Midsummer Afternoon Affair

Please join the Commanderie de Bordeaux and The Shakespeare Company for a fun and casual white and rosé tasting of recently released Bordeaux, including a decidedly French country luncheon, followed by a wonderful afternoon performance of A Midsummer Nights Dream.

Our recently appointed Regent, Ian Young, and his wife, Catherine Barrett, have generously agreed to open up their back yard along the Elbow river on Sunday, July 26^th for this exceptional event.

Sunday, July 26, 2009
Wine Tasting & Luncheon 12 Noon – 2:30 PM
A Midsummer Nights Dream Performance 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Member, escort & guest cost:

• Tasting & Luncheon $ 50 per person                
• Shakespeare Performance $ 50 per person

Attire: Summer causal with ribbons                                                       

Limited to 25  – First come basis   RSVP Now

Please forward two cheques, one week prior to the event:

• $50 pp to “La Commanderie de Bordeaux”
• $50 pp to “The Shakespeare Company” (A full tax receipt will be provided)

Mail cheques to:

La Commanderie de Bordeaux a Calgary
PO Box 788, Station M, Calgary T2P 2J6

 

5 Tips for hosting Bordeaux Night

Bordeaux is one of the largest wine producing regions in the world and the home of some of the most famous wines in the world including the “Grand Cru” wines. But that’s not the whole story. Many Bordeaux wines are inexpensive, easy to drink, accessible, generally lower in alcohol than typical California wines, and pair well with food.

Even if you’re not planning a trip overseas, host a “Bordeaux Night” so you and your friends can taste and discover some new wines to enjoy.

 

1. Find a bargain.

 

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a luxury of Bordeaux wines. In fact, approximately 80% of Bordeaux wines are priced quite reasonably (under $30) and are perfect for enjoying tonight (you don’t have to age them!). A few simple tips can help you navigate the wine aisle for a successful night with Bordeaux.

 

2. Red = Merlot and Cabernet and White = Sauvignon Blanc.

 

Let’s face it. All those French names and pictures of castles on the labels can be intimidating. Not to worry. If the bottle says “Bordeaux ” and it’s a red wine, you’re can be pretty sure it’s a Merlot and Cabernet. If it’s a white, you’ll find it’s mostly Sauvignon Blanc.

 

3. Expert advice at your finger tips:

 

Each year the Bordeaux Wine Council asks experts in the field of wine and hospitality to select 100 wines priced between $8 and $30 available. Check www.bordeauxwinebureau.org for the latest selection.

 

4. Simplicity brings out the complexity:

 

You don’t have to work hard to create a great food pairing for Bordeaux wines. A simply grilled steak, fish or even a big portabella mushroom or roasted chicken will match up nicely with the layers of flavors in the wines. Garnish with a little salt, pepper and olive oil and you’re there.

 

5. Take a deep breath:

 

You’ve heard this before. Open up that red a little before your guests arrive. It helps the flavors get reacquainted with the air and really develop those alluring aromas. Decanting the wine into a larger vessel can also pump up the enjoyment.

 

Trivia Night:

Did you know that Bordeaux means “Bordering the water?” Did you know that Irish emigrants are responsible for names like Chateau Lynch Bages and Barton and Guestier? How about, did you know the Medoc region where the famous Chateaux are located used to be a swamp and was drained by those clever Dutch? Browse www.bordeaux.com for pieces of trivia and more helpful hints. Create a fun trivia card for your dinner guests they can play while you’re putting the finishing touches on dinner. Winner has immunity from doing the dishes.

 

Source: http://blogs.glam.com/glamdish/2008/09/05/5-tips-for-hosting-bordeaux-night/

 

 

 

 

 

Bordeaux meets Burgundy at La Chaumière Restaurant

Friday, March 20, 2009
7:00 p.m. Reception 7:45 p.m. Dinner
Member & escort: $ 150 per person
Attire: Black tie with ribbons

La Chaumière Restaurant
139 – 17^th Avenue SW

The Commanderie de Bordeaux and the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin have joined forces to create an evening to remember of fine Bordeaux and Burgundy wines.

 

The Confrêrie des Chevaliers du Tastevin was established in 1934, in Burgundy, France, for people to share appreciation of good food and fine Burgundian wines – not dissimilar to the objectives of the Commanderie de Bordeaux.
 
La Chaumière will be preparing an elaborate five-course dinner of classic French cuisine to help show-case our wines. The reception will include hors d’oeuvres and aperitif Bordeaux and Burgundy wines from the Commanderie and Confrêrie cellars.
 
Each table will be a combination of members from the Commanderie and Confrêrie. Commandeur & Escort will be responsible for bringing two “best bottles” from your cellar.  You are not limited in that you may bring wine from either Burgundy or Bordeaux to this event. A table captain will be appointed and will work cooperatively with the three other Confreres/Commandeurs prior to the event to coordinate the wine selection with the dinner. It is anticipated that the wines brought will be 1ere Cru or 2eme Cru from Bordeaux, or alternately, Grand Cru or better from Burgundy. This will be a very special opportunity to share truly magnificent bottles with other passionate wine lovers.
 
The tariff of $150 per person covers all event costs including meal, aperitif wine, corkage, tip & GST.
 

RSVP by March 14, 2009
Please reply by email.

 

Please advise us when you RSVP, if you have any dietary requirements concerning the meal.

 

Don’t forget to forward your cheque one week prior to the event to:
La Commanderie de Bordeaux a Calgary
PO Box 788, Station M, Calgary T2P 2J6