Place Bonaventure welcomes the largest wine and spirits celebration, November 8th and 9th 2013
MONTREAL, Oct. 10, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - For a third season, La Grande Dégustation de Montréal, organised by the Association québécoise des agences de vins, bières et spiritueux (AQAVBS), and co-presented by the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ), will heat up the fall season for amateurs of wine and spirits. This year the event will take place at the Place Bonaventure, for two days, on November 8th and 9th and November 7th will be reserved for the industry professionals. Nearly 200 producers of wines and spirits from across the globe have already confirmed their attendance. Last year the event welcomed over 12,000 visitors. Playing an integral part in Happy November, a program of nine wine and food events presented by the SAQ, La Grande Dégustation de Montréal is recognised as the most important vinicultural event in Quebec.
View La Grande Dégustation de Montréal 2013 video hosted by Jessica Harnois, sommelier and spokes-person for Happy November: http://bit.ly/LGDMtl2013
A richer and improved experience
"We are proud to present this third edition of La Grande Dégustation de Montréal in a brand new location. Our new space at the Place Bonaventure encourages wine and spirit aficionados, and professionals to come together and mingle. We have set everything up for visitors to benefit from an unforgettable, interactive experience," exclaims Lucien Davalan, president of the AQAVBS. "Expect a calendar rich in festivities that promises a friendly, warm atmosphere and a heightened experience. Group events, which are more social and user-friendly, such as the Petites Dégustations will replace conferences. Our goal is to foster stronger connections between participants and to enhance the interaction between producers."
Les Petites Dégustations: a fun opportunity where new discoveries are made
Six producers, six participants, six minutes: the Petites Dégustations promises to be the ultimate fun activity to ever be held in Québec's vinicultural world! Six star producers have six minutes to present a product to six participants, who will take turns and go from one tasting table to the next in order to experience multiple new discoveries. Be among the lucky participants to take part in this event by registering on site for a minimal participation fee.
The Chardonnay Awards: a friendly competition that is high in flavour
Chardonnay is so versatile that you are almost sure to find one that appeals to every wine enthusiast ... But who produces the best? A panel of fourteen wine experts from the vinicultural world in Québec will consider the question during the Chardonnay Awards; a competition organized by the team from Sélections mondiales. The jury will select ten wines having scored the highest marks in a blind tasting and will crown the Grand prize-winner during this friendly competition. The wines to have received one of the top ten scores will be mentioned during the 2013 Chardonnay Awards and will benefit from being highlighted at the SAQ in 2014. The winners will be announced on November 7. Stay tuned!
Starring: California, Chardonnay and vodka
Every year, La Grande Dégustation de Montréal spotlights a region, a grape variety and a spirit. This year, it intends to transport amateurs to sunny California and to teach them about the much-loved (and consumed) Chardonnay and vodka.
California Dreaming
This West coast destination has more to offer than celebrity-made wines and classics from the Napa Valley and Sonoma. Demystifying The Golden State is precisely what La Grande Dégustation de Montréal sets out to accomplish. Did you know, for example, that the State produces 90% of all wines in the United States and reports an annual production of about 21 million hectolitres?
The many wonders of Chardonnay
This green-skinned grape variety is the world's most widely grown white grape. Its flavour is not particularly strong, which allows it to react well to fermentation. As a result, the winemaker can adjust its character to give it a unique personality. As the white grape of the great Burgundies, it makes the best Chablis and numerous renowned wines. It is also found in Champagne, in the Languedoc-Roussillion, as well as in many countries of the New World, including Australia, Chilli and California. Chardonnay produces wine with an ample bouquet and full-bodied texture, with aromas of toasted bread, butter, pear and apple.
Vodka: a spirited history
Did vodka originate in Russia, or not? Never approach the subject with its neighbour, as Poland also claims paternity rights. Some even say it has Arabic origins, because the alembic, which allows for vodka's distillation, came from the Middle East. Whatever the case, vodka has been produced since the 15th century, and is the world's most sought-after spirit. It can be made from potatoes, rye or other grains, and from fruit and herbs. Top quality ingredients, the number of times it is distilled and water purity are the three determining factors in producing the best vodka. Not surprisingly, some of the finest in the world comes from right here in Québec.
La Grande Dégustation de Montréal - General information
Schedule and fee: La Grande Dégustation de Montréal will take place Friday the 8th and Saturday the 9th of November 2013 at the Place Bonaventure. The event is open to the general public (18 and over) from noon to 9 p.m. The admission of $15 includes the visitor's Guide and an INAO glass for tests-tastings, which are cost extra.
Reserved professional period: Hoteliers, restaurateurs and professionals will be able to interact with exhibitors and producers on Thursday, November 7th from noon to 5 p.m. Registration is mandatory at lagrandedegustation.com.
Evening Signature November 7th. For members of the SAQ Signature Services only.
Product purchases: Privately imported products can be ordered on site, by unit. They can be home-delivered by courier before December 1st 2013. Shipping costs are $6 per parcel (12 bottles or less from one or more producers). Payments are only accepted by credit cards.
For more information on La Grande Dégustation de Montréal, visit lagrandedegustation.com. Follow us on Facebook/LaGrandeDegustation, on Twitter @lgdmtl and on Instagram @lgdmtl
About the AQAVBS
Founded in 1969, l'Association québécoise des agences de vins, bières et spiritueux (AQAVBS) assembles 70 members, including 56 agencies which represent over 95% of products sold in SAQ outlets. AQAVBS member agencies create over 1000 direct jobs, not to mention the numerous suppliers in the communications industry involved in promoting products offered by the SAQ. These agents work on behalf of producers to help develop the Quebec market.
SOURCE: Grande Dégustation de Montréal
Association québécoise des agences de vins, bières et spiritueux
Catherine Lessard
514 722-4510 / [email protected]
Media relations:
Viviane Roy Communications
Sylviane Chatel
514 982-9100 / [email protected]
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