WineTalk Radio Welcomes Henry Of Pelham

We couldn’t be more excited to have Paul, Matthew and Daniel Speck from Henry of Pelham Winery in Niagara as the first guests of WineTalk Radio!

Saturday, April 4th, Erin and Courtney will sit down with the brothers to talk all things wine, what it’s like to work with your siblings, and how sometimes serious business decisions just have to be left to Rock-Paper-Scissors.

If you don’t already know about this iconic Ontario winery, read below and be sure to tune in Saturday at 3 or listen to the podcast if you’ve missed the live show.

A Little About Henry of Pelham

Henry of Pelham is owned by brothers Paul, Matthew and Daniel Speck. Founded by their parents in 1988 on land that was originally given to their great, great, great grandfather, Nicholas Smith 200 years earlier, the young brothers spent many weekends away from their urban Toronto home to clean up the property and plant modern vines. Some of those 20-something years old vines go into HOP’s Estate and Speck Family Reserve wines – which we are trying on the April 4 show (reviews and information below).

In 1993, Paul Sr. passed away after a long illness, leaving the winery to his three young sons. Since then Paul, Matt and Dan expanded to 300 acres of forest and vineyard land, all in the premium Short Hills Bench appellation, which which is cared for with a minimal footprint.

Entertaining with the Speck Brothers!

The Specks don’t only work together, they play together, too. Every holiday weekend each brother takes a turn entertaining the others at his home. They each bring an interesting wine (not necessarily their own), they think the others would enjoy, and whip up some delicious treats that have become family favourites.

This year, Matt and his wife, Jillian, are hosting the clan. On the menu? Easy and elegant roast salmon and potato gratin.

Even better? We think all three of the wines tried on WineTalk Radio would be terrific pairings for this menu.

Roast Salmon

• Skinless salmon fillet
• Finely chopped garlic
• Finely chopped ginger
• Soy Sauce
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven at 375 F
Place the salmon on a baking sheet, add all the ingredients on top. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve warm or room temperature. 

Potato & Leek Gratin

• 3 large leeks, finely sliced
• 2 lbs waxy potatoes, finely sliced
• 1 oz butter, plus extra
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ⅓ cup water
• Salt and pepper

Heat the butter in frying pan and cook the leeks gently for 5 minutes or until soft.
In a gratin dish, layer the potatoes, leeks, extra butter, salt and pepper and combined sour cream and water. Do another layer. Finish with a layer of potato and dots of butter.
Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden.

Wine List

Henry of Pelham is dedicated to growing and making the finest wines by focusing on constant improvements in the vineyards and winery, low yields and wines that have true elegance, finesse and age ability.

Speck Family Reserve Pinot Noir, VQA Short Hills Bench, 2009
$34.95 Select Vintages 657874

Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay, VQA Short Hills Bench, 2013
$29.95 Select Vintages 616466

Cuvée Catharine Rose Brut, VQA Niagara Peninsula, NV
$29.95 LCBO 217505