Canada Day is just around the corner and what better excuse to stock up. I just returned from working abroad and when I went to my local LCBO to indulge in a few delights, I was astounded at the selection and choices: from reds to whites to fruity spirits and rosés, the sky really is the limit.
I was also reading in an LCBO publication that Ontario VQA whites account for more than 30 per cent of total summer sales. I’m so glad that many of us are enjoying our Canadian whites and my focus in this release is mostly Canadian.
If you are firing up the barbecue on Canada Day don’t forget the great selection of beers that most LCBO stores now offer; lighter, fruitier beers and ciders. And, if you happen to be exploring Ontario, make sure to stop at the small town breweries that showcase local artisan beers not to be found elsewhere. I also know of a great local company that delivers different craftbeers every month How cool is that?
Have a Happy Canada Day and remember there’s no place like home.
Julie
Cave Spring Estate Bottled Gewürztraminer 2013VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
$ 17.95 (Vintages # 302059) 13.5% alcohol
Cave Spring did it for us – talk about bottling aromas. I can see this beautiful winery nestled along the main street in Jordan and can hardly wait to visit in July. Deliciously aromatic does not begin to describe this nectar. Intense white blossoms mingle with rosewater. Soft gentle tastes of lychee and tree fruit, smooth as silk on the palate and very easy to drink. It’s a gentle, pretty wine with lots of intermingling fruit flavours. Guaranteed there is no one who would not like this wine. I would chill it well and bring it out one summer afternoon or to enjoy with some sushi for an easy summer lunch or dinner. Perhaps not descriptive but it’s really nice.
Hidden Bench Estate Riesling 2014VQA Beamsville Bench Niagara Peninsula
$23.95 (Vintages 183491) 10.5% alcohol
Make sure you pick up more than one bottle since once this is on the shelves, it will go fast. Loads of minerality, stone and flint dash the palate creating a zesty earthy taste. Grapefruit, lemon-lime and green apple flavours coat the palate with lively acidity. It is refreshing and a great example of a Niagara Riesling. Deliciously clean and fresh, well-balanced and one lovely wine. With lighter summer fare or just on its own.
Domaine De La Baume Elisabeth Viognier 2014IGP, d’Oc, Midi, France
$16.95 (Vintages #438796) 14.6% alcohol
For those of us who love to sniff and swirl, this is another aromatic floral power bomb. Lots of ripe fruit swirl on the palate, some lemon and tangerine create a soft interplay of tastes with a noticeable seam of acidity, smooth and plain delicious. It’s elegant and rich but maintains it’s freshness on the long juicy finish. Sends you back for one more sip and another easy quaffing afternoon or evening wine. Would be a great partner for seafood or summer salads and roast chicken.
VQA Niagara Escarpment
$18.95 (Vintages #317925) 13.1% alcohol
So much personality, violet aromas, layers of blackberries, complex ripe black cherries, framed in ripe velvety tannins, that just about sums it up. I have always been a big fan of Kacaba wines, they are consistently structured and well made. Years ago I met winemaker, John Tummon and recall him telling me the story about Air Canada losing some grapes he’d sourced from a California vineyard. They were eventually found – whew. This Cab/Syrah would be great for (Canada Day) barbecued burgers or steak or any grilled meat. With a 55% Cabernet and 45 % Syrah blend, there’s loads of currants and berry flavours, black pepper all wrapped up with a rustic, lingering finish. I intend to pick up a couple of bottles to keep for hearty winter fare.
Foreign Affairs AmaroséVQA Niagara Peninsula
$18.95 (Vintages #388702) 12.4%
Definitely not your ordinary Rosé, this has to be the most delicious I have tasted and that covers a lot of territory. It is made in the Amarone style undergoing the appassimento or dried grape method. In short, the grapes are dried losing their natural water but this results in super concentrated berry flavours. The juice from the 57% Pinot Noir, 22% Riesling and 21% Chardonnay create enticing aromas that are reminiscent of stepping into a field of over ripe strawberries begging to be picked. Luscious raspberries and cherries also play on the palate with a slightly tangerine finish. It is smooth, loaded with flavour and slightly off dry. The ripe berry flavours in this rosé are dazzling and impressive. From start to finish, it is generous rosé.
