There are too many philistines who are still under the impression that Canadian wine sucks. Here are three bottles to bring them around.
Henry of Pelham Baco Noir 2010, $13.95
Baco Noir is a winter-hardy red grape that has found a welcome home in Ontario’s vineyards. Refrigerate for 45 minutes, then enjoy with juicy cheeseburgers.
Ponce notes: “While your brain spirals from the intensely fruity bouquet, your tongue is jolted with acidity. A bit jarring on its own, but brilliant with fatty fare off the grill.”
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $14.95
B.C. wines are tricky to find in the LCBO’s flag-waving section of Ontario juice. Pour this one, from the Okanagan Valley, with chilled asparagus soup.
Ponce notes: “Citrus, papaya, and pine needles on the nose yield to a tropical salad of passion fruit, kiwi, and mango on the tongue. While leaner Sauvignon Blancs get tiring after a glass, this bottle will disappear in a flash.”
PONCE PICK: Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2010, $17.95
Tawse recently won back-to-back winery of the year honours at the Wine Access Canadian Wine Awards. Serve this bottle from Vintages with saucy spare ribs.
Ponce notes: “An intoxicating nose of apricot, petrol, and honey transform into a yin-yang of ripe fruit and acidity. This gorgeously crafted Riesling makes it hard to go back to other whites.”
