Ottawa Foodies

This really should read 'Wine' instead of European wines. Their extensive wine list features a good selection from the Mediterranean, but also Canada, the US and South America. The wine list has a comment on it saying that is a work in progress, so it's constantly changing. And there is a very good selection of wines by the glass.

The wine service here is excellent. The Carmenère I ordered was at a good temperature, slightly chilled so it wasn't too overdone.

First off, they have the proper glasses for white and red wines. That impressed me, as you don't see that all too often, let alone good quality red and white wine glasses.

Secondly, when you order a wine by the glass, the server brings the bottle to your table and pours it in front of you. I really liked this as I could see how old the bottle was (as in it hadn't been open long) and that I was really getting the wine I ordered.

A'roma Meze has a good selection of Spanish wines. Montecillo Crianza Roja 2003 is one of these. 100% Tempranillo grape, dry, full body, peppery with low tannin and a medium-long finish. Aromas of red cherry, strawberry and black spices in the mouth. To try with lamb chops. Cheap and good!

Good selection of wines from all the Mediterranean Countries. Their wine list has many unknown bottles but very interesting for wine lovers. Red Xinomavro from Nemea and white Assyrtiko from Santorini island are good choices for many Greek dishes at the right price. The super traditional Greek Retsina is for who wants to play safe but, don't forget to drink it in the smallest glass(a greek version of short).

Good selection of Spanish wines from the best Regions( Penedes, Catalonia, Rueda, Rioja, Rias Baixas, La Mancha, Valencia, etc.). To try expecially red wines from typical Spanish grapes: Tempranillo, Carinena, Garnacha, Monastrell. Unfortunately there are not so many white wines. Good selection of fortified wines, Sherry is the king here with its different styles: Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado ans Oloroso. To try even the Spanish traditional method Sparkling Wine: Cava.

Today I was at Fourth Avenue for a relaxing appetizer and I enjoyed a good Italian white: Normanno Insolia from Sicily, 2006. Good choice for a Mediterranean plate: Dolmades, black spicy Greek olives, tziziki, houmus, and Moroccan shrimp. Everything was fresh and tasty. Good value for this full body, medium finish white wine with flavours of orange blossoms, citrus and mineral notes. Very refreshing for these hot nights.