JULIAN HITNER - TORONTO WINE CONSULTANT
Welcome to the official website of Julian Hitner, Toronto independent wine consultant and professional scholar of wine history! I am delighted to share my knowledge of wine and offer my
Toronto wine-based services to those who are interested in everything
that is wine. Feel free to explore the many things my site has
to offer. There is a lot to see! If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, just contact me at julianhitner@hitnerwine.com
Be sure to visit often!
FEATURED THIS WEEK
THOUGHTS FROM A NEW ZEALAND WINE TASTING (JUNE 7, 2008) --- For such a
small country in the middle of nowhere, New Zealanders appear to have more to
be proud of than most other nations in the world, particularly in the manner(s)
they have come to approach ‘the institution of wine,’ in which quality
seems to be an especial mandate. Such praise, as that I have decided to afford
them, is most certainly not unfounded, as exemplified and reinforced in a
tasting I attended on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at the Design Exchange in
downtown Toronto --- READ MORE
WINES OF THE WEEK (JULY 19, 2008): Wines for the hot summer --- I realize these wine suggestions have been a long time coming (*I'm a busy man*), but I trust my readers will find the wait has been worthwhile. Although some may disagree, I would argue the hot summer months are not entirely conducive to enjoying 'big' red wines, as the outdoor (and indoor) humidity would simply make such wines taste almost soup-like. --- READ MORE
PHOTOS OF FRANCE AND ITALY (OCTOBER, 2007) --- In the past, I have refrained from taking pictures while traveling abroad, always gaping in amazement at other tourists around me who are snapping photos non-stop and never really leisurely taking in their surroundings. This time, however, I decided that a few photos here and there might be nice for my growing audience of true wine enthusiasts. Most of the pictures came out superbly --- HAVE A LOOK
PHOTOS OF AUSTRALIA (MARCH-APRIL, 2008) --- Wandering through some of the most famous winegrowing regions of Australia was a real treat. Not only was the scenery beautiful, I was able to capture some excellent shots of both various landscapes, wineries, and even fermentation vats. And yes, the wines were also terrific --- HAVE A LOOK
A LITTLE 'WINE HUMOUR' ANYONE?
WINES OF THE WEEK (JULY 19, 2008): Wines for the hot summer --- I realize these wine suggestions have been a long time coming (*I'm a busy man*), but I trust my readers will find the wait has been worthwhile. Although some may disagree, I would argue the hot summer months are not entirely conducive to enjoying 'big' red wines, as the outdoor (and indoor) humidity would simply make such wines taste almost soup-like. --- READ MORE
PHOTOS OF FRANCE AND ITALY (OCTOBER, 2007) --- In the past, I have refrained from taking pictures while traveling abroad, always gaping in amazement at other tourists around me who are snapping photos non-stop and never really leisurely taking in their surroundings. This time, however, I decided that a few photos here and there might be nice for my growing audience of true wine enthusiasts. Most of the pictures came out superbly --- HAVE A LOOK
PHOTOS OF AUSTRALIA (MARCH-APRIL, 2008) --- Wandering through some of the most famous winegrowing regions of Australia was a real treat. Not only was the scenery beautiful, I was able to capture some excellent shots of both various landscapes, wineries, and even fermentation vats. And yes, the wines were also terrific --- HAVE A LOOK
A LITTLE 'WINE HUMOUR' ANYONE?
WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO
Touring
the world in luxury ... lunching and supping at the finest restaurants
... exchanging ideas with noted, intelligent persons. Such are things I
have not been up to!
Having thus eliminated the most desirable, I can now state my state of affairs in more plain truths. Still working, as always, on my website. Continuing my sommelier certification course at George Brown College. Looking after my clients beyond expectations. Reading old novels. Working on the garden. Having a few drinks now and then. Taking some nice walks to the local park. Nothing fancy.
What, more specifically of wine, then? Well, for starters, like the rest of you, I've been drinking it. Satisfied?
On a different note, I have also begun formulating plans for a quarterly newsletter: it will provide information on matters pertaining to local wine agencies, and help public consumers (and wine agents) conduct better business relations --- more sales for agents, more wine to be enjoyed by Toronto wine enthusiasts!
In the next month or so, I will begin sending out emails to both clients and agencies interested in subscribing to this newsletter.
Having thus eliminated the most desirable, I can now state my state of affairs in more plain truths. Still working, as always, on my website. Continuing my sommelier certification course at George Brown College. Looking after my clients beyond expectations. Reading old novels. Working on the garden. Having a few drinks now and then. Taking some nice walks to the local park. Nothing fancy.
What, more specifically of wine, then? Well, for starters, like the rest of you, I've been drinking it. Satisfied?
On a different note, I have also begun formulating plans for a quarterly newsletter: it will provide information on matters pertaining to local wine agencies, and help public consumers (and wine agents) conduct better business relations --- more sales for agents, more wine to be enjoyed by Toronto wine enthusiasts!
In the next month or so, I will begin sending out emails to both clients and agencies interested in subscribing to this newsletter.
WHAT I'VE BEEN DRINKING THIS MONTH
(PRICES QUOTED ARE THOSE OF THE L.C.B.O., IF PURCHASED AT ONE OF THEIR STORES)
POSTED AUGUST 16, 2008
With my sommelier certification exam coming up later this month, I have most definitely been tasting more wine as of late than actually drinking it!
POSTED AUGUST 16, 2008
With my sommelier certification exam coming up later this month, I have most definitely been tasting more wine as of late than actually drinking it!
Still, I've had my fair share of enjoying a few leisurely bottles now and then.
For reds, a few nights ago, I drank a very interesting wine from the Trento-Alto-Adige winegrowing region of Italy: the 2006 Teroldego Rotaliano (D.O.C.) from Endrizzi (# 51748). At $16.95, it was worthwhile to try one of Trento's more interesting red grape varietals: Teroldego (I have yet to add this grape to my List of Grape Varietals). With very soft fruit, good acidity, and approachable tannins, I thought it had good original character.
A short time ago, I also tried the latest vintage (2006) of 'The Stump Jump' (# 606236), a blend of Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre. Costing $13.95, I think this once-decent 'entry range' label from d'Arenberg - a fine winery located in McLaren Vale, South Australia - has taken a turn for too much sweetness. Don't believe me? Just try it!
Concerning whites, several weeks back, I had a particularly inviting bottle of Gewürtztraminer, a 2005 W. Gisselbrecht 'Réserve Spéciale' from Alsace, France. Fetching around $18.00 when I bought it a few years ago, this was a lovely wine, with a little lemon, lichen, and fresh fruit, topped off by just a hint of Asian spice. My compliments to the winemaker and viticulturist.
Another good white I've had over the past month is the always-admirable Château Bonnet from Entre-Deux-Mers (A.O.C) in Bordeaux; in this case, the 2007 vintage (# 83709). At around $13.50, this blend of Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon/Muscadelle contains solid notes of gooseberries, light lemon-lime, and green apples. A good drink.
ANYTHING INTERESTING BEEN HAPPENING ON THE TORONTO WINE SCENE?
On
Monday, April 28, the California Wine Fair took place at the Fairmount
Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto. While there were hundreds of
wines to taste, I confined my palate largely to Pinot Noir.
Over the past decade, California is said to have been making remarkable
strides with this wonderful grape, so I wanted to see what all the fuss
was about. Put simply, I was very impressed. Such fruit and purity of
flavour! I really had fun at this tasting.
In the end, however, there remained one thing that prevented this California gathering from being a first-rate tasting: the people in attendance. Excepting a few of my colleagues, I cannot recall a tasting of more obnoxious or rude individuals. Such persons were largely successful businessfolk, large in cash but wanting in class. Some of these people reminded me of persons I saw at the Return to Terroir tasting a few months ago at the Distillery District: "In the room women [and men] come and go, talking of Michelangelo." Not true wine enthusiasts, just there to be seen! --- click here for more information on the Toronto Wine Scene.
In the end, however, there remained one thing that prevented this California gathering from being a first-rate tasting: the people in attendance. Excepting a few of my colleagues, I cannot recall a tasting of more obnoxious or rude individuals. Such persons were largely successful businessfolk, large in cash but wanting in class. Some of these people reminded me of persons I saw at the Return to Terroir tasting a few months ago at the Distillery District: "In the room women [and men] come and go, talking of Michelangelo." Not true wine enthusiasts, just there to be seen! --- click here for more information on the Toronto Wine Scene.
UPCOMING WINE EVENTS I'LL BE ATTENDING
Odd,
is it not, that there are so few wine-related events in Toronto during
the summer months? For my part, I'll probably attend a few tastings put
on by wineries who are interested in seeking representation in the
ever-growing Ontario market. Maybe I'll come across a few undiscovered
gems ...
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT
THE TORONTO WINE SCENE?
JUST LET ME KNOW!
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT
THE TORONTO WINE SCENE?
JUST LET ME KNOW!
COMING TO MY WEBSITE
-WINES OF THE WEEK: Rediscovering ancient wines
(TO BE POSTED ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2008)
NEW ANNOUNCEMENT: My website now features all sorts of new topics, from a notably-intellectual 'Wine and Art' page to a just-plain-fun 'Wine and Humour' column! Also, my website is going to soon have a page dedicated to Toronto cheese shops --- keep an eye out for it.
HONESTY IS IMPORTANT (RARE, BUT IMPORTANT): I have been so busy with other things, that I have been slow to update many of the pages I had planned to add onto my website. Make no mistake, there are many parts to my site that need serious attention, and I hope to get to them as soon as possible.
Let's hear it, though, for keeping busy for reasons relating to keeping my beloved clients happy!
(TO BE POSTED ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2008)
NEW ANNOUNCEMENT: My website now features all sorts of new topics, from a notably-intellectual 'Wine and Art' page to a just-plain-fun 'Wine and Humour' column! Also, my website is going to soon have a page dedicated to Toronto cheese shops --- keep an eye out for it.
HONESTY IS IMPORTANT (RARE, BUT IMPORTANT): I have been so busy with other things, that I have been slow to update many of the pages I had planned to add onto my website. Make no mistake, there are many parts to my site that need serious attention, and I hope to get to them as soon as possible.
Let's hear it, though, for keeping busy for reasons relating to keeping my beloved clients happy!
ANY QUESTIONS?
Email me at julianhitner@hitnerwine.com
OR
See Contact information for more details
OR
See Contact information for more details
