Wines for Canada Day

July 1st marks Canada’s “birthday” which means many of us have the day off and an excuse to celebrate. Sadly, Canada Day doesn’t always equate to good weather, therefore, we at IconWines.ca have compiled a list of wines for you to enjoy no matter what Mother Nature sends your direction, whichever part of the country you find yourself in.

Sunny:

If it’s nice and hot where you are – and ideally that will be the case for most of us – then we have some heat-quenching wine suggestions for you to enjoy of a hot patio, deck or dock.

BC: CedarCreek 2009 Ehrenfelser - $18
Notes: A perfect complement to a hot day. Great acidity and tropical fruit. Sometimes this wine is hard to get so consider the Lake Breeze 2009 Pinot Blanc as a worthy alternative.

Ontario: Tawse 2009 Sketches of Niagara Riesling - $18
Notes: Happily available in both Ontario and BC. One of Niagara’s signature grapes. Ripe fruit and refreshing acidity.

USA: Pieropan 2009 Soave Classico - $12 (US)
Notes: This is a tasty Italian, light-to-medium bodied, food-friendly wine that displays citrus and mineral notes on the nose and palate. Full Review

Cloudy:

If it’s cloudy where you are, well, look on the bright side – at least it isn’t raining. Cloudy weather (assuming it’s also a bit cool) calls for something with a bit more presence as your senses aren’t being overloaded with sun and heat. A good Chardonnay in the cure.

BC: JoieFarm 2009 Un-Oaked Chardonnay - $24
Notes: As some of your fellow celebrators may be A-B-C folks, I suggest confusing them with this excellent un-oaked Chard from Naramata. Loaded with fruit and mineral flavours. Full Review

Ontario: Le Clos Jordanne 2007 Village Chardonnay - $25
Notes: This is the entry level Le Clos Jordanne which is a lovely blend of fruit from their various vineyards. Chardonnay is fast becoming a rival to the excellent Riesling found on the Niagara Peninsula.

USA: La Crema 2008 Sonoma Chardonnay - $15 (US)
Notes: For Canadians celebrating down in the US, do yourself a favor and pick this gem of a Chardonnay up at Costco immediately! It runs $40 CDN back home. Maybe the best $15(ish) you ever spend (on wine).

Rainy:

If it’s raining where you are – as it’s forecasted to do in Vancouver – then you may be spending a large portion of your Canada Day indoors. This calls for a soothing and cheerful red wine to lift your spirits.

BC: See-Ya-Later Ranch 2007 Rover - $25
Notes: Very well-priced Shiraz-Viognier blend. Full-bodied, warming spice and bright fruit wrapped within a bold, but structured frame of tannins. Full Review

Ontario: Inniskillin 2007 Reserve Cabernet Franc - $19
Notes: The Niagara Peninsula makes excellent Cabernet Francs, especially when the fruit ripens properly. 2007 was a good year for ripeness.

USA: Edge 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon - $16 (US)
Notes: This big California Cabernet will warm your soul on a dreary day. Look for it at your local Costco and laugh at Canada’s ridiculous import mark-ups (The Edge sells for $33 CDN in BC). Full Review

Have a wonderful and safe Canada Day celebration – wherever you are!
 - Liam Carrier