Best Canadian Wine + Food Pairings: Contest Winners

masthead collection 1This news story ran in the print and online editions of leading newspapers across the country, as well in more than 50 regional papers. The article was written by a reporter with the Canadian Press (CP), and so this was not our distributed press release. We’re thrilled that it warranted such wide news coverage.

You can also read the first story that another Canadian Press reporter wrote about the launch of the wine competition.

OTTAWA – Oenophiles from coast to coast have waged a little friendly rivalry over wine pairings and come up with half a dozen of their favourites.

In a recent online competition dubbed the Great Canadian Wine Match, thousands of Canadians voted for 279 nominated wines and what foods they would best be paired. Instead of experts weighing in, wine lovers chose their favourites, ranging from Nova Scotia to the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.

Six Canadian wines emerged as victors when voting closed at midnight June 1:

— Best Wine with Cheese: Quails’ Gate Late Harvest Optima, Okanagan Valley, B.C.

— With Pizza: Norman Hardie County Pinot Noir, Prince Edward County, Ontario

— With Seafood: Domaine De Grand Pre L’Acadie Blanc, Annapolis Valley, N.S.

— With Chicken: Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay, Niagara Peninsula, Ont.

— With Beef: Luckett Vineyards Phone Box Red, Gaspereau Valley, N.S.

— With Dessert: Black Sage Vineyard Pipe, Okanagan Valley, B.C.

Competition host Natalie MacLean, who edits an online newsletter dedicated to wine, plans to host the event again next year, with nominations to start in April 2014.

A list of the 2013 winners and nominated wines is available at www.nataliemaclean.com/canadian-wines.

Posted with permission of the Canadian Press.

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