Make Your Tuesday Sparkle

One of the reasons why the wine world is so fascinating is that there are so many great stories about how wineries got started, and the philosophy that drives them.  Diamond Estates is a company that brings together a wide variety of wines (plus other refreshing beverages) from Canada, and around the world.  The two men who founded the company met playing amateur baseball.  Signifying a commitment to quality, and to recognize their shared pastime, Andrew and Murray christened their joint venture Diamond Estates.

Two of the wine brands under the Diamond umbrella are Fresh and 20 Bees.  Both brands are produced in Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is part of the Niagara Peninsula, and an area known for high-quality winemaking.

In my world, it is always time for a glass of bubbly.  A simple, idle Tuesday is a worthy-enough occasion.  When I’m entertaining, it’s my go-to offering when guests first arrive, and I love that I can keep serving it throughout a party, because it’s so versatile.  Diamond Estates produces two VQA sparkling wines that I recommend for casual summer sipping, and for making fun, fizzy cocktails.

The first, 20 Bees Buzz & Bubbles, smells of lemon zest, green apple, and powdered hard candies.  There are delicate, fresh flavours of red apple skin, almond, lemon zest, fresh ginger, and Bartlett pear.  Grilled garlic shrimp and green salad would be perfect partners.

For something pink, try Fresh Sparkling Rosé, with fruity notes of strawberry, fresh orange, and rose petals.  This bubbly is off-dry, and tastes of strawberry, raspberry, lime zest, cream soda, and marzipan.  Use this as the base for a different kind of sangria, whip up some savoury bites, and relax.

Happy sipping.

Sue Sterling is the founder of Sterling Wine Consultants, which offers professional, objective advice designed to make wine uncomplicated for those who are new to wine, along with sophisticated insights for long-time wine lovers. She tweets at @sterlingtalk.