This week’s three picks certainly keep the theme of providing good cheer and versatile meal pairing, plus they’ll also pair nicely with the New Year.
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The holiday season continues, correct? Let’s make it so, because there has been so much fun and holiday wine, but not nearly enough time. Or at least not enough column space. This week’s three picks certainly keep the theme of providing good cheer and versatile meal pairing, plus they’ll also pair nicely with the New Year.
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Whispering Horse Winery 2023 L’Acadie Wild, B.C.
($26, available at the winery and select private wine stores)
If your New Year wine resolutions include trying new grapes and sipping more local, then this bottle is for you. L’Acadie blanc a Canadian hybrid grape, a crossing of Cascade and Seyve-Villard grapes created back in the 1950s in Ontario. Today the hardy cultivar is mostly associated with the wines of Nova Scotia, but Chilliwack’s Whispering Horse has a plot they planted in 2016. Only 25 cases of their L’Acadie Wild was produced for 2023, and it’s worth seeking out. Very aromatic, notes of citrus and orchard fruit abound. It’s engaging and robust, nice and textural before a fruity finish.
Bottom line: B, Great with soft-ripened cheese.
Pierre Sparr 2022 Grande Réserve Gewürztraminer, France
($26.99, available at select private wine stores)
Keeping on the aromatic white wine theme, another gregarious bottle enjoyed over the holidays was this classic Alsatian Gewürztraminer. It ably provides all the aromatic feels that only Gewürztraminer can bring: a heady melange of tropical fruit, flowers, and honey-dipped, dewy mornings. A sniff can’t help but put a smile on the lips. Off-dry and luxurious with a fetching bright golden colour met by redolence and balance, it brings old school, timeless elegance followed by a lick of spice to finish. Food-wise, it calls to be paired with baked ham or leftovers in a quiche, or foie gras if feeling fancy.
Bottom line: B+, Engages all the senses.
Chronos 2020 Syrah, B.C.
($34.99, available through the winery and select private wine stores)
Sumptuous Syrah can soothe both the palate and the soul on a cold winter’s night. Which is certainly the case with this bottle of Chronos Syrah from the Okanagan’s Time Family of Wines. Pouring a deep purple black in the glass, it brings aromas of dark fruit and baking spice with a smooth, medium-body. Fermented in three open top tanks with daily punch downs, it’s supple Syrah, a touch finessed overall until savoury, herbal tones build on a balanced and fruity finish. This engaging red makes a great partner to barbecued ribs, saucy tacos, or stew.
Bottom line: B+, Also pairs with a fireside book.
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