Search This Blog

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Passion turns to Purpose, Celebrity Endodontist turned winemaker!



Dan Aykroyd, Francis Ford Coppola, Mike Weir, Jim Cuddy and Arlene Dickinson just to name a few… what have they all in common?  It seems celebrities from all walks of life are becoming smitten with the vine!

The wonderful world of wine is capturing the hearts and drawing in the big bucks of many around the world.  All of the aforementioned and so many more have acquired a stake in the wine business, of varying degrees. Whether simply as an investor, lending their name to a wine or becoming intricately involved with the entire process from the vineyard to the winemaking to the marketing as is the case with Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo. This ancient beverage dating back to 4100 BC is it! But hold on, this is not the domain for the celebrity alone. Many a folk do succumb to the allure of this delectable beverage and are giving into their passion for wine. Doctors, lawyers, politicians and bankers to name a few.

We’d like to introduce you to one such wine aficionado who we happened to meet over five years ago whilst both of us being interviewed for the publication PIE Magazine. At this time Dr. Gary Glassman’s passion for wine was already in full bloom! Dr. Glassman, aka Dr. G, is an Endodontic Specialist, a celebrity endodontist ironically, who when not with patients at his practice in the heart of Yorkville, travels the world lecturing on his specialty and the merits of maintaining excellent oral health. With his enjoyment of fine wine intensifying with every new discovery in the bottle, it ignited in Dr. G a thirst to further explore, learn more and somehow become a part of this exciting world of wine.

And so the journey began with serendipity knocking on the door in the year 2014 at which time ‘The Wine Guys’ and their wines under the label Los Flâneurwere founded. It began with two fine gentlemen residing in Buenos Aires who loved spending time in Mendoza, Argentina. Argentina,the mecca for Argentine wine and what came to be Argentina’s signature grape Malbec. Argentinian Café owner Hernan Bal already in the wine business joined together with friend and entrepreneur Steve Jones, a fellow Canadian, to seek out a possible vineyard site to purchase.

To their astonishment they located a property beyond their imagination, right in the heart of the “Tierra de Malbec” Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza where wines are known to be rich and complex due to the elevation and particulars of the soil. Recognizing the scope of the project and need for help in both financing and management, as Hernan says “so we brought in the two people we most enjoy spending time and drinking wine with, Gary Glassman and fellow Argentine Enrique Gedikian. “ Fast forward to the present, Dr. G shares with us a few more details on the storybook tale of the realization of one of his dreams.
‘The Wine Guys’ and their wines under the label Flaneur were founded.

At the foothill of the Andes, in Luján, lies the home of some of the oldest vineyards in Mendoza. Wines from this region are exuberant and structured.Vineyards surround Perdriel, in the Southern bank of Mendoza River, north from Agrelo. Altitude is one of the most relevant elements of wines from Perdriel, vineyards grow at 970 metres above seal level. This means they receive intense sunlight. In Perdriel prevail loamy soils with gravel and clay over a foundation of stones at the riverbed. They drain easily, causing vines to develop deep roots in the search for water. Given the poorness of the soil, vines are forced to put their effort into creating berries with low water content.
This results in rich and complex wines that have firm and structured tannins.

We schedule a late afternoon meeting with Dr. G at his dental practice, “make sure you have samples and wine glasses” we declare.When we enjoy the opportunity to sit with Dr. Glassman, have a chat and share a glass of  Flaneur his enthusiasm is contagious. We learn that Vinedo los Flâneurs is a four hectare vineyard located on picturesque fertile land on which the four partners decide to take on the challenge of growing 1.5 hectares of Chardonnay and 2.5 hectares of Malbec grapes vines.  In that first year Gary explains, ‘the planted vineyard produced a bumper crop and when the grapes finally matured the vinification process began.’ How exciting for this wine aficionado to see his very own grapes slowly mature, each day growing closer to what eventually will produce a wine awarded 91 Points, Best of Argentina 2017 Report by Master of Wine Tim Atkin!

We sniff, we swirl and we enjoy together this celebrated Single Vineyard Reserve Malbec 2014 with rich fruit flavors, hint of spice and smooth tannins, got to love this Malbec, and what ‘s this? Gary now presents to us a second Flaneur Single Vineyard Reserve Malbec 2014, looks the same, the bottle, vintage, single vineyard…”not so” says Dr. G.  Not able to contain his excitement Gary tells us that this Malbec, is produced identically to the one we just enjoyed, the sole difference being that the grapes were sourced from a vineyard at an altitude of 1170 meters rather than 970 “Take this Malbec home, let me know what you think”, how fascinating to see how a wine may differ simply due to a 200 meter difference in altitude.  You will be amazed.” Awesome, we’re excited to taste and eager to report back our findings!

Two Malbecs, the same vintage the difference is the altitude the grapes were grown in.

As we bid adieu, Gary offers us a goodbye or so long for now parting gift,   “don’t forget the bubbly”. We are reminded of the great benefits the positioning of the vineyard and the specific terroir this affords the grapes, both for the Malbec and the Chardonnay. This sparkling wine was produced from the 1.5 hectares of Chardonnay, it is a Blanc de Blanc (100% Chardonnay) and was once again awarded 90 Points! Produced in the traditional Champenoise method, Gary enthuses the Elisabeth Brut Nature 2014 offers up tropical fruit aromas with a delicate acidity, enjoy with lobster or truffle popcorn! Wow, now you’re talking!  Dr. Gary Glassman and his partners are thrilled that their wines have finally arrived. Available in Ontario market through Da Capo Wines.

Follow Dr. Gary Gassman on Twitter and Instagram. Listen to Dr. Gary Glassman on the Audio Podcast here.

Flâneur Single Vineyard Reserve Malbec 2014  $22.95/bottle Our first taste of Flâneur was the Single Vineyard Reserve 2014 produced from vineyards planted at an altitude of 970 meters. The wine is deep red and intense in colour with a flight hue of purple. The bouquet offers up rich dark red fruit, hints of violet and licorice with seductive bright blackberry, plum and notes of spice on the palate with smooth tannins. Upon tasting our second bottle, the difference in altitude at which the grapes are planted (1170 meters) produces a very similar Malbec. Many of the delights are echoed only with slight differing nuances such as percentage alcohol being slightly higher, and flavour concentration slightly more intense. Both are delectable!


Dr. G. At the foothill of the Andes, in Luján, lies the home of some of the oldest vineyards in Mendoza

On this week's Audio Podcast With The Wine Ladies...Episode 67: Malbec World Day 2018.

 The Wine Ladies Audio Podcast

On this week's Audio Podcast With The Wine Ladies...

MALBEC WORLD DAY 2018.


Look out wine world!!!! The 8th Annual Malbec World Day is celebrated with tons of tastings, events and parties going on around the globe. A salute to this luscious, spicily rich, very relish, red grape!
 This year once again we are doing our part to participate in the annual Malbec World Day on April 17th!
So honouring the Malbec grape once again, as well as the country that has become synonymous with Malbec, that could only be Argentina, we have two guests that will join us today, both producingamazing Malbec!

Our first guest on the show Julian Orti, Export Director, Pascual Toso.


We’ll begin with one of the oldest and most prestigious wine producers in Argentina, it is quickly becoming one of the leading quality wine brands in the country, the winery is Pascual Toso.

The Wine Ladies preparing to celebrate Malbec World Day 2018 in style with Pascual Toso Malbec and Empanadas!

And to our second guest, so many are seduced by and drawn to this beautiful country.We’ll welcome back, he’s a favourite returning guest of ours Dr. Gary Glassman.


Dr. G is an endodontist, a wine lover and proud co-owner of a vineyard located in the heart of the Tiera de Malbec, Lujan du Cuyo in Mendoza, the winery is Los Flaneur. Gary to give us an update on his wines as well as offer us a few tips on wine and oral health. It is GOOD news folks!!!
Wines now available in Ontario through Da Capo Wines.

Please checkout our full feature article on Dr. Gary Glassman, celebrity endodontist turned winemaker. (As seen in Power Boating Magazine)



Dr. Gary Glassman - Los Flaneur, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina.

 The Wine Ladies Audio Podcast


As The Wine Ladies, we create editorial platforms to promote wines, spirits, foods, and lifestyle products which can include a variety of components drawing from fashion, music, fitness and more. Our media and marketing platforms include our audio and video podcasts, our newspaper articles and “Ask The Wine Ladies” columns, magazine articles, website marketing, e-newsletters and social media campaigns. We are Canada’s #1 wine social media personalities!
We have a large selection of over 150 clients of The Wine Ladies, including major wineries, wine agencies, spirit and beer brands, food products, retailers, restaurants, charities and more. Please find a list of The Wine Ladies clients from the last few years.
To learn more how The Wine Ladies can help you reach your goals send us an email to info@thewineladies.com
The Wine Ladies is a global brand with a great local flare, perfect for promoting products from all over the world.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

The Wine Ladies Cash for Gold“Heart of Gold” Party in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation

Heart healthy foods, wonderful wines and GOLD all take center stage this week, all for a great cause! Be sure to join us as we chat up our inaugural “Heart of Gold Party” in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario taking place May 6th, 2010.The Fundraiser where YOU make Money! http://www.uponline.com/cgi-bin/viewmessage?s=1555.13066 Find out all the details about this awesome event, explore the benefits to our hearts of eating well, enjoying a glass of wine and giving.

This week joining us in the TV studio Marco Di Buono, Director, Research Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/splash/ Marco will give us the state of the nation as to our heart health. Also in studio Keith Perrin Managing Partner, Gold Smart Network www.goldsmart.ca who will show us how to turn all your old, unwanted and unused gold into cold, hard, cash. Gold is at an all time high, so now is the time to do it! Also in studio Cary Silber, Proprietor Encore Food with Elegance www.encorecatering.com who prepares some heart healthy food alternatives. All this as we enjoy a glass of red wine from Girls Night Out www.girlsnightoutwines.com . Join us as we raise a glass to our heart health and yours too.
And if you happen to miss the live show not too worry you can catch the podcast and all the archived shows at www.thatchannel.com/thewineladies anytime. Set that dial to The Jewel Radio Network at 88.5 FM in Toronto, 98.5 in Ottawa and 107.7 in Hawkesbury on line at http://www.jewelradio.com every Sunday morning at 8:30a.m. to connect with The Wine Ladies radio.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

The Wine Ladies Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions. Happy New Year !


Well it’s been an unbelievable year, 2009 has, with a few challenges yes, but with many jubilations too. We’ve so enjoyed connecting with all of our radio show guests, our fans, listeners and readers, and fellow wine lovers and look forward to an even better 2010!


With the clock ticking we’ve finally penned our Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions that we’d love to share, and hope to hear back with some of yours!

A toast to 2010 for wine lovers everywhere, “Cheers, Prost, Salute, Salut!


1)We will, no matter how painful or arduous, dedicate ourselves to fulfilling our doctor’s orders of having one glass of red wine per day... Got to keep the ticker healthy!

2) We promise to never drink any wine before its time!

3) Our “21 Minutes to Fit” workouts with personal trainer Gold Medal Brazilian Jujitsu's Anthony Tullo are a killer... our biceps never looked so good (is it the 30 lb weight bicep curl, or the excercise raising our super-sized signature wine glasses...hmm) We’re signed up for another year!

4) YES!!! Yet another reason to continue to enjoy our red wine! Keep the Pinot Noir coming, one of the top grapes for “resveratrol” composition!
A glass of red will give you about 640 mg of Resveratrol. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes. Research has shown that Resveratrol can reduce or slow down certain signs of aging. Let’s pull a Jack Benny, 39 AGAIN! Fill her up... Actually not quite, leave enough room to swirl, about 1/6 to 1/4 the volume of the glass, depending on the size of the glass. Swirl, sniff and savour!
5) Discover a new wine, a new grape or a new region at least once a week and tweet to our friends.
6) Write a book.

7) Explore organic and biodynamic local wines to help reduce our carbon footprint,

8) We love connecting with fellow wine lovers, enthusiasts and wine novices around the world, our goal is to try to bring the world of wine together, one person at a time, one tweet at a time, one sip at a time


9) Every day presents a new opportunity to be the best we can be, enjoy, embrace and be challenged. As Oprah says “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right”. We’re with you Oprah, live, learn and live what you learn!


10)... And finally for the Top Ten’s #1 New year’s Resolution, we promise to continue to spread our playful approach and wine tasting philosophy to the most unsuspecting wine aficionado!
Happy New Year
The Wine Ladies
Georgia and Susanne


The Wine Ladies Georgia and Susanne
Sisters, business partners, national newspaper columnists, TV personalities and radio hosts, these ladies share their passion for wine, food and living to the fullest and without hesitation. Their motto, "everything in life somehow comes back to the vine," keeps audiences entertained and informed. Join The Wine Ladies live on the air every Wednesday afternoon at 2:00pm-3:00pm for their internet TV/Radio show on www.thatchannel.com or Sunday mornings at 8:30am on The Jewel Network www.jewelradio.com (Jewel 88.5 FM in Toronto, Jewel 98.5 FM in Ottawa, Jewel 107.5 FM in Hawkesbury) as they host special guests from all walks of life. Call in live from anywhere in the world to speak with The Wine Ladies and their guests. Watch The Wine Ladies on their web TV episodes “ One Sip At A Time” as they conduct two-on-one interviews featuring leading chefs, winemakers, business entrepreneurs, financial gurus, sports stars and innovators in the entertainment, literary and fine arts communities. Georgia and Susanne have a talent for discussion that's always fun and enthusiastic . The Wine Ladies philosophy is that “Wine is part of living well, with joy, with good friends and good food, from a simple table wine to a Grand Cru”. Visit them at www.TheWineLadies.com

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Calorie counting Santa selects a glass of red wine for the holidays!


Dear Wine Ladies,

As I indulge in one of my favorite holiday beverages, an eggnog and rum cocktail, I take note of my clothing becoming increasingly tighter. With a number of cocktail parties and dinners yet to attend I wonder if a glass of wine (or two) might be a more prudent choice? I’m sure that it would, but by how much I wonder? What is the caloric count of wine, and are some less fattening than others? How would a mixed drink compare as well?

Leesa
Oakville, Ontario

Dear Leesa,

Your instincts are right on, better to steer clear of the egg nog, although delightfully rich and festive, the classic cocktail packs quite the caloric punch weighing in as high as 400 calories for a small four ounce serving. If you simply cannot resist, ask for a sampler that can be served in a shot glass.

The caloric count of a glass of red or white wine in comparison is definitely significant; on average you can count on 70-95 calories for a 4 ounce glass, depending on level of sweetness and percentage alcohol. Opt for the drier wines as well as those lower in alcohol; those that tend to come from cooler climates or the old world of winemaking.

A 1.5-ounce shot of any 80-proof liquor - vodka, rum, gin, etc. - has 100 calories. Be mindful when opting for mixed drinks, of the additional calories of prepared mixes, soft drinks or even orange juice, which can mount the final calorie count significantly. One of our little tricks of the trade come holiday time, is to ensure we enjoy two to three full glasses of bubbly… sparkling water that is, before and after each cocktail.

Toast the New Year with the Champagne of Icewine….Sparkling Icewine


Dear Wine Ladies,

My husband and I will be celebrating New Year’s Eve at a dinner party hosted by a great friend and superb chef! I have heard of icewines, although never tasted one, and just learned that there are also sparkling icewines.

Dear Wine Ladies,

My husband and I will be celebrating New Year’s Eve at a dinner party hosted by a great friend and superb chef! I have heard of icewines, although never tasted one, and just learned that there are also sparkling icewines. What are they like and would this be a good wine to bring to the party? Is it served chilled like a regular white wine?

Karen

Houston, Texas

Dear Karen,

A sparkling icewine would be perfect for the occasion, sometimes referred to as “the Champagne of Icewine”. The fanfare surrounding their opening, and the celebratory note of the bubbles, not to mention the delectable flavour is always a crowd pleaser and an icebreaker. Sparkling Vidal icewines, will offer up a delightful blend of tropical fruit flavours, oftentimes of apricot and peach, and with a touch of citrus. A superb dessert wine, with a wonderful balance of sweetness and acidity, perfectly delivered to the palate with the effervescence of the lively bubbles. Serve well chilled as you would a sparkling wine or Champagne.

Saturday, December 5, 2009