JULIAN HITNER - TORONTO WINE CONSULTANT
Welcome to the official website of Julian Hitner, independent Toronto 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 features my site has to offer. There's lots to see! If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, just contact me at julianhitner@hitnerwine.com
Be sure to visit often!
FEATURED THIS MONTH
Allow me to set the stage. Our character is an idealistic young man, who has recently become a wine sommelier. The future looks bright for our vinous hero, filled with innumerable opportunities for partaking of fine food and drink, as well as for enjoying unceasing adulation from grateful ‘wine civilians,’ eager to take full advantage of his knowledge of food-and-wine pairings, not to mention his advice on what wines to procure at local shops --- 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 LOOKPHOTOS 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
Updated July 26, 2010
Moving into a new place ... and still no bubbly to celebrate:
Up until a few weeks ago, I never realized how frustrating moving into a new place could be, nor did I anticipate how much it would interfere with doing what I love: tasting and talking about wine!
And yet, here I am, in my own new in-house office at mid-town (Yonge and Eglinton), overlooking virtually the entire southeastern part of the city -- I guess living twenty-two stories above grade level does have its perks.
Still, I have yet to crack open a bottle of Champagne (what else?) to celebrate the inauguration of my new digs. Personally, I'm leaning towards the Charles Heidsieck NV 'Brut Réserve' ($54.95, #36962) as a top choice, a far superior bubbly, if you ask me, compared to many of its more costly counterparts.
WHAT I'VE BEEN DRINKING THIS MONTH
(PRICES QUOTED ARE THOSE OF THE L.C.B.O., IF PURCHASED AT ONE OF THEIR STORES)
Updated July 26, 2010
Updated July 26, 2010
How do you beat the summer heat? Let's just say that wine (in any form) won't exactly cool you down - remembering that alcohol actually makes you feel warmer - but it's probably still best to keep the more burly selections on hold for cooler weather.
And so, for the past few weeks, I've made my way through about three bottles (on separate occasions, mind you) of the lovely Domaine Lafage 2009 'Parfum de Vignes', Côtes du Roussillon (Rosé) AOC, Midi, France ($14.95, #167528): offering delightful scents of fresh watermelon, herbed raspberries, and a hint of pink grapefruit and spice; splendidly fruity, balanced blush.
Even more recent (finished off last night) is the Carta Vieja 2008 'Limited Release' Carmenère, Loncomilla Valley, Chile ($13.95, #94177): toasty, with plenty of 'dark fruit' aromas (i.e. black currants, blackberries, and plums), violets, vanilla, and spice; extracted, flavourful, and undeniably tasty. Just be sure to chill the wine down to around 15 degrees before enjoying ... trust me.
ANYTHING INTERESTING HAPPENING ON THE TORONTO WINE SCENE?
Updated July 26, 2010
The summer months in Toronto usually spells a lull in wine-related activities.
My advice: catch up on your wine readings, memorize a few regions, and you'll be all set for the new 'wine season' in September. From what I gather, it's going to be one hard-hitting tasting after another.
UPCOMING WINE EVENTS I'LL BE ATTENDING
Updated July 26, 2010
Come November, I'll be off again to London, England for the annual Decanter World Fine Wine Encounter (13/14 November 2010), an event that usually beats anything on offer in Toronto!
However, for those interested in learning about more local events (I receive emails on this matter this all the time ... not that I mind), a great website for information is Tony Aspler's website at www.tonyaspler.com.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT
THE TORONTO WINE SCENE?
JUST LET ME KNOW!
COMING TO MY WEBSITE
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.
ANY QUESTIONS?
Email me at julianhitner@hitnerwine.com
OR
See Contact information for more details
OR
See Contact information for more details
