Shari’s Picks – Three of Hearts Rosé, Henry of Pelham, Ontario, Canada.

With Canadian Thanksgiving in October, this is a wonderful time to reflect and enjoy the company of friends and family. We have so much be thankful for, and my family and I always look forward to this annual celebration.

Large gatherings can be tricky to pair with a wine that appeals to most. I always look for something that can be enjoyed by a crowd, match most of the food and won’t break the bank.

This Thanksgiving I will be serving my latest pick, a locally produced Rosé from Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery, located on the Short Hills Bench in Niagara, Ontario. The winery is owned and operated by three brothers, Paul, Matthew and Daniel Speck. The winery turned 30 last year, making Henry of Pelham one of the oldest wineries in Niagara.

Daniel Speck and I during a recent visit to the winery.

I had the pleasure of seeing this winery, and the brothers, grow as the years past. The winery is well recognized for producing some of the best Baco Noir red wines, world-class sparkling wines and many other delicious varietals from Ontario.

Many people think of Rosé as a wine just for the summer. This is not the case. Served chilled, Rosé is a magnificent and versatile food wine and can be also be enjoyed as an aperitif wine. It pairs well with a variety of appetizer foods, as well as Thanksgiving main dishes such as turkey with cranberry sauce and/or gravy, ham, salmon and vegetable casserole dishes.

Three of Hearts Rosé, Henry of Pelham is made mostly from Pinot Noir. It is refreshing and dry. It has a clean fresh nose with soft berry aromas, dry, balanced flavours, with good balance. I love the pale salmon colour of the wine. Honestly, it reminds me of the classics from Southern France!

Three of Hearts Rosé, Henry of Pelham, Ontario, Canada | 12% alc/vol | sugar 5g/l | 750 ml | cork finish | VINTAGES +552562 | $19.95

The packaging is unique and I appreciate all the details. The bottle shape is typical of that of a Rosé from Provence, France, the fashion leader of pale, dry, food friendly and fresh Rosé.

The name, Three Hearts Rosé, is romantic. Perhaps the name Three Hearts refers to the three brothers? Even the cork displays a heart at the top and messages along its side: Curious, Adventurous, Passionate!

If you get the chance visit Henry of Pelham’s charming coach house and taste their portfolio, you won’t be disappointed! The winery is located at 1469 Pelham Road, R.R.#1, St. Catharines, L2R 6P7.