Is it possible to try over 1000 wines in two days? Even if it is, I wouldn’t recommend it, but if you so desire and you have the money and determination, theoretically this Saturday and Sunday you could do it at Marché Bonsecours. It’s the annual RASPIPAV Wine Salon weekend. RASPIPAV is a group that brings together a bunch of wine private import agencies in Quebec. That means companies that go out and find a bunch of interesting (or less interesting) wines they want to sell by the case to individuals or companies are setting up stalls and inviting their producers from around the world to come and give tastings to the Montreal and Quebec public. They’re here in Montreal this Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 3-4, 2012) and in Quebec City next week (Nov. 6th).
Now every wine importing company is different. Some specialize in natural wines or organics, and others specialize in wines from a certain region (France, Italy, Australia). And some are more about low prices for decent quality. Others still do specialty liquors (tequila, sake, etc.). And you can try samples of any of it without having to buy a case. In fact, you probably can’t buy buy anything at the Salon itself. You have to go through the import companies. So it’s the perfect opportunity to chat about what makes each wine great, the differences between areas, years, yields, production methods, and pairings. If you don’t know anything about those things, all the better.
$15 to get in to the salon and then tasting coupons are extra. Start with about 10 coupons, because often you’ll get a lot of free pours and end up with way too many extra coupons. Mind you, you will be required to pay for that 10 coupon Bordeaux that costs $120 a bottle.
And if you haven’t had enough wine by the end of Saturday, there’s still Sunday. And there’s an after party at Pullman Wine Bar on Saturday night, starting at 8pm. That means a few of the producers will be on hand offering pours of their favourite bottles. It’s a bit more expensive since you’ll have to also buy a tapas-sized plate or two at the restaurant if you want a drink, but you’ll be shmoozing with some fascinating wine makers, sommeliers, wine connoisseurs, and other well-dressed Montrealers.
Think it’s intimidating? It’s not. As long as you like wine, you’ll fit right in. Introduce yourself to Theo Diamantis, Aurelia Filion and Alexis Fortier-Lalonde of Oenopole Wine Agency. They are the party:
Bu sur le Web with Aurelia Filion of Oenopole
RASPIPAV Wine Salon
When: Nov. 3-4
Where: Marché Bonsecours (metro Champs-de-Mars)
How Much: $15 plus tasting coupons (if you’re spending over $25 you’re not a very good sweet-talker)
Leave a Reply