Given this time of change, put your elbows up and show your pride with your wine glass!
I have proudly watched the Canadian wine industry blossom and grow since the late 1980s, when the VQA classification was introduced. Canada’s cool climate and diverse terroir allow for a wide range of styles of wines in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Ontario in the Niagara, Prince Edward County, and Lake Erie North Shore regions.
Did you know not all Ontario wines are created equally? You need to be cautious!
Wines certified as VQA in Ontario (Vintners Quality Alliance) must meet strict quality standards and made from 100% Ontario-grown grapes.
Another Ontario wine category is called International Domestic Blends (IDB). About three times more IDB than VQA wines are sold in Ontario. These wines are blended using both domestic and imported wines. Although parading as Ontario wines, they are required to have just 25% of Ontario grapes – the rest is imported in bulk. Look for the VQA symbol on the bottle to ensure you enjoy wines containing only locally grown grapes.
Easter weekend is a time for family gatherings and festive meals. The spread is often a mix of rich, savoury dishes, delicate spring vegetables, and sweet desserts. To complement this variety of flavours, here’s a mini selection of wines to elevate your Easter meal.
Elegant and Fruit Forward
Ontario’s Cabernet Franc wines are known for their red berry flavours, herbal notes and a slightly peppery finish. They are usually medium-bodied, with softer tannins compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. The Niagara Peninsula has a solid reputation for producing well-regarded Cabernet Franc wines. An excellent example is from Black Bank Hill, a craft winery in Beamsville, Ontario. The 20-acre vineyard has a focus for producing single-vineyard wines that reflect the local terroir. Just released at the winery, Black Bank Hill Winery Cabernet Franc 2022 is 100% estate-grown and was bottled unfiltered on July 26, 2024. It has a deep ruby colour, forward aromas of violets and plums, and soft tannins with a delicate and lingering spicy finish. Pair Black Bank Hill Winery Cabernet Franc 2022 with beef brisket, roast pork, ratatouille and aged cheeses. It is enjoyable now and can be cellared for at least another five years. Available at the winery where delivery is available. Shop early! Just 190 cases were produced!
Versatile and Popular
Depending on the style, Chardonnay offers both freshness and depth. Unoaked versions feature vibrant acidity with crisp apple and citrus flavours, making them perfect for seafood, roasted chicken, and creamy pasta dishes.
One classic version is Chablis, the esteemed white wine from Burgundy, in northeastern France, with limited production, high demand, meticulous winemaking, and a prestigious reputation. Chablis wines are crisp and mineral-driven. Just released in VINTAGES is Pascal Bouchard Le Classique Chablis 2023. It has aromas of fresh pears with a creaminess on the palate and ends with a crisp, lingering finish. Serve Pascal Bouchard Le Classique Chablis 2023 with various foods, including roast chicken, grilled fish, sushi, goat cheeses, and salads with citrus dressing.
Light Red
While Easter dishes often lean toward the lighter side, many enjoy the depth and complexity of red wines. You can opt for lighter reds that are still fruity but not overwhelming.
Carignan is a red grape variety that thrives in Chile, particularly in the warmer, dry regions such as the Maule Valley in the centre of the country. This is interesting because, while Carignan is often associated with regions like the southern Rhone in France or Spain, Chile’s distinct conditions allow this grape to develop in new and exciting ways. Historically, Carignan was used mainly in blends, but over time, it has gained recognition as a standalone varietal, thanks to the region’s ideal climate and terroir. The variety has deep, rich colours, dark fruits like blackberries and plums with vibrant acidity, earthy notes, spice, and robust tannins. New in VINTAGES is Bisquertt Crazy Rows Carignan 2023, handpicked from 70-year-old vines. The wine is bright and juicy, with forward aromas of fresh berries and balanced tannins. Enjoy Bisquertt Crazy Rows Carignan 2023 with roasted turkey, braised meats, aged hard cheese and grilled mushrooms.
Classic Reds
Saint-Émilion is a beautiful medieval town in the Bordeaux wine region of southwestern France. Known for its picturesque streets, ancient buildings, and stunning vineyards, Saint-Émilion is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its rich history and wine culture. The Saint-Émilion wine region is famous for producing some of the world’s most prestigious and high-quality red wines. The wines of this area are celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and ability to age beautifully.
In 1929, the Mestreguilhem family began producing wine in Saint- Émilion. Their flagship wine, Château Pipeau Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2020, is a VINTAGES Essential. The Saint-Émilion Grand Cru designation is given to wines made from vineyards in the Saint-Émilion appellation that meet specific strict criteria. These wines are typically of higher quality and can age for many years. Château Pipeau Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2020 is made from 90% Merlot and aged 18 months, including 12 months in 100% new French oak barrels. It is bright purple, with an intense forward nose and balanced, velvety tannins. Serve this classic with roast duck, grilled lamb, charcuterie boards and mature cheese. As a bonus, the wine will be $4.00 off between April 27 and May 24, 2025.
From the same family is award-winning gem Château Joinin 2022. The wine was released in VINTAGES on March 15. It is made from 95% Merlot and has black cherry aromas and flavours, balanced tannins, and a soft lingering finish. Enjoy with roast chicken, stews, roasted vegetables, tomato-based pasta dishes, and cheddar cheeses. At the sharp price of $14.95, it is fabulous value from the outstanding Bordeaux 2022 vintage. Shop soon; Château Joinin 2022 won’t last long!
Late Harvest Riesling
A medium-sweet late harvest Riesling is made from grapes left on the vine longer in the season to develop more sugar, leading to a wine with rich aromas of apricot and honey. The acidity of the wine cuts through the sweetness, offering balance and refreshment. Established in 1975, Inniskillin is Canada’s first estate winery. For decades, Inniskillin has crafted customer favourite, Inniskillin Late Autumn Riesling VQA. The wine has a forward nose, apple and honey aromas, crisp acidity and a lingering finish. Inniskillin Late Autumn Riesling VQA pairs wonderfully with richer Easter desserts including carrot cake, spiced cakes, or cheesecake.
Easter is a wonderful occasion to indulge in delicious meals with loved ones. Whatever your preference, there’s a perfect bottle to pair with your Easter feast. So raise a glass and celebrate the joy of this special time.
Cheers!
Shari 🥂
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