Pair of charmers hail from Niagara
You might be a little wined out right now so why don’t we ease into the new year with somethings lighthearted. Easy drinking wines in fun packages. No, not more critter labels, but a pair of charmers from Niagara.
Stonechurch has been making wine in the Niagara-on-the-Lake region for ages, but has never done much to warrant our attention. However, last month while ‘LCBO browsing,’ my attention was drawn to very smart-looking Cabernet and Riesling offerings, by Stonechurch of course. Sexy Italian-looking bottles and lipstick smeared labels often mean ‘beware’ but not this time. Both these wines deliver a fun-style as suggested by their packaging.
The Riesling is a yummy, off-dry, anytime or party sipper. A cheerful partner for the months ahead.
The Cabernet is lively — Beaujolais inspired and laced with vanilla spicy sweetness. Another party sipper or wash-down for burgers or ribs.
My only word of caution is that these wines may not appeal to the purist. Their ripe, smooth character is more in keeping with something from a much warmer climate. Shades of Yellow Tail!
But they are really good drinks — which is more than can be said for a lot of the ‘celebrity’ local wines launched last year. It’s great to see Stonechurch showing some innovation, and spirit. Check out the back label food suggestion, “enjoy with the cuisine of your choice.” Right on.
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‘Billy’s Best Bottles Wines for 2008’ has 30 pages of tour and wine recommendations for Niagara and Prince Edward County wineries. My recommendations for this Saturday’s Vintages release are posted on www.billysbestbottles.com.
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