The label may not be familiar but I assure you these are VQA wines. There is a company called Sideroad Twenty, they carry an impressive portfolio of Ontario wines that can be ordered and shipped right to your door. They carry wines from Malivoire, Creekside, Lailey, Cooper’s Hawk, Henry of Pelham and a few more. The thing that really has me hooked about Sideroad is they also have a wine club with several options. You can subscribe to the club to get New and Unique releases, get a case of wine to match the seasons or even sign up to get wine and books paired up. More information can be found at SR20.ca. But if you’re not convinced to sign up for the club you can check out their in-house label called Red Tractor.
2012 Merlot – If you’re a skeptic of Ontario Merlot this would be a great wine to ease your way back to the grape. There is a lot of ripe fruit in this bottle flavours of Raspberry, Cherry and Plum. While there are nice barrel flavours and smokiness in this wine it is definitely the fruit that drives it. A Merlot like this is great for the summer because it is begging to be paired with Red Meat off the grill whether it’s a humble hamburger or an expensive steak.
2013 Riesling – $16.99 – This is a very tasty, well balanced Riesling. Lots of Apple with Lemon Rind and nice crisp acidity on the finish. Great value here at this price. This is a good, typical example of Ontario Riesling. Food pairings would be lighter chicken dishes either from the grill, pan or deep fryer. Nice and balanced this is the sort of Riesling that needs no food to enjoy. Pop open a bottle on a hot day and enjoy with the weather.
2013 Riesling Gewurztraminer – $12.99 – The “G” wine does not make it to the top of many peoples favorite wine lists but I feel that’s an oversight. I’m a huge fan of Gewurztraminer in the winter with Perogies and Sausages because the higher acidity and slight sweetness cuts right through the fat and salt. The great thing about this wine is the floral intensity that you usually find in Gewurz is subdued and integrated well with flavours of Apple and Lemon. This will make a great patio sipper or a companion to spicy asian cuisine or sushi. Oh… and did you check out the price?
