Sauvignon Blanc

Let’s start with a classic- Sauvignon Blanc. First widely planted in France, Sauvignon Blanc wines are tart and citrus-driven with fruit flavours such as honeydew, melon, passion fruit and kiwi. They also have herbaceous qualities as you can often taste grass, mint, or green pepper in each sip. If you’re new to wine, Sauvignon Blancs are a great place to begin your journey.

Popular food pairings include: fish, chicken, pork, veal, Mexican and Vietnamese. Sauvignon Blancs also pair nicely with goat cheeses and nutty cheeses like Gruyère.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is known for being a winemaker’s grape- it can grow in different climates and it encourages winemakers to explore their creativity. It can be made light and elegant, or full-bodied and buttery! Known for its yellow citrus flavours, Chardonnay is classified as a medium to full-bodied white wine. It’s also known for its pomaceous and tropical fruit flavours. You may even find a touch of butterscotch, vanilla, or toasted caramel notes from oak. When oak-aged, wine lovers will discover spicy notes, whereas unoaked wines are lighter and zesty with apple and citrus flavours. 

Popular food pairings include: shrimp, lobster, crab, pork, chicken, mushroom, and soft or medium cheeses such as brie or Gruyère.

Riesling

Riesling is a light-bodied, high acid, white wine that is very versatile when it comes to its food pairings. At first taste, there are often intense aromas that rise from the glass- even when the wine is ice cold. Expect prominent flavours such as Citrus (kefir lime, lemon juice) and stone-fruit (white peach, nectarine) that are accompanied by floral and sweet herbal elements. In addition to fruity notes, Rieslings often carry characteristics of honeycomb, jasmine, or lime peel. There are also many Rieslings with different levels of sweetness as some winemakers select to not fully ferment the grape sugar, resulting in a dryer product. 

Popular food pairings: chicken, duck, turkey, pork, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, German. Pairs well with rind cheeses and fondue.

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are interchangeable. The relationship between the two names comes from the wine having cultural significance in both France and Italy. This light-bodied, dry grape is also planted frequently throughout Germany. Regardless of what you choose to call it, you can expect to experience a delicate citrus flavour, accompanied by pomaceous fruit flavours with white floral notes. While it is officially classified as a white grape, it has a greyish-blue, light purple colour and is a close relative of pinot noir. If you’re looking for a refreshing wine with zesty acidity, we suggest Closson Chase’s 2021 Ridge Vinyard Pinot Gris. 

Pairs well with: light and mild cheeses, salad, and delicate poached fish.

Pinot Noir

The name Pinot Noir perfectly describes this lighter-bodied red wine. It’s made from black grapes that thrive in colder climates and clusters together into pine cone shapes on the vine. Brought to the world by Cistercian Monks from Burgundy, France over a century ago, Pinot Noir is full of red-fruited, red-floral flavours often accompanied by beet, rhubarb, or mushroom. These dry wines typically have higher acidity followed by a low tannin finish. 

Tastes fantastic with meat such as duck, veal, pork and cured meat. Also pairs well with cream sauces and soft cheeses.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignons come from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blancs grapes. Its thick, durable skin allows it to resist many elements, making it a popular choice for winemakers. When it comes to taste, expect a full-bodied, red-fruited sip with bold tannins. The strength of the wine continues with an extended finishing taste and higher levels of alcohol. Currently the most popular wine in the world, Cabernet Sauvignons are from the historic wine region of Bordeaux, France

Merlot

Merlot is another popular red wine with strong, red-fruited flavours. A sibling of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot wines can even be hard to tell apart from their Bordeaux counterpart. Connoisseurs and wine-newbies alike can expect flavours of cherry, plum, chocolate, bay leaf, and vanilla. But when it comes to distinguishing the difference between the two, let blue fruit flavours and a softer tannin guide your senses.

When it comes to pairings, the quality of your Merlot is important. For entry-level Merlots, try foods with tomato sauce with mushroom or other creamy flavours. As you work you way to the higher-end, consider lamb, veal, or filet mignon- Bon Appetit!

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is the parent grape of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in some of the most complex tasting red wines. The flavours come from red-fruits like strawberries and raspberries, along with bell pepper or chili pepper flavours. The bell pepper characteristic should allow wine drinkers to distinguish Cabernet Francs from other red wines. This pyrazine is unique in flavour, and will likely be the determining factor when deciding whether or not Cabernet Francs are right for you.

Pairs well with beef burgers, beef stew, roasted pork, and other tomato based dishes and vinegar-based sauces.