If I had $100 I would buy these wines at LCBO Vintages…

All photos courtesy of Savvy Company

No surprise that the LCBO Vintages release of Oct. 3 focuses on LINK wines for Thanksgiving. Regardless of whether it’s turkey, ham, fish or pork, the wines I have chosen will accompany them all. Now how’s that for a scoop?

I recently read that the planting of grape vines for winemaking in Ontario dates back to 1811 and were planted on the Credit River in Cookeville, just west of Toronto. However, the first winery in Ontario was established on Pelee Island and to this day the Pelee Island winery offers some great general list products. And while I am offering some trivia, did you know that you can buy a wine holder for a bicycle that clasps to the bike frame? Talk about pedal power… but enough.

Whatever you’re cooking this Thanksgiving all these wines are saying “pick me” and I guarantee they will be good to the last drop.

Give thanks and count our blessings,
Julie

If I had $100, I would buy these wines at LCBO Vintages…

Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs

Carneros, U.S.A.
$29.95 (Vintages #925735) 12.5% alcohol

THE SCOOP: The pale pink, copper colour alone is enchanting. Fine sparkling mousse in a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Creamy and delicate flavours of stone fruit and a hint of brioche, a little fruity. Delicate stone fruit flavours, a hint of brioche and almost a mineral flint in the aftertaste. It’s one beautiful sparkling wine that will take you from start to finish of any meal.

Pierre Sparr Lieu Dit Altenbourg Riesling 2013

AC Alsace, France
$16.95 (Vintages #906016) 13% alcohol

 THE SCOOP: I suppose lip-smacking good does not tell you very much about a wine but that is exactly what describes this aromatic wine. The term “lieu dit” on the bottle is used to describe a small vineyard site within a larger appellation. The grapes must come from that particular village or appellation to have this term on the bottle. Lots of fruit flavours; green apples and a pinch of honey but bone dry and smooth. A simply delicious white wine.

Gassier Sables D’Azur Rosé 2014

Cotes de Provence, France
$15.95 (Vintages #33621) 13 % alcohol

THE SCOOP: If anyone is having salmon for Thanksgiving, this lovely pale pink colour is bound to match. Floral aromas, ripe red berry flavours on the palate, some citrus on the finish and a great seam of acidity that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a dry, classy and elegant rosé wine, again from start to finish, no one will be disappointed.

Rosewood Select Series Pinot Noir 2012

VQA Niagara Escarpment
$21.95 (Vintages #112177) 13% alcohol

THE SCOOP: Soft aromas of red berries and a tinge of forest floor in this red wine. It fills the palate with tastes of sour cherries but smooth and satiny. It’s well balanced with gentle tannins integrating with the fruit flavours. Good typicity of Pinots made in the Niagara region, soft and delicious.

In Situ Reserva Carmenère 2012

Aconcagua Valley, Chile
$14.95 (Vintages #37952) 14.5% alcohol

THE SCOOP: This was a Gold medal winner at the 2014 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Although Carmenère is originally from Bordeaux, it has become Chile’s iconic grape. Loads of blueberries on the palate, full bodied and rich with plums, liquorice and a little menthol in the mouth. Delicious and easy possessing soft tannins and finishes on cocoa and spice. I can’t believe the price point of this red wine. Alright, it might not be first choice to accompany fish, but it’s a sure crowd pleaser for those red wine drinkers.

GRAND TOTAL – $ 99.75