Recent Articles Archive of National Post Articles
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Weekly Wine & Spirits Columnist - Michael Vaughan A Marriage made in Poultry Heaven
(Publishing Date: Saturday September 30, 2000 - Toronto Section) The harvest has rolled in
and visions of next weekend’s Thanksgiving Day turkey is at hand. Pangs
of guilt of this annual decimation are balanced by my desire to serve a
special libation providing the appropriate homage to this noble bird. There’s no point panicking
over this decision – as the Eagles sang, “take it easy.” Personally, I am bored sick with some
traditional red wine recommendations that often don’t work. For my
palate, most Pinot Noirs or worse yet Gamays (as in Beaujolais) don’t
cut the mustard. Why? Well, while they do
have the fine complementary bright cherry fruit flavours, they often lack
the creamy structure and fruit sweetness to properly work with the bird.
There are exceptions. Some great mature Burgundies (almost impossible to
find and/or afford) are bound to bring the guests to their knees. But most
of the other big noble reds have so much tannin and intensity that they
overwhelm the delicacy of the meat. Naturally, how the bird is prepared
and what vegetables it is served with will ultimately determine the best
marriage. Having said that, if you
want to go for a red, select those that are fruit forward and perhaps even
have a touch of sweetness. A fine, well-priced example would be Sutter
Home 1997 California Pinot Noir a modest $10.45 (LCBO general list)
which has just the right, spicy, rounded, cherry flavours. When visiting
the LCBO make sure you pick up the 86-page Autumn 2000 Price Book which
has finally arrived.
Beer fans are reminded that
today’s the last day (from 4 to 11 pm) for the fifth annual gathering of
brewers at the University of
Guelph’s Great Canadian Brewing
Festival. Over 300 beers from some 50 brewing companies will be
appearing at the University of Guelph’s Gryphon Centre - Twin Pad Arena.
Admission is $12 – call 519-824-4120, ext. 2219 for information. For Thanksgiving finishers,
I would be tempted to dig out a half bottle of icewine. Having said that,
I am almost ashamed to admit my fondness for stunningly delicious, sweet,
ripe raspberry-driven Southbrook
Framboise - widely
available at a reasonable $14.95 for a 375 ml bottle (General List cspc
341024).
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