Wines of the Week

By Natalie MacLean

This week, I’m including five wines rather than just one as they’re all finalists for The Great Canadian Wine Match. Each wine has been chosen by an everyday wine drinker rather than an expert such as a sommelier or (gasp) wine writer. This people’s choice awards for wine recognizes the wines Canadians love from coast to coast.

These five particular wines are all excellent matches to a wide variety of chicken dishes, from grilled chicken to roasted or fried. I’ve tried them all, and they’re terrific! You can vote for your favourite wines until June 1 at the Best Canadian Chicken Wine. Cheers!

Gray Monk Ehrenfelser 2011
Okanagan, British Columbia

Valerie Stride of Vancouver, B.C., selected this wine because its “vibrant acidity creates a good backbone for its layers of fruit. Crisp apple, freshly squeezed lemon & lime, grapefruit and Bosc pear all play in your glass. I’d serve this wine with Chicken Piccata placed over a lightly tossed & seasoned angel hair pasta. Pardon my drooling.” Price: $19.99

Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2007
Niagara, Ontario

Darlene Meyers of Halifax, N.S. is championing this chardonnay because “it stands out as one of my favourites with chicken. While I like chicken with both red or white, Chardonnay has take the lead, and this one in particular because it’s rich and elegant and smooth. A fine Canadian wine. Price: $65


Cidrerie St-Nicolas Pom’Or Tradition Cider
Sai
nt-Nicolas, Quebec

Barbara Murphy of Toronto, Ontario, chose this cider because “it works so well with many chicken dishes given its juicy flavours with a very clean finish. Refreshing, excellent and versatile due its 2.8% alcohol content. It can be enjoyed with brunches, lunches, pork, seafood, celebrations and even lovely in a cocktail. Price: $12


Blomidon Chardonnay Reserve 2008
Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

Adam Bower of Halifax, N.S. first had this wine with a “four-course lobster dinner on a patio, but this wine can go surf or turf. Its green apple and citrus notes, combined with some smoky, nutty butterscotch from barrel aging, pairs perfectly with a Chicken Ballotine, chestnut stuffed free range with a truffle risotto, and sunchoke cream sauce. Price: $22

Casa Dea Pinot Gris Reserve 2009
Prince Edward County, Ontario

Joe Hache in Picton, Ontario likes this wine’s “fresh spring flowers and citrus notes on the nose. It’s lively with crisp mouth-watering acidity, with a dry, light body. This would pair beautifully with roasted chicken as the herbal components of the chicken would balance the acidity of the wine to make an awesome match! Price: $24