What wines will you be serving at your table for Thanksgiving this weekend? We are in the middle of the Taste Local campaign so there is no excuse to not be serving Ontario Wine with your Turkey this weekend.
Chardonnay is a slam dunk with Turkey. I personally prefer a Chardonnay that has been aged in Oak as you end up with something a little more complex and with a creamy texture that just plays well with all the gravy you’ve likely got on your plate.
2013 Flat Rock Good Kharma Chardonnay – Vintages 356873 – $16.95 – This will make a perfect addition to your table for Thanksgiving! A portion of the sale from each bottle goes to help the Ontario Association of Food Banks. Feel good story aside, this wine easily outperforms its price point. You have aromas of peach, apple with subtle pineapple and flavours to match. The finish on this wine is perfectly balanced flavours of vanilla but still balanced with nice acidity making this a very food friendly Chardonnay whether you’re matching it up with your Thanksgiving feast or sipping it on its own.
Pilliteri Canadian Gothic Chardonnay – LCBO 395624 – $12.95 – Light and Crisp with lots of Apple and Lemon flavours in this bottle. This is easy drinking and will definitely be a crowd pleaser. There is a bright and crisp finish to this wine that will help cut through the salts… if you’re one of the people that will be serving Ham this is a great match for that. Not to mention this wine has a snappy label and a great price that will make it stand out on your table.
Red wine can be a little trickier with your bird … and let’s face it we all have the stubborn Uncle who is going to insist on drinking Malbec or Cab Sauv with the Turkey (to each their own!). Full bodied reds don’t really stand up to the full spread of stuffing and mashed potatoes. I love serving Gamay and Pinot Noir. This year especially there are a couple of very nice, very well priced offerings in your local LCBO. Lighter red wine lets the fruit shine through … basically it’s like sipping on your cranberry sauce to enjoy with your turkey on every bite.
2010 Tawse Grower’s Blend Pinot Noir – Vintages 130989 – $24.95 – This is a beautiful Pinot loaded with Cherry and subtle vanilla on the finish. This wine drinks very smooth. I can’t wait to drink this with Turkey and Duck. Fantastically priced it easily out performs it’s price point. Even though this is drinking very well right now it is worth picking up a few bottles to enjoy over the next couple years.
2012 Rosewood Select Series Pinot Noir – Vintages 112177 – $21.95 – This may look like a new winery on the surface but it’s just the new fantastic labels from Rosewood. The wine inside the bottle matches the beautiful packaging on the outside. Very soft on the palate with loads of Raspberry, and Cherry. Well balanced with nice acidity makes this both food friendly and age-worthy. Drinking fantastic now right out of the bottle but should develop nicely over the next 6-8 years. This is easily one of the best values when it comes to Pinot from Ontario.
