Wines to Weather Any Storm
The other day Environment Canada released its top 10 weather stories for 2013.
We were reading this recap amid a freezing rain storm in Toronto, holed up in our homes as power outages affected TTC, businesses and 250-thousand residences. This latest TKO from Mother Nature arrived only days after the first snowstorm of the season blew into the city bringing the humbling, helpless experience that only truly awesome weather is able.
While taking refuge under blankets and grateful for fully charged batteries on ipads and phones, it got us to thinking that while being out in a storm can be frightening, exhausting and frustrating, when you are cozy and warm inside, storms can be a beautiful thing to celebrate with a roaring fire, plate of cheese, and of course, exceptional wine worthy of such an occasion.
As the wind clacked the frozen branches of trees precariously weighted down in gorgeous ice, we brainstormed what wines are appropriate when the weather outside is frightful.
Ice Storms
Realizing for many of us without power, it will be a dinner of straight-from-the-fridge fare, we’re opting for the hearty and soul-warming red of a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, for its robust weight and bright cherry, chocolate and dried herb flavours.
We like: Salchetto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy 2008 $27.95 Vintages 685180
Snowstorms
You just can’t beat the romantic beauty of a snowstorm (provided you’re not navigating the 401 when it’s happening).
Cozy inside with a movie, blanket and a fire, this calls for bold red to sooth your soul and distract your thoughts from the hours of backbreaking shovelling that is waiting for you tomorrow morning.
A Spanish red, with its mix of earth and fruit, fine tannin and vibrant acidity is our choice for winter storms, just the thought alone brings a smile to our winter-weary hearts.
We Like: Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos, Do Bierzo, Spain 2011 $24.95 Vintages 675207
Floods and rainstorms
Floods were the big story of 2013 says Environment Canada, as rising waters devastated parts of Calgary, Toronto and Ontario cottage country – and threatened to, but ultimately didn’t, wreak havoc on Manitoba’s Red River Valley.
In July, a brilliant lightning show tore up the sky across Lake Ontario as rains belted parts of the southern end of the province. Coincidentally, it was the opening night of Niagara’s International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration, where the outdoor festivities quickly turned soggy, but spirits, like rainwater, remained high, even when lightning knocked out a transformer leaving the event powerless for much of the following day.
Well, when at i4c, do as the i4c-ers do and raise a glass of focused, elegant and nuanced Chardonnay.
We Like: Lighthall Reserve Chardonnay, VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario 2010 $25 Vintages 278226
Heat waves
Environment Canada reports BC had one of its warmest, driest summers in a number of years – with zero rainfall in Vancouver and Victoria in July. West Coast farmers also experienced a banner year with mercifully ideal growing conditions.
To beat the heat, we reach for a refreshing glass of berry and mineral-driven rosé. Bright, fresh and clean it’s a tasty way to keep your cool when the heat is on.
We Like: Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir Rosé, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara 2012 $13.75 Vintages 39974
Wind warnings
As many as 22 tornadoes ripped through Ontario, about 40 across the country, the latest happening near Ottawa just last month.
To wait out a windstorm, which generally happens in the warmer months, we go for a lighter, quaffable white that brings pleasure, but isn’t too serious, since we are likely to be distracted by other pressing matters, like falling trees.
We Like: Michele Chiarlo “Le Marne” Gavi, Piedmont, Italy 2012 $15.95 Vintages 228528
The first warm day of the year
Ok, so this isn’t a storm per se, but it is an eagerly anticipated weather event, as Canadians who’ve been holed up indoors and weighted down with parkas, boots, hats and mitts are chomping at the bit to shed the layers. So when the mercury pushes above freezing, and you declare patio season has begun, a good wine to have inside your glass would be a Baco Noir.
As Canadian as wearing shorts in 5 degree weather, this hearty, spicy, soul-warming red will help fortify you against the elements, because, let’s face it, it’s not really all that warm. But we do give you full marks for enthusiasm.
We Like: Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir, VQA Ontario $24.95 Vintages 461699
The first cold day of the year
A day we greet with almost as much enthusiasm as the first warm day of the year, brisk fall evenings seem to come out of nowhere, suggesting it’s time to get serious, dig out your sweaters and put that pot of chilli on the stove for some stick to your ribs goodness. To greet autumn, go for Gamay. Food friendly, with vibrant acidity, low tannin and a mix of berry freshness and subtle earthy tones, this is a great option for fall fare.