Looking to elevate your holiday meals with the perfect wine pairings? Let these inspired combinations guide your festive menu:
- Church and State Gris de Noirs with succulent lobster
- River Stone Sparkling White Merlot paired with Mediterranean baked black cod (sablefish)
- Hester Creek Pinot Bianco complementing tender pork tenderloin
- Mayhem Anarchy Merlot alongside flavorful lamb chops
- Vasanti Gamay with gourmet chicken sausage, stuffed tomato, and roasted eggplant
- Blue Grouse Reserve Pinot Noir beautifully matched with hearty osso bucco
Discover new flavours and unforgettable pairings this holiday season!
Click on the wine price to purchase the highlighted wine from the online winery store.
Church and State Gris de Noirs ($33.99)
Alcohol: 12.2% / TA 6.9 g/L / RS 8.0 g/L
The Pinot Noir grapes were fermented in Stainless steel tanks and then aged in bottles after the second fermentation for at least 12 months.
A gorgeous pale salmon hue.ย Aromas of fresh strawberries and rose petals with a hint of hazelnut.ย Full of luscious ripe peach, mandarin orange and baked pear flavours with a hint of earthy bread and a long finish. An exciting creamy mousse mouthfeel that is also perfectly balanced and refreshing.ย 93 Points.
River Stone Sparkling White Merlot 2023 ($27.90)
13.5% Alcohol / pH 3.31 / RS 7
The sparkling wine is a beautiful salmon colour. It has aromas of wild strawberries and rose petals. The medium-bodied sparkler has flavours of strawberry, raspberry, ripe peach, pink grapefruit, and a hint of mint. The carbonation bubbles stimulate a lively, pleasing mouthfeel with a crisp, lasting finish. 89 Points.
Hester Creek Pinot Bianco 2023 ($23.99)
13.2% Alcohol / pH 3.3 / TA 6.8 / RS 2.8
Subtle aromas of apple and pear and honeysuckle. The refreshing dry wine has a creamy mouthfeel with green apple and citrus flavours. 90 Points
Mayhem Anarchy Merlot 2022 ($45)
Alcohol 14.60% / pH 3.58 / TA 6.54 / RS 0.58
This is a bold but smooth Merlot. The colour is dark and inky. Vibrant aromas of black fruit with floral notes and sage. Flavours of black cherry, dark plum, cassis and dark chocolate with a hint of tobacco. A rich, full-bodied Merlot with well-balanced acidity, velvet smooth tannins and a lovely long finish. The wine will age well, so drink or store it in the cellar. 93 points.
Vasanti Gamay Noir 2022 ($31.99)
The Gamay Noir is also from Oliverโs Paradise Block. Fermented in stainless steel with three daily pump-overs during fermentation and aged in neutral oak for 19 months.
Alcohol % 12.8 / pH 3.78 / RS 5.08
This is a pleasant, easy-drinking, lighter-bodied red wine. It is ruby red with aromas and flavours of cherry, cranberry and plum, hints of soft spice, pepper, and a delicate touch of oak. The Gamay has soft tannins with medium acidity and a fresh and bright finish. 91 Points
Blue Grouse Reserve Pinot Noir ($75.99)
A classic Island Pinot Noir from the Cowichan Valley. Pale and transparent in colour with medium body and bright acidity. The pinot opens with vibrant aromas of cherry, rose petals and baking spices. The flavours are led by slightly sour cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate with rainforest floor, cinnamon and nutmeg notes. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, adding to the flavour, complexity, and captivating long finish. 93 Points.