HG Wine & Bar
How to Pair Wine With a Summer Recipe
Uncork Cool
As summer temperatures climb, you'll want to reach for a wine that'll take the wilt out of your walk. Most wine experts agree that as temperatures soar, it's perfectly appropriate to include red wine along with lighter whites and the season's perennial favourite, rosé, as part of your repertoire. We asked Carolyn and Grant Westcott of Westcott Vineyards to suggest their favourite summer varieties, and what foods they work well with. Serve their delectable wines in our stemware no matter what type of wine you're in the mood for. Is it 6 o'clock yet?
The Wine: Chardonnay
Carolyn: "Make sure you pick the right Chardonnay to beat the heat, like an unoaked variety, that boasts notes of apple, tropical fruit and honey. Aged in stainless steel, this Chardonnay is dry, crisp and perfect with a Niçoise Salad."
Pair it with this Lentil Niçoise Salad
The Wine: Rosé
Grant: "Rosé is made from red wine grapes, but because of its reduced fermenting time, its hue is pink rather than red and its flavour is decidedly lighter. This version is dry but offers notes of fresh strawberry. It also provides good acidity to hold its own with BBQ ribs, seared tuna or spicy Thai noodles."
Pair it with these Spicy Thai Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)
The wine: A light(ish) red
Grant: "A medium-body red is ideal for summer dining, with luscious fruit flavours and not overly tannic. It's just the right thing for grilled steak or anything with a bit of spice or heat.
Pair it with this Dry Rubbed Flank Steak with Grilled Corn Salsa
The wine: Sparkling
Carolyn: "Bubbles and brunch are so great together. Try our Violette Sparkling or our new Brilliant Rosé with Eggs Bennie on a Sunday morning and your day is sure to go well."
Pair it with Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict over Sweet Potato Fritters
Situated in the Vinemount Ridge sub-appellation of Niagara, Westcott Vineyards is a VQA small-batch winery focused on hand-making classical Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Muskoka chair tastings, private structured tastings led by the Westcott family or a sommelier, and patio dining under a bedouin tent are a breath of fresh air as life begins to carefully re-open.
