As we approach the grape harvest in Canadian wine regions across the country, it's a great opportunity to try some of our best bottles. Here are 10 to get you thinking of those leafy vines and a weekend getaway.
Terrific quality and taste for the price! Toasty, refreshing and classic. Serve this at New Year's or a wedding with pride. Toasty with green apple goodness and a lovely and persistent mousse. This is classic and elegant with the right finesse for any celebration. Pair this zesty sparkling wine with lobster, crab, shrimp, oysters and grilled calamari seafood platter. Pair with: caviar, tempura, sushi or smoked trout. Drink: 2013-2015. 234161 12% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. June 21, 2013 Scrumptious Seafood Wine
Perfect gewurz, especially at this price! Gorgeous aromas of lychee, rose petal and a hint of spices. Great for Asiana and spicy dishes. Exotic and fantastic. Pair with: Asian chicken salad, autumn hodge-podge. Drink: 2013-2017. 302059 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100.Spectacular Spicy Wine
Lemon zesty with smoky, buttery oak in balance. Full-bodied and generous. A sublimely concentrated and voluptuous white wine: This is clearly one of Canada's benchmark Chardonnays. The nose offers enticing aromas of baked apples, hazenut, toasted almond, green apple and Asian pear. Layer after layer unfurls on the palate. Dive in and don't look back! Pair with: stuffed chicken breast, cheese fondue, basil pesto, prawn bisque. Drink: 2013-2018. 148866 12.50% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 91/100 Charming Chicken Wine
White peach, light petrol and white floral notes on this very pretty white. Great mouth-watering acidity for seafood and shellfish. Medium-bodied and delightful. Also works as an aperitif. Pair with: seafood, Asian chicken salad, risotto, black bean with bacon soup, shellfish. Drink: 2013-2016. 251439 10.50% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. August 30, 2013 Scrumptious Seafood Wine
Double yum! Toffee and baking spice nose opens up into sensory vistas of ripe fleshy peach, pear and a voluptuous butterscotch infused finish. Full-bodied and delicious! Pair with: prawn bisque, top sirloin beef, cheese fondue, stuffed chicken breast. Drink: 2013-2015. 586347 13.90% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. August 30, 2013 Best Beef Wine
Full-bodied pinot with lots of toasty oak. It's supported by velvet cushions of fleshy ripe cherries. Pair with: avocado and papaya salad, grilled radicchio, basil pesto, frittata. Drink: 2013-2017. 274753 13% XD 750 mL $38.20 Score: 91/100. August 30, 2013 Splendid Salad Wine
This is my favourite wine from this winery, year after year. Its exuberant energy and power come from a complex weave of nuances: truffles, black cherry, violets, cedar box and dark spices. Brooding and temperamental: love it! Pair with: avocado and papaya salad, grilled radicchio, basil pesto, frittata. Drink: 2013-2019. 33951 13% D 750 mL $35.00 Score: 92/100. August 30, 2013 Splendid Salad Wine
See just how good gamay can be with this fantastic wine! Gorgeous layers of silky red berries, spice and mocha richness on the finish. Liquid velvet and lots of hedonistic pleasure. Serve it at your next potluck gathering. Drink: 2013-2015. 591313 12% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. August 30, 2013
A full-bodied red with pleasant mocha and dark fruit notes. Pair with: grilled steaks with mushrooms. Drink: 2013-2015. 130252 13% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. September 14, 2013 Best Beef Wine
Luscious, round cherry-berry aromas. A happy, jubilant wine with medium body and satin texture. So versatile with food. Pair with: veal medallions, avocado and papaya salad, grilled radicchio, basil pesto, frittata. Drink: 2013-2016. 997353 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. August 30, 2013 Voluptuous Veal Wine