There is no doubt that I drink all colours year round. Whites quench my thirst, rosĂ©s bring some sunshine to my day and reds always manage to bring a sense of comfort. But inevitably, seasons do affect what I tend to reach for. As the days get cooler and the amount of daylight reduces, full-bodied reds are what I tend to crave. I call it my vitamin D of wine. Didnât the doctor used to prescribe wine and alcohol as medicine in the past? Here are some Canadian wines that I prescribe to help you ease into the change of season. And a good album of music to go with it is mandatory. Wine-music therapy.
1) 2012 Orofino Red Bridge Red, Similkameen Valley
I often have my reserve for BC Merlot. They can at times be green and have that confusing mix of ripe and unripe flavours. This is certainly NOT the case here. I enjoy this wine year after year. Rich and unctuous with lush flavours of coco, plum, vanilla and cedar. My music combo? "Trusty and True" from Damien Rice (from My Favourite Faded Fantasy album). What I call the perfect Monday night. ($25, 14.6% alcohol)
2) 2013 C.C. Jentsch Cellars Syrah, Okanagan Valley
I had the honor to judge multiple wine competitions this year and this wine came out as a favourite multiple times (we taste blind). It has everything I love about the Syrahs from the Okanagan Valley - meaty with savoury notes of white pepper, violet, and plum. Full bodied and comforting, it reminds of a classic from the Northern RhĂŽne region. And of course some classic tunes to go with it. Bob Dylanâs Greatest Hits album is the perfect company for this wine. ($29.90, 13.9% alcohol)
3) 2014 Pearl Morissette Cabernet Franc Cuvée Persephone, Niagara Peninsula
Put a grape that does excessively well in the Niagara region together with a highly regarded producer like Pearl Morissette and you have something magical. Fresh and lively with savoury tannins and aromas of red cherries and slight floral and herbal notes. Open this when you are not in a rush and savour over a couple of hours. It keeps on changing from sip to sip. A bottle that will satisfy the wine intellect. Great with roasted pork and even better with the music of Tom Waits. I pick the âNighthawks at the Dinerâ album recorded in 1975. (I recommend to decant this wine). ($48.20, 13% alcohol)
