Autumn is here. So, our wines need to pair with cooler weather foods such as roasts, ham, chicken, and turkey. Poultry is particularly interesting to pair. You would think matching wines with these meats would be an easy task. However, their flavours are influenced by the preparation method. For instance, stuffing the cavity with oranges, lemons, and limes infuses the meat with a delicate citrus flavour that calls for an unoaked Chardonnay or a Pinot Blanc. If you favour serving your chicken in a cream sauce or your turkey with richly herbed bread stuffing with plenty of butter, then an oaked Chardonnay would fare better. On the other hand, if you like to serve your chicken or turkey with fruit chutney or cranberries, then a lighter, fruity red like Gamay or Pinot Noir would do the trick. Try several pairing to find what you like.
Our Suggestions
Konzelmann Pinot
Blanc 2016
$14.95 (LCBO) | ★★★ ½
This medium bodied Niagara white had lots of citrusy grapefruit, apples, and a mineral crispness. It is quite food friendly for pairing. Try it with roast pork served with apple sauce or roast chicken stuffed with orange, lemon, and lime.
Redstone Chardonnay
Niagara Peninsula 2013
$25.70 (Vintages) | ★★★★ ½
Here’s an excellent white from Niagara. It’s full bodied with French oak and all the trimmings: cream, lemon, pineapple, vanilla, yellow apple, and nutmeg spiciness. You should match this with sautéed chicken served in heavy cream with sliced grapes or fettuccine alfredo.
13th Street June’s
Vineyard Riesling 2015
$19.95 (Vintages) | ★★★★
This Riesling showed very pleasant lime and peach notes with nice acidity to balance the residual sweetness. The little bit of sweetness would work well with a marmalade glazed ham. If you can’t find the 2015 in Vintages, do try the 2016.
Cave Spring
Gamay 2016
$16.95 (LCBO) | ★★★½
This fruity, very good Niagara red is a gem for food pairing since it has low tannins and excellent acidity. The full on red cherry and strawberry fruit in this medium bodied wine will pair beautifully with baked cheese and tomato pasta or pour it with your appetizers.
Henry of Pelham Estate
Pinot Noir 2016
$24.95 (Vintages) | ★★★½
One of their upper tier wines, it showcases Pinot fruit. Expect sour red cherries, berries, allspice, earth, and just a hint of leather. It should mesh wonderfully with your roast beef, oven roast salmon, or serve it with a cheese course.
Southbrook Framboise NV
$19.95 (LCBO) | ★★★½
A raspberry fruit wine (made without grapes) that needs to be chilled. It is sweet and has incredibly rich raspberry flavours, which are delicious with dark chocolate. Alternately, mix a dollop of it with sparkling wine to make a French style aperitif, Kir Framboise.
Ratings are out of a possible 5 stars.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or ideas regarding the article. Also, we would be pleased if you joined us at our monthly wine tasting event on Wednesday April 18 at 7-9 pm at Canvas and Cabernet in Barrie. Check my Facebook page @itrentmayers for details.
