I am the kind of guy that likes to Barbeque year round. Growing up in Saskatchewan shoveling the yard meant clearing the driveway for the car and clearing a path from the back door to the BBQ. Needless to say that regardless of the season my Dad is king of the grill. For Father’s Day I like to focus on wines that will pair well with grilled foods… this year I am focussing on the Gamay grape, more specifically Beaujolais.
Gamay doesn’t exactly have a great reputation these days. The third Thursday in November is the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau, an event that I away each year with anticipation, however if you have a serious “wine snob” in your midst the mere mention of Beaujolais is enough to have them look down their nose. Consider me one of few advocates but I love Gamay. In fact, you will see many great Gamay’s coming from Ontario at a great price both in the regular list and vintages section of the LCBO. Gamay is making a comeback! You have many wineries that are leading the charge with some very “serious” wines hitting the shelves (Malivoire, Cave Spring, 13th Street, Tawse to name a few) Filled will flavours of Cherry and Pepper while not being a heavy Red wine there is a lot in this wine that makes it a perfect mate for just about anything off the grill. Being that it is a lighter Red wine you should have no problems pairing this with Chicken or well seasoned Fish.
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages 2011 – LCBO 122077 – $12.95 – A nose that is almost damp and heavy with ripe Cherry. The flavours match the nose with strong notes of black pepper. This wine is very dry with a nice clean refreshing finish. This will pair perfect with a great peppered steak.
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais 2010 – LCBO 212480 – $11.95 – Lots of red berry in this with flavours of sour cherry. I found the aromas in this to be a little smokey making it seem a little heavier than most Beaujolais. Very easy drinking with black pepper flavours buried underneath strong fruit. This wine has a nice acidity as well adding to it’s versatility with food.
… I also need to re-print my Review of the Cave Spring Gamay that I mentioned last week.
(June 1) – 2011 Cave Spring Gamay – LCBO 228569 – $14.95 – This Gamay is fantastic, easy drinking, and I would recommend this wine at any price … but the 15 dollar price point really makes this wine a steal. Very ripe, juicy fruit flavours cover your palette feeling just like taking a bite of Cherry Pie. The finish has a subtle spiciness to it that is typical of Gamay. This wine is very versatile to pair with food and should match with just about anything you could serve off a BBQ.
