What better way to ring in the season than a Black and White Christmas Gala? This event was held last week in Oakville by the Oakville Wine Enthusiasts Club. It was an excellent evening filled with wine, spirits, brew, food, photos by Matrix Photo Design, music by New Hollywood, dancing, and more wine with fellow wine enthusiasts! The evening began with a Sparkling Rosé, a versatile wine which was paired with a variety of appetizers including shrimp cocktail, meatballs, bocconcini, prosciutto, chicken skewers, and salmon canapés. Many local wineries and wine agencies supplied wine for tasting and purchase.
OWEC Black and White Christmas GalaOWEC Black and White Christmas Gala
Photo credit: © C. Silversides
OWEC Black and White Christmas GalaOWEC Black and White Christmas Gala
Photo credit: © C. Silversides
Victorica Wines brought Buenas Ondas wines including their organic Malbec from Argentina, and some delicious offerings from Cesar Toxqui Cellars, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir from California's Russian River Valley. Stem Wine Group poured wines from Italy including a Primitivo - delizioso, and "The Rule" Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California.
Reif Estate Winery from the Niagara Peninsula, Karlo Estates from Prince Edward County (PEC), Pelee Island Winery, Sprucewood Shores, and Colchester Ridge Estate Winery (CREW) Lake Erie North Shore (LENS), are just some of the Ontario wineries who brought their wine to the gala.
OWEC Black and White Christmas GalaOWEC Black and White Christmas Gala
Photo credit: © C. Silversides
Have you noticed a common theme with the wines I have mentioned? You can find Cabernet Sauvignon in almost every wine producing country. Although this grape grows best in moderate to warm climates where it can get the sun hours needed for ripening, and the best chance of being made into a quality wine. A good place to look locally for this varietal wine is the LENS appellation, which is the warmest viticultural area in Ontario, or in the Niagara-on-the-Lake regional appellation of the Niagara Peninsula during one of the warmer vintages.
These areas produce a medium to full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with firm tannins, balanced acidity, and medium to long finish. Typical notes are of black currants, sometimes green bell pepper, mint, and cedar. Pair with grilled or roasted meats, leg of lamb, filet mignon, rare steaks, game, wild mushrooms, also cheeses like old cheddar, gouda, gorgonzola, and parmesan.
Beyond wine, we had the opportunity to try Scottish Ale brewed in the Highlands of Ontario from the Highlander Brew Co. One of my personal favourites is their Blacksmith Smoked Porter. Dionysus Wines & Spirits brought us Warre's Port and Angostura Rum, yum.
So there you have it: Oakville, Gala, Wine
