

Domaine de la Pépière is in the Muscadet country in Nantes – the land of Melon de Bourgogne. Nantes is on the Atlantic, north  of Bordeaux. I have visited Marc Ollivier of Domaine de la Pépière a few times now.  My original visit took me to meet Marc Ollivier because of his real Muscadets.  How surprised I was then to taste his reds.

On a southern and rocky slope of the domain, just a few yards from his house and chai, Marc Ollivier planted classic Bordeaux red cépages.  When asked why, he simply said: “It is too hot for Melon de Bourgogne. The terroir on this slope is better suited for reds.”  When you are standing at the slope and listening to Marc Ollivier wearing blue overalls, the above words and his wines take on a different meaning.

As the name implies, Cuvée Granit is a blend of Cab Sauvignon, Côt (aka Malbec), and Cab Franc on a vineyard that is strewn with granite.  The wine spends a few months in neutral barrels.  There are only a few barrels.  On arrival, the wine is often tannic and structured – not surprising given the varietals and traditional vine growing & vinification. Even the label looks like something from a bygone era.  I always buy a few bottles and cellar them.  After a few months in cellar, Cuvée Granit tastes even better.  Currently, the 2012 vintage is the latest offering. Recently, after cooking lamb for a supper, I went down to the cellar to grab a bottle of the 2012 vintage.  What a delicious revelation. The wine still had the grip but loosened to reveal its charm and depth.  A jewel of red that I did not expect to find in the Muscadet country.