Father's Day Wine Suggestions

 

 

Ah yes, the last minute rush to buy a gift for Dad – don’t panic, I can help.  Let's start with the basics: you’ll need something concrete, like a new shirt or a mind-stewing brain-teaser from the puzzle store in the mall – even something mechanical via the tool section at Home Depot will suffice in a pinch. But it also goes without saying that on Father’s Day, Dad deserves a better bottle of wine or a mixed case of craft beer. Single-Malt Scotch or Cognac will also make a very classy Father’s Day gift – but for the moment, let's focus on locating a really good bottle of wine for the old guy this coming weekend.

 

He’s a man of the grill – Consider Spain or other countries of Latin descent whenever barbequed fare is the topic of discussion.  The tastes of lamb, beef, or pork are all enhanced when paired with Montelcino Reserva, a product of the Tempranillo grape and a staple alongside the savoury tastes of summer.  The full bodied nature of an Argentinean Malbec will also pair perfectly with herb-crusted meat fired to perfection over charcoal – try a bottle from Versado, a Canadian owned winery in Argentina.

 

MONTECILLO RESERVA

LCBO 621003 | 750 mL bottle

$18.95

 

VERSADO MALBEC 2010

VINTAGES 317008 | 750 mL bottle

$24.95

 

Dad’s got a sweet tooth – and I speak from the heart now:  Sauternes, Tokaji, or a bottle of 20 year Tawny Port could not be any more ideal. Spend a little extra for the good stuff though – there is no substitute for quality on Father’s Day!

 

CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD, 2009 SAUTERNES

VINTAGES 192005 | 375 mL bottle

$44.85

 

ROYAL TOKAJI 5 PUTTONYOS TOKAJI ASZÚ 2007

VINTAGES 972836 | 250 mL bottle

$19.95

 

GRAHAM'S 20 YEAR OLD TAWNY PORT

LCBO 620641 | 500 mL bottle

$36.95

 

All dressed up with no place to go – fine dining at home might include a flight of wines paired with a multi-course meal:  Sparkling wine to start, followed by a crisp bottle of Saint Bris with the appetizers while a bold Italian red breaths in the decanter.  Finish with coffee or perhaps a soothing glass of the French-Canadian liquid dessert known as Sortilége.

 

DOMAINE D'ORFEUILLES BRUT SPARKLING VOUVRAY

VINTAGES 319954 | 750 mL bottle

$18.95

 

WILLIAM FÈVRE SAUVIGNON BLANC SAINT-BRIS 2011

VINTAGES 626523 | 750 mL bottle

$17.95

 

CARIONE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG

LCBO 266668 | 750 mL bottle

$29.95

 

SORTILÈGE - MAPLE WHISKEY

LCBO 250134 | 750 mL bottle

$30.00

 

Out on the town - Consider a restaurant which offers a corkage service (bring you own bottle) and treat Dad to a big wine from California - Beringer is always good, but Napa and Sonoma offer no limits for those willing to adventure.  On the other hand, if his tastes lean toward delicacy, then a Premier Cru label from Burgundy’s Côte d’Or or a Prince Edward County Pinot is sure to please. Ontario's Norman Hardie is the point-man for County Pinot and the 2011 vintage is currently on store shelves for $34.95.  Better selections from Burgundy (red or white) tend to cost a premium and are usually available at better wine shops – but it's only one day out the year... and Dad is well worth it (if I must say so myself).

 

BERINGER CABERNET SAUVIGNON

VINTAGES 352583 | 750 mL bottle

$37.95

 

NORMAN HARDIE COUNTY UNFILTERED PINOT NOIR 2011

VINTAGES 125310 | 750 mL bottle

$35.00

 

JEAN-CLAUDE BOISSET LES CHARBONNIÈRES NUITS ST. GEORGES 2010

VINTAGES 299891 | 750 mL bottle

$49.25

 

*For maximum enjoyment remember to decant the big reds and always server better wine at the correct temperature:  Suggested Serving Temperature Chart

 

Happy Father's Day!  

 

 

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	Tyler Philp is a member of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada Please direct inquires for writing services to: info@tylerphilp.com
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