Vacation and back

Wow, I knew that the vacation post would be late, but I hadn't intended for last week's to be late also. Sorry about that. 

We had a great time out west, although, we could've done with another week or two to do and see all the things and people we wanted to. We skied for 5 days, 3 days at Sunshine Village and 2 at Lake Louise. Visibility was kind of crap the first couple days, but cleared up nicely by the end of the week. We saw some elk, but that was about the only wildlife that we noticed. We did a day tourist-ing around Banff and Canmore in matching family t-shirts, and wrapped it up with a beautiful hot stone dinner at the Grizzly House, thanks to my sister. 

We got home, and got the dog, and then he slept for a couple days straight (after his bum almost wiggled right off because he was so excited to see us *swoon*). Gotta love a sleepy, snuggly puppy. 

As far as Champagne Thursdays go, we did bring some Origin out with us, and Shane and I enjoyed a quick Champagne Thursday toast on the hill, out of paper coffee cups (yuppers, we're classy). We didn't bother to review it as when we did it at Tremblant there wasn't much going on with it. But it's still fun. We then did ACTUAL Champagne Thursday back at the condo. 

January 19, 2017

T'was the vacation of the
matching tees. Welcome, Mom
and Dad, to having an official shirt!

We chose this one because of the label (bright pink polka dots), looked fun and felt vacation-y. It was a Pinot Noir Brut from Secco Italian Bubbles. (note: I was a bit stuffy, so I didn't get much...) (also interesting to note: Although the brand is "Italian Bubbles", this is actually crafted in Washington, USA)

Shane didn't get much on popping the top. In the glass, Dad said he got a strawberry flavour, but not much on the nose. Mom said that it was reminiscent of bubbly wine (thanks for your help maaa). 

Shane said that it didn't have much of a nose, but he got some strawberry-esque flavours. I got a mixed berry aroma, and thought that it was a bit tart and sour. 

It was a lovely colour, with some really nice, fine bubbles. 

January 26, 2017

Back home again, and we're all able to get our Tyson fix. This week, after chatting with our Champagne Guy, we ended up with this one: Chateau d'Eternes' Saumur Brut. It was out in the general population at the LCBO (as opposed to the Vintages Section), and the price was right. 

(Another Note: We were both full on sick. So this review should be taken with a grain of salt, or a shot of whisky)

On popping the top, Shane said that it gave off a "sweet white wine aroma", similar to an off-dry Riesling. The first few sips, however, were anything but that. I thought it was tart, almost sour. Shane said that he wasn't getting anything (actually used the term "nada") just cold, fizzy, tart wine (we had left it in the freezer too long... oops). 

I got a bit of an apple flavour a few sips in, but Shane didn't. It was very fizzy, and depending on the sip, the bubbles were soft and creamy or sharp and bite-y. Very unpredictable. 

We ended thinking that it was fine, but probably wouldn't get it again. Nothing was wrong with it, but there wasn't anything going for it either. It was very middle of the road. 

Chat in a couple days! 
~S&S

January 19, 2017: 

• Brand: Secco Italian Bubbles
• Type of Grape: Pinot Noir
• Sweetness: Couldn't find it
• Price: Can't quite remember, but around $18-20
• Tasting Notes: Nice enough bubbly, not much going on, strawberry flavours. Would pair nicely with a spinach salad with a light raspberry vinaigrette. 

January 26, 2017: 

• Brand: Chateau d'Eternes
• Type of Grape: Chardonnay and Chenin
• Sweetness: 6g/L
• Price: $11.75
• Tasting Notes: Mild, easy drinking, dry bubbly. Nicely tart, not very complex. Would pair well with salty chips. 

For those who need just an extra dose of Tyson...
Seriously, those ears though...