Wines for Canada Day 2011

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've compiled a list of wines for you to enjoy no matter what Mother Nature sends your way. Well, nearly whatever she sends your way. If it's snowing where you are then stay inside and pour yourself a scotch.

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.

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Gewurztraminer - $18
Off-dry and richly aromatic with mountains of spice on the medium intense nose and full palate. Stonefruit, citrus and peach fruit characters aplenty with a well-balanced, long finish.
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Fairview Cellars 2010 Sauvignon Blanc - $20
More complex than merely a clean, crisp summer sipper with some fullness on the palate from lush, oily Semillon fruit adding a hint of honeydew melon to the mix. A long finish with lingering tartness completes the satisfying experience.
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Nobilo 2008 Icon Sauvignon Blanc - $23
A tart, but not bombastic, fresh Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region that offers classic gooseberry and grass characaters as well as lush tropical fruits and a touch of lime zest.
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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 body as your senses aren’t being overloaded with sun and heat. A nice oaked Chardonnay is the cure.

Cupcake Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay - $15
This Chardonnay is rich, fruity and textured with just the right amount of residual sugar. Reminiscent of a health conscious mom using only half of the prescribed sugar when baking for her kids.
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River Stone Estate Winery 2010 Malbec Rosé - $20
The intense, dry, full-ish palate has mouth watering acidity, bold flavours of pomegranate, pink grapefruit and hints of balsamic vinegar with enough tannins to add texture and depth.
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Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 Renaissance Chardonnay - $28
A full-bodied, textured Chardonnay with layers of sultry, rich characters of melon, pineapple, butter-cream, vanilla, smoke and oak.
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Rainy
If it’s raining where you are 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.

Blackwood Lane 2008 Vicuna Roja - $24
This easy-drinking and charming wine offers decent complexity and mouth feel with intense characters of plum, cherry, cedar, spice and oak.
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Church and State Wines 2007 Pinot Noir - $26
Medium garnet in colour, this Pinot offers superb concentration of raspberry, cherry, savoury spice and earth note characters on the sublime nose and silky palate. Fully dry, yet veins of sweet fruit linger with spice on the long and refined finish.
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Mollydooker Wines 2008 The Boxer - $35
Smooth, integrated tannins and mouth watering acidity add to the packs-a-punch texture. A slight Port-like finish due to the massive concentration and touch of residual sugar.
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Have a wonderful and safe Canada Day celebration – wherever you are!
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca