In honour of Ontario Wine Week, my palate has been dedicated to tasting various Ontario wines throughout the week. With 115 VQA wineries listed in the Wine Country Ontario Travel Guide 2015, there are so many wines to discover in the Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County, Lake Erie North Shore, and the emerging regions in Ontario.
Here are a handful of wines to consider trying, their particulars, and delicious dishes I have paired them with of late:
Calamus Estate Winery 2013 Pinot Gris
Appellation: Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula
Varietal/Blend: 100% Pinot Gris
Pairing: Shrimp and Asparagus Fettuccine in Garlic Olive Oil with Lemon Zest
Awards: Silver Medal—Finger Lakes
Cellaring: Drink now to 2016
Price: $16.95
Availability: Winery and Vintages
Colaneri Estate Winery 2011 Virtuoso
Appellation: Niagara Peninsula
Varietal/Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Pairing: Mushroom and Truffle filled pasta in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Cellaring: Drink now to 2019
Price: $24.95
Availability: Winery
Rockway Vineyards 2012 Small Lot Block 12-140 Syrah
Appellation: Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment
Varietal/Blend: 100% Syrah
Pairing: Bacon and Pepperoni Pizza
Awards: Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Ontario Wines; Gold Medal—Finger Lakes
Cellaring: Drink now to 2017
Price: $27.95
Availability: Winery
Karlo Estates 2010 Quintus
Appellation: Prince Edward County (PEC)
Varietal/Blend: 40% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot, 10% Malbec
Pairing: Grilled Ribeye Steak with Field Greens, Gorgonzola, 9-Year Aged Balsamic and Olive Oil
Cellaring: Drink now to 2020
Price: $35.00
Availability: Winery
Mike Weir Winery 2012 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay
Appellation: Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment
Varietal/Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Pairing: Chicken Pot Pie
Awards: Silver Medal—National Wine Awards of Canada
Cellaring: Drink now to 2017
Price: $20.25
Availability: Winery and Vintages
Beyond visiting Ontario wineries, VQA wine can now be sampled and sold in select Farmers' Markets. Where will your palate take you today?