What We’re Drinking Now
It’s finally here!
Spring, that is. And it couldn’t be more welcome. Relaxing in Courtney’s backyard last weekend, we brought out a chilled bottle of white wine to enjoy the sun and the merciful warmth.
And isn’t that what warm sunny days are all about? Crisp, refreshing whites and steak-worthy reds to accompany lazy weekends spent with friends and family … and a little outdoor dining.
Yup we couldn’t be happier with the warm turn of events and the following is what we’re drinking to celebrate.
Norman Hardie Pinot Gris VQA Prince Edward County 2012
$25 available to order
Fresh and bright with notes of lemon-lime and mineral. Dry, with racy acidity and a lingering finish, this is made for warm spring evenings on the back deck with a big plate of freshly grilled seafood.
Jackson Triggs “Grand Reserve” White Meritage VQA Niagara Peninsula 2012
$24.95 available at select Wine Rack stores and to order
Aromas of ripe peach, white flowers, lychee and tropical fruits explode from the glass in this pretty, aromatic wine. A blend of 30% Semillion and 70% Sauvignon Blanc from the warm 2012 vintage, on the palate this is both creamy and soft, yet the fresh and focused with a nice mineral undertone. A fantastic summer sipper, try this with grilled lobster, fresh salads with goat cheese or an eggs benedict brunch.
Domaine Parent Bourgogne, Burgundy, France 2011
$21.95 Vintages 597971
We were so excited to see this return to Vintages, we picked up half a case. A superb value for a beautifully drinking Pinot Noir that is juicy and ripe with aromas of red raspberry, floral and chalky-mineral. Light on the palate with vibrant acidity and mild tannins and pretty flavours of fresh red berries, rich earth, light spice and a lengthy mineral finish. Very enjoyable and will go with a wide range of foods from braised red meats to roast chicken.
Hidden Bench Chardonnay, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara 2010
$32 hiddenbench.com
Medium gold in colour with a nose of orange citrus and peach/nectarine notes and light, sweet oak. Creamy and full on the palate with light spice, stone fruit and sweet citrus flavours. Judicious use of oak makes for a very elegant wine that would be lovely served alongside roast pork tenderloin or leek and morel mushroom tart.
Dominus Estate “Napanook,” Napa Valley, California 2009
$66.95 Vintages 212357
A sexy, plush and opulent Bordeaux blend comprised of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petite Verdot & 5% Cabernet Franc, this has alluring aromas of dark cherries, chocolate, forest floor and cigar box. Fruit and spice follow through on the palate with firm tannins and an uplifting seam of acidity, with terrific length. A very classy wine to be enjoyed with grilled red meats, hard cheeses or roast game birds.
Stratus Sémillon VQA Niagara on the Lake 2010
$32 available to order
Stratus seems to be leading the way with single varietals rarely produced in Ontario (look for their intriguing Malbec to be released in June), and our minds, are doing a spectacular job of it. Winemaker JL Groux, who started his career in his native France, produces an elegant and classy Sémillon here with a typical nose of beeswax, honey, and light tropical fruit. The palate is creamy and rich with the same waxy/lanolin character along with butterscotch, lemon meringue, candied grapefruit and spice. A bright seam of acidity keeps everything neat and tidy. A sophisticated option for roast pork loin, foie gras or seafood bouillabaisse.
Kir Yianni “Akakies” Rosé, Amyndeon, Greece 2012
$11.95 Vintages
This is a fantastic dry rose at an unbeatable price. Made from the xinomavro grape, this has flavours of tart-bitter cranberry-cherry, bright strawberry and key lime with bright acidity. Simply delicious for backyard sipping, either on its own or with turkey burgers or ribs.
Cave Spring Estate Bottled Riesling, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula 2010
$17.95 Vintages 286377
A consistently reliable Riesling coming out of Niagara from one of the best producers. Bright aromas of lemon-lime, grapefruit, stoney mineral and present, but not dominate, petrol and honey notes, this is focused and energetic on the palate, racy acidity tempered by citrus/honey flavours and that characteristic stoney backbone. Excellent with creamy cheeses, grilled sausage or scallops.