Father’s Day is this Sunday, and you might like to toast dad with a glass of wine or two, but what should you pair with your vino beyond BBQ? How about some terrific books?
Here with her tips is Natalie MacLean, who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com.
What are you recommending first?
I have Hockey 365, The Second Period: More Daily Stories from the Ice by Mike Commito.
Remind dad of why he loves hockey every day of the year, not just during the play-offs. Whether you are a Canadiens fan or a long-suffering Leafs supporter (will that be bleeped out?), this compendium will give you your hockey-history fix.
Wayne Gretzky Estates Niagara Rosé
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
I’d pair this book with of course the Wayne Gretzky Rosé from Niagara because real men, like Wayne and Dad, do drink pink. This is a vibrant wine with notes of field berries. Of course, you could also pair this with an enforcer wine like this 7 Deadly Zins Zinfandel from California. It’s full-bodied with dark berry flavours that’ll go well with grilled steaks.
What’s next?
Write for Your Life by Anna Quindlen is perfect for Dads who aspire to write their own story. Anna is a multi-award winning author who believes that we can clarify what’s important in our lives by writing about it. When we write, we pay closer attention to our lives and reflect on their meaning. That’s certainly what I’m doing now with my own memoir, Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Depression and Drinking Too Much. Don’t worry, it has a happy ending.
Domaine de Lavoie Blanc Mousseux Brut Sparkling
Monteregie, Rougemont, Quebec, Canada
I’d pair this book Domaine de Lavoie sparkling wine from Rougemont. Bubbly is the wine of celebration, so what better way to toast Dad. Sip on this wine as you wait for the BBQ to heat up, or pair it with grilled seafood.
What else do you suggest?
Son of Elsewhere: A Memoir in Pieces by Elamin Abdelmahmoud is a fascinating story. He moved from Sudan to Canada at age 12 and eventually became one of our country’s most popular radio hosts and podcasters. He reflects on pop culture, race, faith, language, and searching for your place in the world. It’s a book of wit and wisdom.
Creekside Iconoclast Syrah
St. David’s Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
I’d pair this book with Iconoclast Syrah from Niagara. It’s smooth, yet complex, much like the commentary Elamin delivers. It would pair beautifully with grilled lamb.
I should note that all of the Canadian wines ship across the country right to your door, so there’s never been a better time or an easier way to support our homegrown businesses from coast to coast.
What’s your final recommendation?
Hearth & Home: Cook, Share, and Celebrate Family-Style by Toronto chefs Lynn Crawford and Lora Kirk is packed with more than 140 mouth-watering recipes from quick weeknight suppers to special-occasion celebrations. It’s all about sharing dishes around the table in large bowls or platters for casual, family-style meals. Think Honey-Garlic Ribs, Buttery Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Onion Cornbread.
Josh Cellars Paso Robles Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles, California, United States
I have the Josh Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from California, bursting with flavours of dark plum and toasty oak. It would be perfect with Lynn and Lora’s recipe for Turkey Cheddar Biscuit Pot Pie.
Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature by Zibby Owens is a moving memoir about rewriting your story from the creator and host of the award-winning podcast Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books. Of course, the Dads we’re talking about today are so helpful and thoughtful that the Moms in their lives do have time to read books.
Zibby’s love of books is infectious as she chronicles the impact they’ve had on her life and family. She turned to them in times of grief to remember who she was and the importance of love, food, reading, writing, and finding your own voice.
Emmolo No 5 Sparkling
California, United States
I’d pair this with Emmolo sparkling wine from California. It’s effervescent like Zibby’s enthusiasm for books and will also pair well with Dad’s sparkling personality.
Printed with permission from CTV.
