Canadian sumer is here and Canada's 150th birthday is approaching! Today Meaghan Carey, author of our Canadian Wine series, shows us that no matter how you choose to celebrate, there's a perfect wine pairing for that. Meaghan has selected wines from vineyards across Canada to make your Canada Day long weekend (and your whole summer) all the more special.
With the ever-expanding offerings of quality Canadian wines, celebrating Canada Day (and our entire summer) with Canadian wine in your glass is easier than ever. So from east to west, from red to white, and everything in between, here are six wines to celebrate Canada’s 150th, each paired with your favourite long weekend activity.
Because what goes together better than summer long weekends and glasses of wine, eh?
The Perfect Weekend at the Cottage Wine
Mission Hill — 5 Vineyards Pinot Noir
What do a long weekend at a cottage and Mission Hill 5 Vineyards Pinot Noir have in common? They are universally, unconditionally loved by all. The tasting notes for this wine call it “… the perfect guest” just like you will aim to be, or host, over the long weekend. A friendly and flexible wine that will go with any activity or any meal all weekend long. This British Columbia Pinot Noir is very balanced, with plenty of ripe red fruit and a slight spice. The soft tannins make this wine very approachable to all. It opens up beautifully with a slight chill.
The Best Canadian Wine For a Picnic
Benjamin Bridge — Nova 7
With the abundance of activities planned across Canada, it's a great weekend to put on your walking shoes, pack a lunch and celebrate life! Add a little bit of exuberance to your day with the bright and fun Benjamin Bridge Nova 7. This wine will remind you not to take life (or wine) too seriously. The tenth vintage of this Nova Scotian lightly sparkling, off-dry wine embraces natural elements for the first time, as the wine is fermented with wild yeasts. With a low alcohol content (6.5%) this wine makes for a lovely summertime aperitif paired with your favourite Canadian brie.
A great Canadian Wine Choice for a BBQ
The Foreign Affair Winery — The Conspiracy
If a backyard or patio BBQ is how you’ll be spending your long weekend, then look no further than The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy. This Niagara red is value priced and the perfect match to grilled red meats, wood fire pizzas and roasted mushrooms (read: something for every guest!). The Conspiracy is produced following the Ripasso method from Italy's Veneto region, which uses dried grapes to add richness and depth to the wine. The wine boasts a rich nose full of black cherry, plum and herbs. Medium body, with soft tannins, this wine loves food and will love your next BBQ!
A Lobster Boil Wine Choice
Gaspereau Vineyards — Tidal Bay
Any Maritimer will tell you it isn’t Canada Day without lobster! So if your celebrations are adopting an east coast theme, then an east coast wine is needed to complete the party. Tidal Bay is the first wine appellation for Nova Scotia. The wines are characterized as a crisp, aromatic blend of 100 percent Nova Scotian grown white grapes. Tidal Bay displays the unique characteristics of the cool climate region and pairs perfectly with the seafood they are known for. Gaspereau Vineyards Tidal Bay is beautifully aromatic, with a balanced, but lively acidity making the ideal pairing for Atlantic lobster.
A Wine For Long Weekend Fireworks
Summerhill Winery — Cipes Brut
Take in what are sure to be impressive fireworks displays across Canada while toasting our wonderful nation with some bubbles from Canada’s first "Champagne House" — Summerhill Winery and their iconic Cipes Brut. This classic British Columbia sparkling wine is made in the traditional method from organic Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc and just celebrated the release of the 25th vintage Fall 2016. With luscious aromas of apple, pear, almonds and grapefruit, on the palate Cipes Brut exhibits crisp acidity, a soft, creamy mousse, and a long finish that will take you through to the last twinkle in the sky.
Which Wine For Roasting S’mores?
Stratus — Red Icewine
Keep the red theme strong Canada Day weekend with the fun pairing of Stratus Red Icewine and dark chocolate s’mores. If you've never tried red icewine Stratus’s offering is a great introduction. Stratus Red Icewine is stunningly complex with enticing floral notes, lush ripe strawberries and ginger spice. This wine will be the sweetest way to wrap up a Canada Day celebration!
MORE READING
- Choosing the Right Wine Glass - The Wine Glass Conundrum!
- Canadian Wine: Niagara Region’s Hidden Bench Winery
- Canadian Wine: Nova Scotia’s Planters Ridge Winery
- Canadian Wine: The Okanagan Valley's Tinhorn Creek Vineyards
The Canadian Summer Wine Guide was written by Meaghan Carey. Meaghan shares her musings on life as she attempts to cook good food for family and friends from her small kitchen, on her blog Un Assaggio of Food, Wine and Marriage. Raised in Cape Breton, Meaghan returns home as much as possible and loves to welcome friends to this picturesque corner of Canada each summer. Connect with Meaghan on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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