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Press release from CNW Group
Sandvine Reports Q2 2012 Results
Friday, July 06, 2012
Sandvine Reports Q2 2012 Results07:00 EDT Friday, July 06, 2012WATERLOO, ON, July 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Sandvine, (TSX:SVC; AIM:SAND) a leading provider of intelligent network policy control solutions for fixed and mobile operators, today reported $18.6 million in revenue for its second quarter of 2012, a non-IFRS loss of $3.5 million and a net loss of $4.2 million. All results are reported in U.S. dollars under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).Q2 2012 highlights:Revenue by access technology market: DSL 43%; wireless 30%; cable 25%; other 2%Revenue by geography: NA 48%; EMEA 18%; APAC 22%; CALA 12%Revenue by sales channel: reseller 47%; direct 53%Gross margin was 74%Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments balance grew by $2.8 million to $77.0 millionWon three new customers, including a Tier-1 Asian telco and a Top-10 US telecom providerWon an additional expansion order of over $1.5 million from a Tier 1 US cable operator"Our second quarter revenue was consistent with the estimate that we provided in June," said Dave Caputo, Sandvine's President and CEO. "We continue to believe that we will soon be able to win some initial business related to opportunities with Tier 1 operators, globally, and conclude a global supply arrangement for a major multinational operator customer."FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (All amounts are in U.S. dollars) Millions of dollars, except per share data and where otherwise indicated Q22012 Q12012 Change Q22011 ChangeRevenue 18.6 20.1 -8% 24.5 -24%Gross Margin percent 74% 54%2 20pp 77% -3ppExpenses 17.9 17.2 4% 17.5 3%Net (Loss) Income (4.2) (6.5) 2 1.7 Diluted (Loss) Income Per Share (0.030) (0.047) 2 0.012 Non-IFRSExpenses1 17.2 16.5 5% 16.8 3%Non-IFRS (Loss)1 Income (3.5) (5.8) 2 2.4 Non-IFRS Diluted (Loss) Income Per Share1 (0.025) (0.042) 2 0.017 1 See Table 1 below regarding non-IFRS financial measures2 Q1 2012 figures include $3.7 million ($0.027 per diluted share) related to an inventory write-downCONFERENCE CALLThe Company will discuss the financial results and business outlook on a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time (1:30 BST) today. A webcast will be available on Sandvine's website.Local dial-in number416 644 3414Toll-free North America800 814 4859Toll-free United Kingdom0800 358 5263A replay of the call will be available at 416-640-1917 or toll-free at 877-289-8525 (passcode 4545032#) from approximately 10:30 a.m. Eastern time today through July 13.ABOUT SANDVINESandvine's network policy control solutions focus on protecting and improving the quality of experience on the Internet.Our award-winning network equipment and software helps DSL, FTTx, cable, fixed wireless and mobile operators better understand network traffic, manage network congestion, create new services and revenues, mitigate traffic that is malicious or undesirable to subscribers, deliver QoS-prioritized multimedia services and increase subscriber satisfaction. With over 200 service provider customers in more than 85 countries serving hundreds of millions of broadband and mobile data subscribers, Sandvine is enhancing the Internet experience worldwide. For more information, please visit www.sandvine.comCAUTION REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATIONCertain statements in this press release which are not historical facts constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Statements related to Sandvine's projected revenues, earnings, growth rates, revenue mix and product plans are forward-looking statements as are any statements relating to future events, conditions or circumstances. The use of terms such as "may", "anticipated", "expected", "projected", "targeting", "estimate", "intend" and similar terms are intended to assist in identification of these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees of future performance and involve both known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results, performance, achievements or developments of the Company to differ materially from the results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change.Many factors could cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from the results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, each of the following factors, and those factors which are further discussed in the Company's Annual Information Form ("AIF"), a copy of which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.The forecasted demand or opportunity with any particular customer is subject to change and is not in any way guaranteed or committed and the ultimate timing of receipt of any orders from any such customer is uncertain as is the timing of when any such order may translate to revenue for the Company;The Company's revenues may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and year to year depending upon sales cycles, customer demand and the timing of customer purchase decisions;The Company's gross margins may fluctuate from period to period depending upon a variety of factors including product mix in the quarter, competitive pricing pressures and the level of sales generated through indirect channels;The Company is dependent upon and expects to continue to derive a large percentage of its revenue from both a small number of key customers and key reseller partners, none of whom are bound to any fixed purchase commitment or exclusivity obligations and could change their buying patterns and/or source of supply at any time, which could have a material impact on the Company's revenues. The Company's reseller partners may offer their own products which are competitive with the Company's products;The Company faces intense competition in markets where there are typically several different competing technologies and rapid technological changes. The Company faces the risk of emergence of new technologies that may be either competitive to those of the Company or that change the requirements of the Company's customers for solutions such as those offered by the Company;The Company's growth is dependent on the development of the market for network policy control solutions and the decisions of the Company's target customers to deploy and further invest in those technologies, which decisions may be impacted upon by changing requirements in the area of broadband network management policies and/or changes in the regulatory framework to which the Company's customers may be subject. In particular, numerous telecommunications legislators and regulators in various jurisdictions have considered or are considering what, if any, regulations might be appropriate with respect to how internet service providers manage the impact of different types of traffic on their networks. These ongoing processes may cause uncertainty in the network investment decisions of the Company's target customers, and any new rules or regulations that result from these considerations may impact the demand for the Company's products within various markets, including markets that may not be considering any new regulation but where the Company's customers may look to other markets for future guidance or trends;The majority of the Company's operating expenses are denominated in Canadian dollars, U.S. dollars, New Israeli Shekels and Indian rupees. The Company's earnings are impacted by fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and these currencies.Table 1Non-IFRS Financial MeasuresThe following table provides a reconciliation of net income (loss) and related per share amounts to non-IFRS net income (loss) and the related per share amounts for the periods indicated. These non-IFRS financial measures, which are used internally by management to evaluate the Company's ongoing performance, exclude the impact of stock based compensation and amortization of intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions (collectively referred to as "Non-IFRS Expenses"). The Company provides these non-IFRS financial measures as it is the Company's view that the Non-IFRS Expenses are either (i) affecting the comparability of results from period to period as the Non-IFRS Expenses are not part of its normal day-to-day operations or only impact the current or comparable period and/or (ii) represent a "non-cash" accounting charge that does not deplete its cash resources. Accordingly, the Company believes that such financial measures may also be useful to investors in enhancing their understanding of the Company's operating performance. These non-IFRS measures are not recognized under IFRS and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS. Therefore it is unlikely to be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other issuers. Non-IFRS financial measures should be considered in the context of the Company's IFRS results. Three month period endedSix month period ended May 312012$February 29 2012$May 312011$May 312012$May 312011$ Amounts in US$ thousandsNet income (loss)(4,166)(6,487)1,652(10,653)(1,042) Adjustment for Stock based compensation expense5055345311,0391,008 Amortization of intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions185185192370384Non-IFRS Net income (loss)(3,476)(5,768)2,375(9,244)350 Three month period endedSix month period ended May 312012$February 29 2012$May 312011$May 312012$May 312011$ Diluted earnings (loss) per share(0.030)(0.047)0.012(0.077)(0.008)Impact on diluted earnings (loss) per share of Non-IFRS measures0.0050.0050.0050.0100.011Non-IFRS Diluted earnings (loss) per share (0.025)(0.042)0.017(0.067)0.003Sandvine CorporationConsolidated Statements of Financial Position(in thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share data) (unaudited) As at May 31, 2012$November 30, 2011$Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 5,3702,952Short term investments 71,59771,030Accounts receivable 19,41828,194Inventory 12,30318,230Other current assets 2,4343,586 111,122123,992Non current assets Plant and equipment 12,17311,560Intangible assets 4,7775,813Deferred tax asset 212-Other assets 511511 17,67317,884 128,795141,876 Liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other payables 9,43710,787Current portion of deferred revenue 9,6269,123 19,06319,910Non current liabilities Deferred revenue 755789Other non current liabilities 4,1936,819 4,9487,608 24,01127,518Shareholders' equity Share capital 120,411120,472Contributed surplus 13,90312,754Accumulated comprehensive loss (624)(615)Retained deficit (28,906)(18,253) 104,784114,358 128,795141,876 Sandvine CorporationConsolidated Statements of Income(in thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share data) (unaudited) For the three month period ended For the six month period ended May 31, 2012$May 31, 2011$ May 31, 2012$May 31, 2011$ Revenue Product10,97518,652 24,00532,144Service7,5995,853 14,66711,544 18,57424,505 38,67243,688Cost of sales Product2,6963,865 9,9048,105Service2,1851,694 4,2803,124 4,8815,559 14,18411,229 Gross margin13,69318,946 24,48832,459 Expenses Sales and marketing6,9315,927 13,22912,097Research and development7,7958,268 15,10114,746General and administrative3,1793,284 6,2046,457Other losses, net20- 557- 17,92517,479 35,09133,300 Income (loss) from operations(4,232)1,467 (10,603)(841) Finance income (costs), net Finance income2837 7279Finance costs(122)(180) (254)(374)Foreign exchange gains (losses)-1 (126)(195)Other finance gains (losses), net-369 146369Finance income (costs), net(94)227 (162)(121) Income (loss) before provision for income taxes(4,326)1,694 (10,765)(962) Provision for (recovery of) income taxes Current5242 10080Deferred(212)- (212)-Provision for (recovery of) income taxes(160)42 (112)80 Net income (loss) for the period(4,166)1,652 (10,653)(1,042) Net income (loss) per share Basic earnings (loss) per share(0.030)0.012 (0.077)(0.008)Diluted earnings (loss) per share(0.030)0.012 (0.077)(0.008) Sandvine CorporationConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows(in thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share data) (unaudited) For the three month periodended For the six month period ended May 31,2012$May 31,2011$ May 31, 2012$May 31,2011$Cash provided by (used in) Operating activities Net income (loss) for the period(4,166)1,652 (10,653)(1,042)Items not affecting cash Amortization of intangible assets528569 1,066930 Depreciation of plant and equipment1,1801,075 2,2762,136 Unrealized foreign exchange (gains) losses318(71) 81352 Finance costs122180 254374 Other finance gains (losses)-(369) (146)(369) Stock-based compensation505531 1,0391,008 Deferred tax recovery(212)- (212)- Other(9)(34) 574(85) (1,734)3,533 (5,721)3,304 Changes in non current balances(304)160 (2,669)95Changes in non-cash working capital balances6,501(11,760) 16,794(5,198) 4,463(8,067) 8,404(1,799) Investing activities Purchase of plant, equipment and intangible software assets(1,353)(1,724) (3,081)(4,080)Purchase of short term investments(2,795)(84,697) (5,841)(197,915)Sale of short term investments27579,659 5,275119,640 (3,873)(6,762) (3,647)(82,355) Financing activities Repayment of government grants(122)(19) (2,324)(2,392)Proceeds from the issuance of share capital112149 192602Payment to cancel warrant-- (80)- (10)130 (2,212)(1,790) Effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents(256)28 (127)109 Net increase (decrease) in cash during period324(14,671) 2,418(85,835) Cash and cash equivalents - Beginning of period5,04616,785 2,95287,949 Cash and cash equivalents - End of period5,3702,114 5,3702,114 Cash and cash equivalents are represented by Balances with banks5,3511,795 5,3511,795Cash equivalents19319 19319 For further information: INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT Rick Wadsworth Sandvine +1 519 880 2400 ext. 3503 firstname.lastname@example.com MEDIA CONTACT Sacha DeGroot Sandvine +1 519 880 2232 email@example.com AIM NOMAD Andrew Chubb/Simon Bridges Canaccord Genuity Limited +44 0207 523 8000


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Jepun Room
These stunning rooms, each with their own distinguishing character are larger than the superior rooms, and benefit from either a private terrace or separate sitting area. Each room offers privacy and intimacy. These sumptuous rooms are a blend of their distinctive heritages and offer all the necessary modern and contemporary touches.

subset: commoncrawl


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Three near-earth objects buzz our planet this weekend
From Friday to Saturday, a trio of space rocks will whiz close to the Earth. Meteor hunters are on the alert.
- Near-earth object 243 Ida; not on track to buzz Earth. (NASA)
Deploy shields!
Wait, we don't have shields? Eh, no worries, this probably isn't a big deal.
From Friday to Saturday, a trio of space rocks will whiz close to the Earth. In this case, "close" means the nearest asteroid will miss the planet by about 3.6 million kilometers. Still, fireball fanatics are on the alert. The good folks over at Lunar Meteorite Hunters posted recently:
Projected NEO [Near-Earth Object] debris activity associated with potential Earth meteor encounters. I expect that we will see possible increased bolide /fireball /meteor activity from 20JULY ~ 26JUL2011 just prior to or just after closer encounters with NEOs (2007 RQ17) and (2007 DD). At time of this post there will still be more NEOs discovered so updates are expected. Cameras ready!
So what exactly are these flying balls of space junk? Here's the lineup, courtesy of NASA's Near-Earth Object Program website:
2007 RQ17, a chunk of interplanetary stuff up to 200 meters across.
2011 MW1, a hard-to-pin space brick chugging along at 9.98 km/second.
2007 DD, whose Google results are pretty thrilling.
High-speed objects such as these are usually composed of the same material that went into creating inner planets like Mercury, Mars and Earth. They pass through the neighborhood on a regular basis. NASA likes to keep an eye on them because, well, you never know when nature might decide to go all Michael Bay on us. If one takes a bead on our home planet, their are contingency plans such as nuclear strikes and sending a robot up to nudge one's orbit safely away. However, NASA does state:
Although Hollywood has created some colorful methods for stopping an object that is on a collision path with Earth, no government agency, national or international, has been tasked or accepted the responsibility to stop such an asteroid, should one be discovered.
Time to get on that, somebody?


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Explore the Entrepreneurship.org Resource Center to find resources. Designed with entrepreneurs in mind, our resource center allows you to find materials to grow great ideas.
Austria was the last nation to officially sign up for Global Entrepreneurship Week this year and we are especially grateful to the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) who with little noticed organized one of our global Featured Events - a forum on "Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Central and Eastern European Competitiveness" which took place on November 15-17. At this event, business leaders, policy leaders and entrepreneurship experts exchanged thoughts on the role of entrepreneurship in the post-Communist transition. Stay tuned for more details and video.This forum could not be timelier. The 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9th was a reminder of the importance of economic freedom to economic prosperity. Businesses and their financiers have moved 500 million people out of poverty and into a middle class. Nevertheless, as a recent article on The Economist highlighted, economic freedom has advanced over the past 20 years but it cannot be taken for granted. The key now lies in advancing a form of capitalism that puts entrepreneurs as the main growth drivers.The fashion industry and its various associated industries in the C&EE (magazine publishing, cosmetics, fashion accessories, interior decoration and supplies, etc.) are examples of the importance of entrepreneurs for the economy. Representatives from these industries at the conference shared stories about the negative impact of the current financial downturn and the resulting restructuring. Even so, creative businesses have been able to recognize that some of the previously-considered absolutes in this industry, such as the buying patterns of distributors, had disappeared and bravely decided to completely change their outlook and business models to survive. Governments now have to work on a delicate balance in this regard; they must find ways to support new and growing business without creating an expectation the government will provide – a common theme we heard across the world at policy events.Innovation and entrepreneurship are vitally important in Central and Eastern European (C&EE) nations. This region has great potential to encourage more people to turn their ingenuity and determination to create enterprises and thereby grow their economies. However, entrepreneurs need a stable environment in which to take risks and grow their businesses. Central and Eastern European governments can help unleash a new wave of entrepreneurship by setting appropriate economic rules and incentives. However, in doing so, they must avoid linear views about spurring economic growth and top down government programs. Again a common theme we saw everywhere in the world this week is how can we help governments shake the natural public sector tendency to think "programs" and re-organizing and labeling their entrepreneurship efforts. Role models welcome.
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A group of Tasmanian devils will be transferred to a small Australian island to start what is hoped will be a self-sustaining population, free from the facial tumor that has devastated their species.
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Big LLou and the Bluesville Revue on BackStage Pass
South Chicago blues hosted by the voice of BB King's Bluesville. WATCH NOW
Big LLou Johnson hosts some of Chicago's hottest blues acts, recorded live at 2013 Old Town Bluesfest in Michigan's capital city.
"I feel I have a responsibility to keep [the blues] alive, keep it growing. Blues is an American art form -- it's ours, you know," says Johnson, who, in addition to being an amazing performer, is the voice of B.B. King's Bluesville on Sirius XM. "It's important to the musical history of this country and I consider it an honor to be able to do what I do up there."
Featuring Russ Green, Nellie "Tiger" Smith and Big LLou himself, backed by the Mike Wheeler Band.
The Mike Wheeler Band is Mike Wheeler, guitar; Larry Williams, bass; Brian James, keyboards; Cleo Cole, drums.
More at www.reverbnation.com/bigllou
first air: 4/18/2014


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'Fan'-tastic New State Farm Center Club Seating Options Offered
Nov. 18, 2013
Illinois Renaissance Website | FAQ
The newly created Legacy Club seating area will be located at the SFC's south baseline. These seats will be priced at approximately $1,500 per seat annually, depending on the lease term. Legacy Club members will have access to a private club area located in the mezzanine level. This location will allow the fan to comfortably enjoy a sports bar atmosphere throughout the game. The Legacy Club also offers shorter lease term options at lower price points.
Also being introduced are additional Concourse Level Traditions Club seats. This new area of premium seating will be located on the SFC west side in what is currently known as B section. These seats will offer sideline views and be located from baseline to baseline and priced at approximately $2,000 per seat annually. For game day enjoyment in this area, premium members will have access to the Traditions Club.
A minimum Champion Club Level I FUND Scholarship donation of $500 will be required annually for these two seating options. Gifts to the I FUND specifically support more than 258 scholarships used by 356 student-athletes as well as academic investments provided to more than 500 student-athletes. As a future premium seating customer to SFC, the campaign gift and premium lease supports the Illinois Renaissance of State Farm Center.
The deadline for securing these new seating options in State Farm Center is Feb. 1, 2014, based on availability. For more information regarding premium seating opportunities at State Farm Center, fans should contact the UI Office of Athletic Development at 217-333-6277. These new seating options will provide unique opportunities for Illini fans and their family members, friends, customers and clients to enjoy college basketball at its finest.
Learn more about the Illinois Renaissance at fightingillini.com/statefarmcenter.


text: Tradition into Innovation: Appassimento Winemaking in Niagara, ON Allie Hughes December 6, 2011 FCG, Wine Spotlight 16 Comments The relationship between tradition and innovation is not a linear one. Sometimes, it can even go full circle. Take appassimento, for instance, an Italian tradition of partially drying grapes before turning them into wine that is taking hold considerably in Canada's Niagara region. The appassimento style of winemaking began in Niagara as an innovation, moved to a trend, and is quickly becoming a mainstay of the local industry. Many wineries are experimenting with drying grapes to accentuate flavours, with three innovators at the helm of this new approach: the pioneers at The Foreign Affair Winery, the family business built on innovation at Colaneri Estate Winery, and Reif Estate Winery with their culture of evolution and experimentation. Each of these wineries is producing wines in the appassimento style, accentuating flavours in different ways and experimenting with percentages, blends, and drying methods. Most interestingly, they are all going about it in different ways. The founding figure As I arrived to the tasting room at The Foreign Affair Winery, owner Len Crispino was behind the bar pouring wine for a group of buyers visiting Niagara looking to add some Ontario wines to their Toronto wine lists. Over and over, the consensus on the wine was "I can't believe this is from Ontario!", a notion that very probably defines the interest for appassimento winemaking in Niagara. Crispino is the pioneer that brought this process to Canada, achieving the first local appassimento wines in 2004. Seven years later, the process has begun to gain notoriety, with several wineries putting this technique into practice. Ilya Senchuk and Len Crispino at The Foreign Affair The Foreign Affair Winery has Ilya Senchuk at the helm of its winemaking team, crafting a range of appassimento wines, with a portfolio that goes all the way from Riesling to Bordeaux blends, with varying proportions of appassimento grapes used in the different cuvées. Len Crispino is admittedly protective of his process, but according to Ilya Senchuk's description, the grapes are dried in a building where the most technological aspect of what they are doing is plugging in fans. The temperature in this building is maintained between 5 and 15 degrees celsius. Both Len and Ilya indicate that this is a relatively expensive means of drying the grapes – yet it is obvious that both believe it is worth it. This method is staying true to the traditional drying method made famous by the Italian winemaking of Amarone, and results in a very slow process. They believe the slow concentration of the flavours best enhances the grapes and results in more interesting wines. Furthermore, the grapes are picked at very close to regular brix, and are typically coming in just a few days before the sugar levels in the grapes are suitable for fermentation. These sugar levels are recorded by a unit of measurement called brix. On average a Niagara wine would be picked when the grapes were between 21 and 25 brix, resulting in approximately 11 to 14 percent alcohol after fermentation. An example of the slight difference in the date of picking is the 2011 Merlot which was brought in at 23 brix for the grapes that would undergo the drying process and at 24.5 brix for the grapes that would be brought in and vinified without the appassimento technique. Senchuk noted that this difference in the brix measurement would indicate between four and seven days difference in the date the grapes were picked.The philosophy at The Foreign Affair is that the drying process is not designed to extend the growing season or produce high alcohol wines, but provide a different style to the wine. As I left the Foreign Affair, it seemed evident that the investment is in the wine; instead of having its own building, the winery rents space from the Vineland Research Centre, with their winemaking equipment split between tiny rooms. A very unique facility with every inch of space used to its maximum potential. An Italian-Canadian phenomenon As I approached Colaneri, which is a huge building with exceptionally beautiful architecture, it seemed that I was in for an entirely different experience. As I entered the retail shop I was greeted with a wall of wine, and a tasting space that overlooks the winemaking facility. A little loud at this time of year, but intriguing for the consumer, who gets a peak at the gritty side of the winery business, with harvest interns lugging hoses and cleaning up after what appeared to be a morning on the sorting table. Lipinski at Colaneri Kiln It is notable to mention that the winemaker at Colaneri is Andrzej Lipinski, who notably used to be the winemaker at The Foreign Affair. Having had some experience with this style of winemaking, he has moved in an entirely different direction with the drying process. He is putting to use various methods to accelerate the grape drying, a method that the Colaneri winery wanted to emphasize in connection with their Italian heritage. The winery is currently producing 10,000 cases and stated that small production is essential to the integrity of their brand. "It is about quality, not quantity" explains Lipinski as he walks me through the winery, taking time to point out each piece of equipment that distinguishes the Colaneri process. It appears that he has all of the finest winemaking equipment at his fingertips, and a barrel cellar that at one third of its intended size is already housing several hundred barrels; by Niagara standards this is already a very large barrel cellar. It is, to say the least, remarkable. Colaneri's drying process is completely different from the one at The Foreign Affair, using kilns and greenhouses. The kiln drying process occurs in old tobacco drying kilns, powered with fans that push air through the floor. The greenhouse uses a similar process, and has large industrial fans pushing air onto the grapes lying in racks throughout the room. In both cases, this creates a quicker and consistent drying process that can be accomplished in just a few days For comparison's sake, Foreign Affair discussed grape drying times ranging from 80 to 120 days. The objectives in both wineries are different. As Foreign Affair's Ilya Senchuk put it, "you aren't changing the grapes, you are just removing water", suggesting that only the intensity of the fruit is altered. "If you have a vegetal quality to the fruit, the wine will continue to embody that vegetal note", which is why The Foreign Affair does not use the drying process with the idea of extending the growing season to achieve a riper character in the grape. At Colaneri the wines are dried faster, and it is acknowledged that the brix (or sugar content of the grapes) is heightened, with what Lipinski calls "a definite effect on the ripened fruit quality of the wines". Having tasted through the portfolio at Colaneri, the wines exhibited a defined ripeness, a full round profile, and no enhanced vegetal character. The drying process at Colaneri can take up to two months, and has seen completion in seven to ten days. Reif wih new ideas Using kilns to lengthen the growing season and ensure ripe fruit is the forefront intention of Roberto DiDomenico from Reif Estates Winery in Niagara- on-the-Lake. It was an opportunity to purchase the kilns that ignited interest for DiDomenico and owner Klaus Reif. At Reif, opting for appassimento was clearly done with innovation in mind. DiDomenico explains that "experimenting is in our blood" and with a quick glance at the winery's diverse and ever-changing wine portoflio, it is obvious that there is a lot of truth to that statement. In discussing the vision behind the purchase, DiDomenico noted that "the kilns are here to extend the growing season." As he discussed the ripening of grapes in the Reif vineyards he challenged the notion that we grow fully ripe grapes every year. The shortness of Niagara autumns is what drove DiDomenico to seek out a better way to achieve ripeness. TBA Riesling at Reif Another byproduct of these kilns is what DiDomenico calls "an intensity and fullness to the wines that is unachievable without their use." The most famous example of appassimento style wine at Reif is titled The Magician and is a blend of Syrah and Pinot Noir. This wine is the embodiment of that richness that DiDomenico was after. Another successful example of Reif's use of kilns is the TBA (total botrytis affected) Riesling. As DiDomenico's Italian heritage drew him to the kilns for full-bodied reds, owner Klaus Reif's German heritage called on his desire to innovate, using the kilns to encourage the noble rot to spread throughout the grapes. The result is a fine dessert wine in a traditionally German style. The drying time for the grapes at Reif has slowed down with each vintage as they work to find the most effective time for each variety (and by the same logic, for each vintage). By controlling air flow, they are able to determine how quickly the grapes should dry and then, how much time is required at that particular intensity. It is a work-in-progress, but DiDomenico notes that "all winemaking is progressive (…) this is how we do better." It seems then that the consensus in Niagara is that one has not yet been met. The drying times are variable, the strategies are variable, but the important thing is that the wines are often great. According to my tastings, the red wines best benefit from this process, gaining depth, character and intensity. Perhaps this will be how Niagara brings a bold red wine reputation to light. White wines see a richer mouthfeel, although often with high alcohol or high residual sugar. It will likely take a few more experimental vintages before the wines achieve their full potential. Other wineries are regularly announcing that they are also adopting the technique. As the appassimento winemaking trend continues, it is the idea of why the wines are better, not just why the wines are different, that will define the style for future use. Inevitably, innovation will become tradition, and I believe that this style will be a prominent feature of Niagara winemaking, well beyond the current, fashionable trend. Allie Hughes lives in Niagara, Ontario and spends her days in wine country. Her passion for all things wine led to education with the International Sommelier Guild. This knowledge is married with her expertise in communications which resulted in her passion project, www.winegloss.ca. Morten Hallgren Very interesting topic. I have been using this technique on Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc in the Finger Lakes region for the last ten years. It is certainly a way to improve balance and textural elements in cool climate wines. http://www.palatepress.com Remy Charest Having tasted the results in Ravines wines, I can certainly agree with that. There are obviously different ways of using it for different results, in both whites and reds. konrad ejbich Hate to pick out the error in an otherwise fine article. The first appassimento wine produced in Ontario was made by Gabe Magnotta. His 2001 Enotrium was produced from 'bordeaux' grapes grown in Niagara (50 % Merlot, 25% each Cab. Franc and Cab. Sauv.) using the traditional Amarone method of drying grapes on racks. For the 2001 vintage, the grapes were air-dried for 20 to 30 days. Eric Martin I have no idea what these wines are like and I probably never will. Foreign Affair 100% appassimento wines start at $80 and go up to $160. They also have partial appassimento pinot noir, riesling, sauv. blanc, and chardonnay. This to me seems likely to be a niche, not a future tradition. R Bruce I find it hard to make the connection between innovation and making appasimento wines outside of Veneto. Should we also claim that since we make traditional method sparkling wine we are innovative? Borrowing a technique the Romans used is not innovation. Allie Hughes It is a borrowed technique, but adapted for Niagara's wine growing climate and the vitis vinifera that we can actually grow and ripen here. The technique is making very unique wines that are certainly very different from what Niagara wineries typically produce. My thought was that bringing this winemaking technique and adapting its use for Niagara's cool climate was borrowing the fundamentals of an established technique and reinventing the traditional perception of Niagara's ability to grow and vinify bold red wines. Allie Hughes The wines at Foreign Affair start at about $22.95 in the white portfolio of partial appassimento and in the red portfolio at $28.95. As well, this particular winery is using the most expensive process of the three discussed with the most exclusive wines as far as production goes. Colaneri and Reif are also making really interesting and exciting wines at lower price points. Even if purchased as a special occasion bottle they are definitely something to consider! Eric Martin The Foreign Affair 100% appassimento wines range from 14 to almost 17% alcohol. This is not expressive of cold climate viticulture. It seems to me that nature is being pushed somewhere it shouldn't be going rather than going to where it wants to go. http://winecase.ca Remy Charest Appassimento is not a question of pushing nature anywhere. It is a technical transformation of the grapes. Whether that is desirable or not is a completely different story, but the same question would apply to Amarones. Would you say that amarones are pushing nature somewhere it shouldn't be going? Pingback: Wine Tasting Notes Template Blog() Eric Martin These winemaker/owners say that the Niagara season is not long enough to ripen, so already they are unhappy with the terroir and do not want to work with what they have. The "technical transformation of grapes" in a kiln is a mechanical and artificial transformation. It seems to me that drying grapes in the sun in a traditional way is still true to the continuum of natural winemaking. These people are expressing their own style and that's fine if you like it. Enjoy! But this style has nothing to do with "Niagara" as a distinct terroir . It is just particular winemakers looking to add more alcohol to their wines. Allie Hughes One of the winemakers did indicate that the kilns do have the benefit of creating a longer season. However, that winemaker and all of the others discussed the use of the kilns, greenhouses and drying racks as a stylistic endeavour. The Foreign Affair Winery in particular does not use kilns or any mechanical measure by which to dry their grapes. They are using different varietals than in Amarone, but that doesn't change the desire to create a full bodied wine with an intensity that cannot be achieved without the practice. The style was well received and these three wineries have now turned to the practice for their winemaking, along with several other wineries. My impression from the discussion with the winemakers as well as tasting the wines is that higher alcohol is not the driving factor behind these wines – the results of appassimento in Niagara are often very beautiful, intense, and complex wines. Eric Martin Reif and Colaneri don't post alcohol content of their wines on their sites.In the case of Foreign Affair, it just doesn't seem right when the chard. and sauv. blanc approach 14% in a cold climate region. Wine Lover This article is a bit of a joke. Could you please do a better job of screening your contributing editors. Preferably people who have a clue about wine. Eric Martin Winelover – This the kind of personal attack that caused such a stir on the post about Natalie McLean's book. It's very immflamatory and unhelpful. I disagree with Allie Hughes but she has given us something worthwhile to think about. My major disagreement is with the winemakers who have taken god-like status for themselves thinking that they can "extend the growing season" and claim that they can improve on the "fault" of nature. It is arrogant and artificial. http://www.palatepress.com Remy Charest A very important distinction indeed. Thank you for that comment, Eric.


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Story 1 : Matt Kalil ?
The Chiefs might trade up in the draft for Matt Kalil. Should the Dolphins trade UP for Tannehill w/ the Vikings, the Chiefs might seek a trade w/ the Browns.
True or False? : Perhaps, but it's unlikely to happen. My gut has said for some time that the Chiefs are trying to get a player to drop to 11. And they might not want that player to drop to them.... but for another team that is looking to move up?
Story 2 : Amini Silatolu may be the belle of the ball .......
If the Chiefs trade down, Amini Silatolu might be the prize they are eyeing. He's a Division II player. His youtube video is amazing.
True or False? False. The Chiefs fanbase has a blood thirst for some Miami Heat of Offensive Lines theory. Even though I like DeCastro, I don't see Pioli drafting DeCastro when a future Left Tackle is on the cheat sheet. He won't want to be in a position to franchise Albert if he doesn't deserve it nor does he want to be in a position where Albert is worth re-signing and have a back up tackle that we spent a Day 1 / 2 pick on. A guard / tackle hybrid could be on the menu. Cordy Glenn comes to mind. Riley Reiff as well.
Story 3 : Michael Brockers is the pick , if he's there.
True or False True. The restructuring of Tyson Jackson's deal that basically allows the Chiefs to drop him after next season is the main reasoning behind this. The Chiefs need a 5 tech that can play 3 downs. Especially against pass heavy , no huddle Os.
Another point to be made is that Brockers could likely play some NT in run situations. He would spend a year being a role player and grow into whatever role is needed. If the future is Jackson/Brockers/Bailey so be it.
Story 4 : Mark Barron could be the dark horse pick
Ture or False False. Although I'd love it to happen, I feel the Barron is a trade target to Dallas or Philadelphia. The trade proposition might have already been made between Dallas and KC during the bid war over Brandon Carr.
Story 5 : Pass Rush will be the Key to this Draft
True or False True. Perhaps it won't be in the first round, but I can't imagine the Chiefs not addressing defensive speed in the draft. Although Houston and Hali looked amazing last season, the Chiefs did not have a 3rd pass rusher. Although DeMorrio Williams is gone and Brandon Siler is back, the Chiefs do not have a up-the-middle pass rusher like they did. They might not do it conventionally , but expect the defensive players that are drafted to have sacks on their resume.
Story 6 : Lamar Miller will be the pick if it's the 3rd round
True or False True. Most people are not noting that even though we picked up Peyton Hillis, the Chiefs have still lost Thomas Jones, Jackie Battle, and LeRon McClain. With Charles coming back from an ACL injury, I would not say that Pioli is comfortrable enough with DexMex and Hillis as his only two 100% backs. Especially if Charles stays out of most of training camp to insure that his ACL is completely healthy. Miller is also a special teams prospect that is fantastic in open space. Isiah Pead is another option if Miller is gone.