By Michael Lowe
February’s deep-freeze has descended on Niagara vineyards (Stratus pictured above) but the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake have something to distract you from the cold. Days of Wine and Chocolate, held each weekend this month, has some great pairings on offer. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store for passport holders.
Initially, Inniskillin’s chocolate soba noodle dish (above photo) may seem a bit strange but elements such as soy-cured duck and cocoa vinaigrette tie everything together. The chocolate notes are an undeniable match with the strawberry flavours of the 2012 Cabernet Franc Icewine.
Sticking with the savoury theme, Reif Estate Winery is pairing a mole-inspired chocolate chicken tortilla soup (above photo). The mildly spicy combination of beans, corn and cocoa-laced broth, tender chicken and crispy fried tortilla “chips” is a very good match with the red berry character and soft tannins of Reif’s 2011 Merlot.
Stratus Vineyards has again partnered with Treadwell Farm-to-Table Cuisine and their paring is one of the best to be had during this month’s event. Earthy roasted beet and fennel salad (above photo) is delicately dressed with chocolate and matched, surprisingly, with a white wine, Stratus Tollgate Fume Blanc. Fresh and fruity and showing nice oak-induced spice notes, the wine reaches out to the fennel in the salad creating a wonderful taste sensation.
Days of Wine and Chocolate would not be complete without a few sweet pairings. Trius chose to match a chocolate and bacon truffle (below right) with their vibrant Brut Rosé. The match is good even though the chocolate does mask the bacon component.
My favourite sweet match comes from Chateau des Charmes. A spicy, double chocolate cookie topped with cassis dark chocolate and dried berries (above left) is not too sweet and balanced by a notable kick of heat. The cookie beautifully mirrors the spicy, cassis-driven character of the 2011 Estate Bottled Cabernet Franc.
Twenty-six wineries are participating in this year’s event giving passport holders plenty of tasting options. The event runs Friday through Sunday during the month of February. Regular passports cost $35 (plus fees and taxes) or $25 for a designated driver passport.
Tickets and the complete lineup of pairings can be found here to help you plan your route.
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