Red and/or White, To Be Enjoyed All Over This Land
It’s Canada’s 158th birthday on July 1. A long weekend is required, and deserved, to celebrate all our true and native land has to offer. Whether at the cottage, at the campsite, on the patio, deck or at poolside, we will gather with friends and family to share each other’s company and count our blessings. Of course, food and beverages, including red and white wines will be part of the picture. And what a coincidence - red and white are the colours of our nation’s Maple Leaf Flag.
Niagara Peninsula’s Speck Brothers, Paul, Matt and Daniel, created a line of easy-going, excellent value wines meant to be enjoyed on their own or paired with a wide range of foods. Tongue in cheek, the brand name they chose, Sibling Rivalry, harkens back to their days growing up and the antics that siblings go through as they journey through life together. This included sore muscles and getting dirt under their fingernails while having to shovel plant vines during their summer holidays on dad’s newly acquired farm in Pelham outside of St. Catharines. Their efforts paid off and Wine Align in 2024 designated their Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery as the “#1 Winery in Ontario.”
Sibling Rivalry Red, a Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Gamay blend is deep red, delicious, dry and full of berry flavours. Nicely balanced and uncomplicated with mild tannins, it’s the perfect match for juicy burgers straight off the barbeque. LCBO #126151, $13.95
The white partner for this holiday weekend is Sibling Rivalry White. Harmonious and aromatic with tropical fruit notes, this characterful white is primarily a blend of Riesling, Chardonnay with a dash of Gewürztraminer adding exotic flavourful nuances. Thoroughly enjoyable on its own, but pairs nicely with lighter protein-based fare such as salads with a seafood or chicken base. LCBO #126144, $13.95
Happy Canada Day!