Wonders of Wine and Food

 Happy Holidays

It's Turkey time again! Well for most of us up in Canada It is. It is also the favourite dish in England. In the United States it is likely to be pork. During Christmas in China, unique dishes such as dumplings and hotpot are commonly consumed.

Since few people from China visit my blog let's deal with Turkey. I like Bacchus or Ortega. Their light fresh flavours go extremely well with the white turkey meat

Bacchus: is a white wine grape that was created by viticulturalist Peter Morio at the Geilweilerhof Institute for Grape Breeding in the Palatinate in 1933. He crossed a Silvaner x Riesling cross with Müller-Thurgau .Bacchus received varietal protection and was released for general cultivation in 1972. 

Bacchus is the signature wine of Domaine De Chaberton Estate Winery in Langley British Columbia. In BC Bacchus grape production is less than 1 % of all grapes grown in the province. Arrowleaf is another BC producer of Bacchus. Blue Grouse on Vancouver Island as well.

Bacchus is becoming popular in England.

Ortega is  by far a cold climate wine grown in Nova Scotia and Vancouver Island. Ortega is a sweeter wine. It is also grown in England.

Another great choice is Chenin Blanc a medium bodied white wine. France and South Africa are good producers,

Pino Gris or Pinot Grigio is another excellent selection. Grown through out Canada. Italy is also a good producer.

Now when it comes to those reds Pinot Noir is the best choice due to its lighter body than most reds..
You can also try the Gamay Its acidity and low tannins work well with turkey.

If you are doing a smoked turkey I suggest a sparkling wine.

There will always be those that love Chardonnay.

If you are doing a ham stick with those white wines. Maybe try a Gewurtztraminer or Pinot Gris

Pork should be paired with a medium-bodied white skip by the reds. Medium bodied wines include Riesling Italian Prosecco Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc.

What about Plum pudding... Yum  Go with something sweet. Try a Sweet Muscat or sweet Sherry. Away back  we enjoyed  a glass of Moscato d'asti from Italy. This year  we are  going to enjoy one  of Canada's famous Ice Wines'.

If you are having a special Christmas breakfast may I suggest Prosecco and French Toast!!!