Category: Riesling

Happy Gobble Gobble!

Thanksgiving is around the corner and I know that I’ll be thankful for that wonderful bottle of wine, of which I have yet to choose! Whether you’re having a quiet thanksgiving at home, celebrating with friends or looking for some magic elixir to make family time a happy time, there certainly is a wine for the occasion. I have to admit that I’m not a foodie. I mean, I love to eat and I love great food but I often prefer to focus more on the wine than the actual pairing of it with food. I bet a few of you just gasped at that! Hopefully not. 🙂

Really, any wine that you enjoy would probably be a good choice. Here are some typical varieties that are often suggested for a turkey dinner…then lunch…lunch again….sick of turkey yet? You will be!

Sparkling wine from Burgundy
Made from Pinot Noir and Gamay
$18.95

Elk Cove Pinot Noir
Oregon
$36.95

Pinot Noir : Always a classic pairing with turkey. Try something from Oregon or Burgundy.

Sparkling Wine: Better yet, have a sparkling Rose!

Beaujolais: Made from the Gamay grape. Try a “Cru” wine (eg. Brouilly, Morgon) and serve slightly chilled. Ontario also has some fabulous Gamay.

Beaujolais Wine $18.95

A lovely Syrah
E. Guigal
Crozes Hermitage
$24.95

Have a blended white!
Henry of Pelham
Family Tree White
$17.95
Syrah: Try a Syrah from the Northern Rhone region of France.


Riesling: Great with food. Try an Ontario Riesling! If you want a slightly off-dry style (but not too sweet, save that for dessert), then try a German “Kabinett” Riesling.


Tawse Sketches of Niagara
Chardonnay $19.95
Gewurtztraminer: The spiciness of this grape variety should go nicely with gravy. Mmm…gravy.

If you want some other whites, try an Albarino, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris or a Viognier. Why not try a Rose wine? There is so much that you can do to pair your wine with the holiday bird. Whichever wine you decide on, just make sure to enjoy it with great company. Happy Thanksgiving!

Tasting Notes – Oct.19, 2009

Tenuta Di Capraia Chianti Classico 2006 $19.95
Not too much going in terms of complexity but it is enjoyable. A nice Chianti for just under $20. This wine is simple yet tasty and may be further aged for another 2-4 years. Some earth, cedar and fruit aromas and on the palate it is dry and full-bodied. What is Chianti you ask? Chianti is the classic wine of Tuscany. Chianti Classico is a region of Tuscany, Italy (you’ll also find other regions such as Chianti Rufina, Chianti Colli Senesi). Other classic wines of Italy that you may have heard of are Barolo and Amarone. The main grape variety to make a Chianti is Sangiovese although small percentages of other grape varieties may be blended into the wine (Sangiovese must remain the dominant grape variety in the final wine). This wine is 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot. Drink this with roast leg of lamb, steak, beef stews or rich pasta sauces. Mmm! Mama Mia!

Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Single Vineyard Riesling 2008 $14.95
This wine is from the Eden Valley located in South-Eastern Australia. The Eden Valley is a cooler region and is known for Riesling. This wine is crisp and refreshing. It has lots of fruit with citrus and lime flavour with some floral aromas. I enjoyed this Riesling and for the money, it’s a good value.