All across Canada, the United States, and throughout much of the world, families and friends will soon gather to celebrate and mark another holiday season. In between catching up with one another, opening presents, and taking long and treasured walks down memory lane, the activity that’s bound to receive the most preparation and attention is definitely holiday eating. While every get-together will have its own spin on the classics, whether you’re indulging in latkes or Christmas cookies, one solid standby that will appear on almost every holiday table is roast turkey. This year, let that bird shine, by pairing it with a perfectly chosen glass of Niagara Peninsula wine.
Regardless of how you feel about wine the rest of the year, if you’re planning to head up to Niagara around the holidays, take some time out to shop for a handful of wines that will make your holiday turkey even tastier. From a subtle pinot noir to a lively riesling, here are some pairing suggestions you can only find in the Niagara Peninsula.
Pinot Noir
A good pinot noir is a great choice for turkey, especially if red wine is the go-to preference of the family and friends with whom you’ll be dining for your holiday meal. Higher in acid and lower in tannins than other reds, a pinot noir won’t overshadow the flavors in poultry the way a more tannic wine like a cabernet sauvignon would. Also, a pinot noir pairs well with traditional side dishes like potatoes and gravy and a rich, herby stuffing. Some great Niagara pinot noirs can be purchased from the following wineries:
- Flat Rock Cellars
- Five Rows Craft Winery
- Inniskillin
Riesling
A little bit of sugar can be a great help with the saltiness that often accompanies a holiday meal, and a crisp and off-dry riesling is often seen as turkey’s best companion. Especially if you can find something that has a bit of fruit it in, a riesling can sit next to turkey as well as the finest of cranberry sauces. Some of the best rieslings in the Niagara Peninsula come from the following wineries:
- Cateau des Charmes
- Flat Rock Cellars
- Thirty Bench
- Ravine Winery
Red Zinfandel
Zinfandels can be a little tricky to find, which is a shame, because as far as holiday turkey pairings go, they’re a great dry choice. Lush, fruity, deep without being heavy, a good red zinfandel (or a blend that includes the grape) can work well with both turkey and the cheese plate that precedes dinner. Look for a zinfandel that has a little higher alcohol content, as those tend to be a bit more complex. A couple Niagara Peninsula vineyards and wineries that can be counted on to produce these wines include:
- Reif Estate Winery
- Inniskillin
Make the most of your trip to Niagara this holiday season. While you’re taking in the sights and sounds, be sure to stop in at some of the region’s award-winning wineries and grab a bottle of wine or two to enjoy with loved ones while you indulge in a turkey dinner.