Slightly Decanted

Written by the Tidings Staff | 21 August 2008

Nightlife fanatics in search of something new will be well rewarded next September 18 when The Decanted Series will be officially launched at the Cabaret Lion D’Or, in Montreal:  evenings simultaneously celebrating good wine and good music – through wine tasting activities animated by a renowned sommelier and a concert served up by a top-rated artist – all this in one of Montreal’s finest venues.  The happy mix of ambiance, outstanding music, and conviviality will contribute to making these evenings memorable.  Basically, the idea is to make wine more accessible, in a relaxed atmosphere, by combining it with live music in a warm environment. 

These evenings will start out with an introduction to a specific winery and its products by the Head Sommelier of the Decanted Series, Mr. Guénaël Revel.  This will be followed up by a commented wine tasting session.  Guests will receive an information kit describing the wines they have tasted, as well as a personal evaluation chart which they may keep as a reference and reminder.   

Then comes the musical portion of the evening with a concert offered by the best local artists or, in certain cases, with touring artists.  First up, in September, is double Juno award winner for Best International Album of the year, Alex*Cuba, who returns to Montreal a little over a year after opening for Cesaria Evora at Place Des Arts.  Singer/songwriter Alex Cuba was raised in Artemisa, on the Island of Cuba, and has recently made his home in Smithers, British Columbia.  Musically, he lives everywhere in between.  Spanish wines will therefore be featured on that particular evening. 

The idea of learning everything there is to know about wine is not what the Decanted Series is all about.  It’s about recreating an evening with friends, listening to great music, and enjoying good wine while discovering a wine region and its products. 

2008 Calendar

World music

September 18 – Alex Cuba – Spanish wine tasting

Reggae / Soul / Rock Music

October 22 – Paul Cargnello – French wine tasting (La Maison Albert Bichot)

Folk / Roots Music

November 5 –  Rob Lutes /Amy Speace – Canadian and U.S. wine tasting

Mystery Guest

December 30 – Champagne evening (Maison Ruinart)

Two types of tickets will be available for these evenings:  regular ($75.00 per ticket) and VIP ($90.00 per ticket).  Both types of tickets will include the wine tasting with our Sommelier, an information kit pertaining to the wines, souvenir wine-tasting glasses, as well as the concert.  VIP ticket-holders will be assigned the better seats as well as a larger quantity of wine.  Tickets and information are available online at www.decantedseries.com or by phone through Billeterie Articulée  at 514-844-2172 or 1-866-844-2179.