January 2005

Oh Canada!

by Martina Priadka

When it comes to trends in wine you have to wonder if you are drinking it because you are supposed to or because you like the taste of it. One way around this dilemma is to taste something that is so far off the trend path you will know for sure why you are drinking it. Enter, Canada.

The wines of Canada are not at all known if, in fact, people know that Canada makes wine at all. Ask anyone you know to name one wine from Canada and I guarantee you will be met with a blank stare and possibly some snickering. Of course, asking a sommelier does not count. Nor do skini readers who have read this article before you. Once you taste some of the wines recommended here, however, you will be one of the few who have enough experience to talk about Canadian wine and you will know what to order when you hit the restaurants in Whistler during your ski vacation (see travel).

So let’s go over the details. Canada is at the top of North America. Canada has long, cold winters. Canada has approximately 7,000 acres of lambrusca planted and a general palate for sweet wines. But Canada also has wine growing regions that are approximately on the same latitude as Tuscany. It has won awards for its Icewine, attracted talented wine makers from Napa Valley and has over 300 licensed wineries with more soon to come.

The truth is in the tasting however, so don’t take my word for it. Don’t take the word of Jancis Robinson who has raved about some Canadian wines such as those from Burrowing Owl Vineyard. Don’t listen to Robert Parker who has been noted talking great things about Canadian wines. Just go out and try some of these two wineries products and decide for yourself.


Pelee Island Winery: Pelee Island is located on Lake Erie and is the southern most part of Canada. Because of this, it has the longest growing season in all of Canada and also has the warmest climate. Having German winemakers adds to the styling of the white wines especially. Note the peach quality in their Reisling and the tropical notes in their Monarch Vidal.



Burrowing Owl Winery: In the northernmost tip of the Sonora desert, this vineyard uses alternative pest control methods to help control the delicate balance of the area. The winemaker, Bill Dyer, has worked with Sterling and Krug vineyards in Napa and is dedicated to making Burrowing Owl a world recognized name. The Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich and full flavored wine. Try the ’97, ’98, ’99 and 2000. The flavor range will start with cedar and tobacco then take you through currant, mint and blueberry.

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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