Red, white and bubbly: the best Canadian wines to sip this holiday season

We are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to great wines produced in this country. So this holiday season whether you're looking for a great gift, noshing on latkes, serving turkey, or toasting the start of 2017, here are some great Canadian wine picks (and one that is notably cheating, but worth it) for your celebrations.

RED

Rosewood Estates 2013 Lock, Stock, and Barrel, $34.95

This deep, dark and delicious red from Ontario's Niagara region is the perfect accompaniment to a rich holiday feast - think roast turkey with gravy, prime rib, lamb, firm aged cheese, and more. Made from a blend of all five traditional bordeaux varietals, this favourite from Rosewood Estates is medium to full bodied with aromas of rich red and dark berries. Big fruit flavours are followed by rich chocolate, coffee and toasted spice. The 2013 is selling out fast, but all is not lost, 2014 ($39.95) is now following up and full of promise.

The Grange of Prince Edward County 2013 Estate Gamay Noir, $17.15

Gamay really is a bit of an underdog when it comes to wines, and it really shouldn't be. This is terrific, food-friendly wine from PEC's The Grange, a mother-daughter run winery that is one of the oldest in the region. Ruby red colour; aromas of raspberry and cherry, with a soft herbal tone; dry, light to medium body with flavours of cherry. Vibrant acidity.  Pair with anything from turkey to tomato-based dishes to charcuterie and cheese to barbecue and more. Give Gamay the love it deserves! The Grange also makes some lovely bubbles, should you be looking for a little sparkle as well.

Painted Rock 2013 Estate Grown Syrah, $34.69

If you are looking for a red that is quite big and bold, BC's Painted Rock certainly delivers that with this Syrah. Despite its boldness, it certainly doesn't miss out on the finer details: savoury notes combined with fragrant spice, white pepper and cassis on the nose. Well rounded and rich on the palate, with juicy acidity and chalky tannins. More cassis, vanilla and a silkiness that continues with a long finish. Great with smoked cheeses, spicy dishes or game meats, or let's face it - stands rather wonderfully all on its own.  

WHITE

Poplar Grove 2014 Pinot Gris, $23.95

Pale lemon in colour, like hint of Okanagan sunshine in a glass. Just what we need when the days are coldest and nights are longest. This medium-bodied, off dry white from BC's Poplar Grove represents what the region does best: aromas of stone fruit, white peaches, and soft jasmine. Pineapple and lemon zest excite the palate offering balanced acidity and enticing minerality, with a little lingering finish of apricot and nectarine. Great with salad, seafood, and conversations about upcoming tropical vacations.

Southbrook Vineyards 2014 Organic Connect White VQA, $15.95

This easy drinking, crowd-pleasing white from Southbrook Vineyards is not only organic, but is also friendly for the vegan in your life. A blend of Vidal, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc from Ontario's Niagara region. Tropical fruits, a fresh herbaceous note and bergamot on the nose, with a balanced palate. Slightly off-dry and refreshing. Pairs well with salads, seafood, poultry, and those spicier hors d'oeuvres we're all so fond of at this time of year.

BUBBLY

13th Street Winery NV Cuvée Rosé, $27.95

"Rosé all day" may have been one of the buzz phrases of 2016, and rightly so. These wines are having a well-deserved moment that is sure to carry over into 2017. The addition of bubbles makes them all the more appealing during the holidays. Niagara's 13th Street Winery make this sparkler that is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gamay with hints of ripe red berries and mineral, and light spice on the nose. The bubbles are rich, but the wine is mostly dry with a hint of sugar, and a long, fine finish of fruit skin, stone fruit and light toast. Perfect to serve as an aperitif, with salmon, perhaps latkes, rich cheeses topped with honey and toasted nuts, and desserts.

Hinterland Les Etoiles 2013 Method Traditional, $39.00

Legend has it that when French Benedictine Monk Dom Pérignon had his first sip of sparkling wine in the 19th century, he exclaimed "...I am drinking stars!". While the accuracy of this is up for debate, you will no doubt want to say the very same thing when you taste this beautiful bubbly from Prince Edward County's Hinterland Wine Company. The 2013 vintage is aged for 2 ½ years and is a blend of the farm's very own grapes: 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot. These are true Champagne varietals and made using the traditional method. Elegant and graceful with  concentrated lemon citrus aromatics and pure minerality on the palate. A true expression of PEC terroir. Lovely as a toast or maybe with some East Coast oysters.  No doubt Brother Dom would have approved.

Champagne Charlie Burger + Lovebot, Grand Cru, Blanc de Blancs, Oger, France, $64.95

Yes, this most definitely cheating. Of course there is no such thing as Canadian Champagne. Right? Because Champagne only comes from the Champagne region of France. Everything else is sparkling wine. Well, this is perhaps the closest we'll get. The fine folks behind The Charlie's Burger Wine Program (who also have a subscription wine service and are known to put on some pretty incredible invite-only dinners) happen to have their very own private-label Champagne Available by direct order in cases of 2 or 6, this 100% Chardonnay Champagne is made by a small grower, Henry De Vaugency, located in the Champagne region of France. This family has been growing grapes since 1732, making CB's bubbles seriously OG. And, because everyone loves a good collaboration, Charlie's Burger has teamed up with beloved Toronto-based street art phenomenon LoveBot, whose mission is to spread love and kindness, for a unique label. Champagne and love. What else do you need to ring in the new year?