#cave spring

Yellowstone National Park, WY (No. 32)

There are dozens of species of flowering plants that have been identified, most of which bloom between May and September. The Yellowstone sand verbena is a rare flowering plant found only in Yellowstone. It is closely related to species usually found in much warmer climates, making the sand verbena an enigma. The estimated 8,000 examples of this rare flowering plant all make their home in the sandy soils on the shores of Yellowstone Lake, well above the waterline.

In Yellowstone's hot waters, bacteria form mats of bizarre shapes consisting of trillions of organisms. These bacteria are some of the most primitive life forms on earth. Flies and other arthropods live on the mats, even in the middle of the bitterly cold winters. Initially, scientists thought that microbes there gained sustenance only from sulfur. In 2005 researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder discovered that the sustenance for at least some of the diverse hyperthermophilic species is molecular hydrogen.

Yellowstone National Park, WY (No. 31)

Over 69,000 species of trees and other vascular plants are native to the park. Another 170 species are considered to be exotic species and are non-native. Of the eight conifer tree species documented, lodgepole pine forests cover 80% of the total forested areas. Other conifers, such as subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir and whitebark pine, are found in scattered groves throughout the park. As of 2007, the whitebark pine is threatened by a fungus known as white pine blister rust; however, this is mostly confined to forests well to the north and west. In Yellowstone, about seven percent of the whitebark pine species have been impacted with the fungus, compared to nearly complete infestations in northwestern Montana. Quaking Aspen and willows are the most common species of deciduous trees. The aspen forests have declined significantly since the early 20th century, but scientists at Oregon State University attribute the recent recovery of the aspen to the reintroduction of wolves which has changed the grazing habits of local elk.

Niagara e i suoi vini, appunti di viaggio

Le circostanze mi portano in Canada, e fortuna vuole che la destinazione sia l’Ontario, a poco più di un’ora di macchina dalla regione vinicola più fiorente e affermata della nazione, ovvero la Niagara Peninsula. Affacciata sulle sponde dell’omonimo fiume, è limitata a nord dal lago Ontario, fondamentale a garantire riserve idriche e una fondamentale azione mitigatrice delle temperature. La…

2012 Pondview Reserve Cabernet/Merlot - Vintages 307561 - $18.95 - ***1/2 - As the weather outside warms it's time to start thinking about wines to eat with grilled meats.  This is one that will do the trick.  Fruit flavours in your glass will be Plum, Blackberry, and Blueberry with a nice finish that is mocha and slight spice.  2012 was a very warm summer in Ontario so the great news is that this wine is something that, while drinking great now, will also age for a few years if you feel so inclined.  Your ideal food pairings are Steak, or Burgers.  But, If you don't feel like firing up the grill homemade Pizza will make a great match.

3 weekends, 58 wineries, 15 events... this is Icewine in January in Niagara.  Everything you need to plan your visit can be found at www.niagarachilled.com.  The weather this week dipped below the magic number of -8°C when winemakers descend into the vineyards to harvest the frozen berries to extract their sweet nectar and turn it into wine.  This is also the perfect time to visit wine country.  Off-season you rarely need to deal with crowded tasting rooms.  It is the perfect time of year to visit wineries and go at your own pace.  

To kick off the month of celebrations in wine country I was fortunate enough to get a taste at the iYellow Wine Cave.  We were treated to three icewines and cheeses to match.  One of my favorite pairings is icewine with pretty much any cheese.  The salt and fat in the cheese make a perfect match to the sweetness of Icewine.  You can experience wine and cheese at various seminars being hosted in wine country (http://www.niagarawinefestival.com/wine-and-cheese-seminars) tickets are only $20 to attend.  

Taking place this weekend is the Winter Winefest in Twenty Valley takes over Jordan village bringing all sorts of wine and food all in one place saving you the drive.  I have attended in the past and it is definitely worth checking out.  The street festival in Niagara on the Lake takes place next weekend on January 16-18

I had a chance to taste three Icewines this evening.  

2013 Cave Spring Riesling Icewine - Vintages 447441 - $49.95 - ****1/2 - There is a slight mineral note on the nose with honey.  Flavours of honey, and tangerine are dominant with a slight floral feeling on the mid palate.   Fabulous bright crisp acidity helps cut right through the sugar on the finish of this wine.  This is an elegant icewine.  

2013 Peller Estates "Oak Aged" Vidal Icewine - $62.10 - **** - The nose and flavours in this wine is all Apple.  The acidity is a little lower than the Riesling Icewine which gives this wine a long finish.  This will make an ideal pairing to hard cheeses or blue cheese.  

2012 Chateau Des Charmes Cabernet Franc Icewine - Vintages 346692 - $75.00 - **** - Red Icewine is a very special product ... and a lot of people still don't know of its existence.  This is strawberry rhubarb pie in a glass balanced with nice acidity.  Icewine made from Cabernet Franc would be perfect for those people who think that it is too sweet.  The fruit profile on this wine helps make the wine seem less sweet than it is. 

2012 Cave Spring Estate Bottled Gewurztraminer - Vintages 302059 - $17.95 - Bone Dry and Very Floral.  Nice balanced acidity.  This Gewurz is very delicious.  This will make a perfect match to asian cuisine like pad thai, or spicy stir fry.  Don't let these food choices limit you ... the fact that this wine is bone dry really makes it versatile with just about anything you can throw at it.  However a wine like this needs no food to be properly enjoyed.  This would make a great sipper on a friday night on it's own. 

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