Bethany Harpur

Bethany Harpur
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Bethany Harpur is an Ottawa-based freelance writer, editor and sommelier. Her blog, Second Ferment, speaks volumes about her passion for wine and how it "pairs well with life". She is a vocal advocate for wines made (not just 'cellared') in Canada, particularly from the Niagara and Prince Edward County regions. She is a graduate of the Algonquin College Sommelier program (2009) and Carleton University’s School of Journalism (1999).

When she's not writing about wine, Bethany works for the federal government in communications. She is also a wife and a mom to two daughters.

Visit Blog - http://www.2ndferment.ca

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Reviews

Famille Perrin Les Cornuds Vinsobres 2006 Bottle
Famille Perrin Les Cornuds Vinsobres 2006
Rhône, France
$17.95

Violets, cassis and chocolate syrup on the nose. A spicy, dry texture with medium weight and good balance, followed by a sweet, tangy finish. This would go great with goose, venison tenderloin, or roasted veggies.

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Kim Crawford Sp Boyszone Pinot Gris 2007, Marlborough, South Island Bottle
Kim Crawford Sp Boyszone Pinot Gris 2007, Marlborough, South Island
Marlborough, New Zealand
$24.95

The colour in the glass immediately revealed the varietal, with its signature peach tones in a brilliant, pale straw, clear bowl. Flowery and flinty aromas, followed by a slightly viscous mouthfeel and strong acid. (www.2ndferment.blogspot.com)

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Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island Bottle
Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island
New Zealand
$19.95

Crisp and tart, with a classic nose of lemon, grapefruit and cut grass. Light-bodied and fresh, with a long, slightly effervescent finish. (www.2ndferment.blogspot.com)

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Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2007, Doca Rioja Bottle
Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2007, Doca Rioja
Spain
$15.95

Nose of cherry, tobacco leaf, earth and wood; on the palate, it's fragrant, ripe, sweet cherry. Light body, high acid, tight tannins. After breathing a bit, the tannins are softer, and more aromas of plush red fruit come out, as does a touch of effervescence on the palate.

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Folie à Deux Ménage à Trois White 2007, California, Estate Btld. Bottle
Folie à Deux Ménage à Trois White 2007, California, Estate Btld.
California, Usa
$17.95

Nose of tropical fruit, orange blossom, with a crisp, citrus mouthfeel and a fresh, short finish. Good sipping wine for summer.

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Parri Estate Viognier/Chardonnay 2007, Southern Fleurie, South Australia, Estate Grown Bottle
Parri Estate Viognier/Chardonnay 2007, Southern Fleurie, South Australia, Estate Grown
Australia
$14.95

What a great buy: white peach, pear and floral aromas with medium-high acid, a slightly oily and weighty body, with terrific balance. It straddles the line between varietals, showing lychee and citrus one minute, oak and vanilla the next.

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Chakana Bonarda 2007, Mendoza Bottle
Chakana Bonarda 2007, Mendoza
Argentina
$13.95

Nose full of mint, licorice, tobacco and stewed green vegetable. A solid, well-balanced mouthful, with chewy red fruit on the finish. Pair with tapenade, spinach pie with Parmigiano-Reggiano, or a baked Brie with cranberry compote.

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Ironstone Vineyards Obsession Symphony 2007, California Bottle
Ironstone Vineyards Obsession Symphony 2007, California
California, Usa
$14.95

Glorious, elegant nose of fresh linen and perfume. Sweet, but not cloying, on the palate, with a finish reminiscent of lemon meringue pie. Fantastic balance of sweetness, acidity and overall texture.

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Château Des Charmes Gamay Noir Droit 2006, VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara Bottle
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