In Vino Veritas
If you are looking for a wine to celebrate the recent release of grades or to provide some relief from the stress of securing summer employment, this feature is for you!
This month we have chosen to review Ontario wines. Given the current lockdown, now is a great time to showcase some Ontario wines that can be found at your local LCBO or Wine Rack.
Ontario isn’t necessarily known worldwide for its wineries; however, to ignore some of
the excellent wines that Ontario has to offer would be a major mistake! Prince Edward County is a fairly new wine producing region and is known for its innovation.The region has an impressive array of wineries which produce well known white wines, as well as sparkling varieties. Meanwhile, the Niagara region is home to some of Canada’s most popular wineries. Whether it’s red, white, rose or ice wines, Niagara has a lot to offer.
The reviews this month attempt to highlight a diverse range of wines from the regions mentioned above. For those looking to cut down on sugar, Tom reviews a unique red wine with zero sugar. If you are looking for a palatable red wine, Angela and Reya review two different Niagara region picks. Finally, if you are in search of some celebration for the end of the first semester, Sawyer discusses a sparkling white wine from the Niagara region that is perfect for such an occasion.
Tom Russell
BASK Pinot Noir
Available at the LCBO for $12.95
Pinot Noir is a red wine grape variety grown around the world in cooler climates. In Canada, Pinot Noir is mainly grown in Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. However, Ontario is the proud producer of BASK Pinot Noir. This wine has beautiful pale garnet colour and aromas of dark cherry. I noted delicious flavours of dark berry and subtle citrus. To top it off, the Bask Pinot Noir contains a whopping 0 grams of sugar. Pair this wine with fish, roasted vegetables, or cheese.
Angela Gu
Malivoire Farmstead Gamay 2019
Available at the LCBO for $19.95
This pale ruby wine from the Niagara Peninsula is kind of like springtime. It’s lightly floral on the nose (“Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking”). A first sip reveals some bright acidity, with a bit of raspberry, a tad of fresh earthiness, and light peppery notes to finish. This Gamay is light-bodied, as expected; its flavours are less forthcoming, more hesitant, and as ephemeral as spring itself. It pairs well with black olive tapenade on fluffy naan, and dried figs. Keep this one in mind for when picnic weather rolls around.
Reya Manerikar
Family Tree ‘The Bootlegger’ Baco Noir
Available at the LCBO for $17.95
Baco Noir is a hybrid grape with French-American roots. While not super well-known, Baco Noir is a widely planted varietal in Ontario. These wines tend to be smooth and medium-bodied and The Bootlegger is no exception. Lacking the tannins you would find in a Cab Sauv or a Zinfandel, The Bootlegger provides a silky-soft mouthfeel. Plum and juicy blackberries are the predominant flavours, meaning that it pairs perfectly with dark chocolate or blue cheese.
Sawyer Peloso
Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Brut
Available at the LCBO for $32.95
This sparkling white wine from the Niagara region is a flavourful wine. Visually, it is light golden and airy. On the palate, it provides a bold initial taste, with hints of sour apple and strawberries. The finish is slightly dry, and the taste of sour apple lingers, which is quite enjoyable. It is not as acidic as many other sparkling whites, and therefore will pair well with a variety of different foods. The low acidity and fruity flavours ultimately make it a great and palatable wine, perfect for a celebration!
