test kitchen: the wines
BEAULIEU VINEYARD 2005 BV COASTAL ESTATES CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY, $ 13.99
Saralyn: Tomatoes can be difficult to pair, but they make this low-acidity wine more acidic, and really bring out an interesting complexity that wasn’ t there on its own.
Sylvia: On its own, this wine is very drinkable. The simplicity of the wine doesn’ t compete with the complex and hearty flavours in this dish.
Tina: The earthiness of the mushrooms matches the coffee flavours in this marinade. Caramelizing the mushrooms gives them an intensity and structure that stand up to the character of the wine.
MER SOLEIL 2006 SILVER UNOAKED CHARDONNAY NAPA VALLEY, $ 35.99
Saralyn: Silver’ s lighter flavours are a contrast to the strong flavours of the meal. The red wines are following the taste profile of the meal, while the whites work as more of a contrast.
Sylvia: When you put everything to together, Silver isn’ t working against anything on the plate. It has complexity without the added softening and mellowing of the oakier wines.
Tina: There is a marriage between the Silver and every component of this meal. The flavours in the wine don’ t take anything away from the meal. I’ m surprised. I thought this meal would require a wine with strong oak qualities to hold up.
BENNETT LANE 2004 MAXIMUS NAPA VALLEY $ 49.99
Saralyn: I like the restraint of it( as far as Napa wines go). This is unbelievable when you put every component on your fork and taste it with the wine.
Sylvia: I would have thought this would be way too big, but it’ s not. It’ s shockingly good, especially with the blue cheese sauce.
Tina: The Maximus is an amazing pairing with the blue cheese. This is so interesting because never in a million years would I pair a big Napa Cab with white fish and vegetables, but this is a winner.
The Wines continued on page 57
Also try: Domaines Astruc 2007 DA Cabernet Sauvignon, Vin de Pays d’ OC, France – $ 14.99; Chateau Ste Michelle 2005 Orphelin, Washington – $ 22.99; Dutschke 2006 Willow Bend Shiraz Merlot Cabernet, Sauvignon, Australia – $ 26.99; Domaine De Chaude 2006 Ecuelle Chablis, France – $ 32.99; Belle Glos 2006 Meiomi Pinot Noir, Sonoma Valley – $ 34.99; Bacio Divino 2005 Napa Valley – $ 109.99
Manitoba’ s Perfect Pairing
Fans of wine, cheese and Manitoba ingenuity will appreciate this perfect pairing. Gary Hewitt of Banville & Jones Wine Co. recommends a Napa Valley creation by Winnipeg winemaker Claus Janzen paired with Bothwell ' s Smoked 2 Year-old Cheddar Cheese for your holiday entertaining:
Bacio Divino’ s 2005 Napa Valley Call me Crazy Pazzo is a wild blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Syrah, Syrah and two white grapes, Viognier and Muscat Canelli. It’ s wonderfully balanced with soft tannins and a mélange of flavours, plus a little smokiness of its own. It pairs perfectly with the extrasharp edge of this beautifully smoked cheddar made in New Bothwell, Manitoba. Call me crazy, but you can almost taste a Manitoba personality in this pairing— or maybe I have been staring at the Pazzo label for too long. Enjoy.