Bon Soo uncorked (10 photos)
Saturday, February 09, 2013 by: Connie Carello
Last evening, experienced wine connoisseur, avid local wine critic and SooToday.com editorialist, Vin Greco hosted a splendid wine tasting at the Art Gallery of Algoma in celebration of Bon Soo’s 50th anniversary.
In addition to acting as a former principal of Sir James Dunn C. & V.S., Greco wrote a monthly wine column in the Sault Star and spent two summers prior as a wine commentator on CBC Radio North.
Currently, Greco’s passion for wine, something he refers to as “something that has always been enjoyable for me,” has encouraged him to offer both formal and informal tastings, upon request, and twice a year partners with Chef Ian Thomlinson Upstairs at Rome’s.
Last evening’s tasting was a fundraiser for the AGA and art director Jasmina Jovanovic, who hosted a similar event in September, was once again, extremely pleased with the turn out, “The evening really is for the people to have the chance to enjoy and indulge in good food, art, and have a good time while doing it. If the event continues to be successful, we will likely host more wine tastings in the future.”
In the main gallery, pieces highlighting the changes in various mediums of art developed in the local area throughout the last 100 years served as a backdrop to the event.
The theme served to highlight the growth in both art and the sense of community Sault Ste. Marie has established in the last hundred years which was quite fitting for the celebration of Bon Soo: a local carnival in its 50th year, dedicated to family fun and social collaboration.
Six different wines were featured fo attendees to experiment with and included: Jean Geiler Chasselas Reserve Particuliere 2011 from France, Angels Gate Mountainview Chardonnay 2010 from Niagara, Ontario, Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red 2010 from Niagara, Ontario, Cuvelier Los Andes Collecion 2009 from Mendoza, Argentina, Finca Villacreces Pruno 2010, from Ribera Del Duero, Spain and a dessert wine, Massandra South Coast Dessert Wine 2008, from Crimea Ukraine.
Prior to uncorking the first bottle, Greco instructed attendees to be open to the experience, “Knowing which wine to combine with which food group is really an educated guess. We learn every time we try something new what works and even our mistakes can be fun!”
A full menu of taste-like portions accompanied the tasting of each wine as the purpose of the event was to examine taste in combination with various foods.
Menu items included an Avocado dip, Kung Pao Chicken, Pork Tenderloin, Steak with Chimichurri Sauce, Tapas, and a cheese course.
Mr. Bon Soo himself arrived to the event to surprise guests and have photos taken.
Challenged by Jovanovic to try to drink from a glass of wine, Mr. Bon Soo hoisted his glass in air, toasting to the success of the carnival’s last fifty-years and welcoming in fifty more.
The sold-out event had approximately fifty guests in attendance, all providing exceptional feedback, “You normally do not see these types of events here, but more often down South. It would be great if the AGA can host something like this every year” one gentleman said.
Holding a wine glass in one hand and walking from the podium to each table to discuss the taste of the wine, Greco proved that wine tasting goes beyond what is said and thought of each creation, to the more personal, unique and individual critique our taste buds enable us to have.
