The Toronto Blue Jays have united fans and Canadians from across the country! Despite falling short of the big win, they played in one of the best World Series in baseball history. This team reminded us what national pride feels like. What a ride!
Baseball in November is unusual. In Ontario, it is the month when the air turns crisp, the last of the farmer’s markets close for the season, and the fireplace has a resurgence. The cellars are humming at our local wineries, with the new harvest ready to shine.
Inniskillin Estate Wines is celebrating 50 years in Niagara—a significant chapter in wine-making history in Canada and another source of national pride for me. I remember visiting the winery for the first time over 40 years ago.
There have been many changes since then, and I am delighted with the latest direction. The winery is focusing on its local terroir, producing single-vineyard wines from its own estate and other select vineyards in the Niagara region. The Reserve and Grand Reserve Series are available at the winery. Some latest highlights are:
Inniskillin Reserve Pinot Gris 2024. I love the honeysuckle, peach and fresh apple aromas of this wine! It has a zesty flavour, a medium body, and a crisp, lingering finish. Enjoy as an aperitif or with grilled white fish, mildly spiced Thai food, sushi or grilled vegetables.
Inniskillin Reserve Shiraz-Cabernet VQA 2023 is a delicious blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aging in French and American oak gives the wine its balance and finesse. This blend delivers elegant, balanced aromas and flavours of black pepper and raspberries, with a medium body, fine tannins and a long, lingering and fresh finish. Enjoy with grilled lamb chops, roast duck, prime rib and lentil stews.
It’s hard to believe that with Halloween behind us, the Christmas season is next.
As a kick-start to your holiday shopping, I have a standout Ontario sparkling wine, Canadian Whisky, and a spectacular brandy from Spain to recommend.
First, the sparkles. Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Entourage Sparkling Brut 2018 is one of the best sparkling wines I have had in a while. Since the wine aged sur lie for five years, there is a richness I especially enjoy. Mild toasty aromas lead to rich brioche flavours, and the wine finishes with a soft, balanced, lingering finish. Serve with a wide range of foods from baked salmon to roast chicken to mushroom risotto to aged cheeses. This is a bargain when compared to the cost of Vintage Champagne.
Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky is first-class from the package to the liquid. This premium 10-12-year-old whisky has elegance and finesse. It is smooth, with honey and spicy flavours. It is a gentle whisky that is to be savoured neat. The presentation in the collectable-style bottle, topped with a blue wax seal and a caribou stopper, is spectacular!
For the brandy lover, award-winning Miguel Torres Jaime 1 Brandy is outstanding! I tasted this alongside a few Cognacs, and this was a favourite. Made from the local Parellada grape and is aged using the traditional solera system. It has vanilla and nutty aromas with flavours of dried fruit and coconut. Best enjoyed neat and slightly chilled. This ultra-premium brandy comes dressed up in a distinctive bottle and artistic packaging.
November always feels like the turning point — the unique beauty of autumn fades as the evenings grow longer, and suddenly, wine becomes less about refreshment and more about comfort. Whether you plan a weekend escape to wine country or just pick something new from the wine shelf, November is your cue to get cozy!
Cheers,
Shari 🥂
Inniskillin Reserve Pinot Gris VQA 2024 | Niagara Peninsula | Pinot Gris | 750 mL | 13.5 alc % | sugar 4 g/L | screw cap | winery only | $20.19*
Inniskillin Reserve Shiraz-Cabernet VQA 202 | Niagara Peninsula | Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvingon | 750 mL | 13. alc % | sugar 6 g/L | screw cap | winery only | $22.19*
Jackson Triggs Grand Reserve Entourage Sparkling Brut 2018 VQA | Niagara Peninsula | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier | 750 mL | 12.6 alc % | sugar 6 g/L | cork finish | winery only | $30.99*
Miguel Torres Jaime 1 Brandy | Spain | 750 mL | 40.0 alc % | glass and cork cap | LCBO +995233 | $175.20
Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky | Quebec | 750 mL | 40.0 alc % | glass and cork cap | LCBO +36272 | $99.95
