Oh Canada Q3 2025

Wine Tasting Highlights Ideal Pairings Winery Significance
Henry of Pelham Chardonnay 2023 Rich, creamy, citrus lift, toasted almond finish Creamy pasta, crabs, spring veggies Historic family winery rooted in Niagara heritage
Bachelder Gamay Noir “Les Villages” 2022 Juicy cherry, raspberry, lively acidity, terroir-driven Chicken & morels Masterful Gamay blending from escarpment terroirs
Traynor White Pet-Nat 2021 Fresh, effervescent lemongrass, pineapple, balanced sweet Sushi, ceviche, soft cheeses Organic, natural, artisanal sparkler from PEC
Pearl Morissette “Primesautier” 2024 Dark fruit, spice, velvet texture, integrated acidity Charcuterie, grilled meats, cheese Refined, minimal-intervention sourcing Niagara terroir

 

Henry of Pelham, Chardonnay – 2023

Family Legacy in Every Glass

Henry of Pelham remains a cornerstone of Niagara winemaking, with the Speck family stewarding the Short Hills Bench since the 1800s. Sustainability and heritage guide every vintage, creating wines that reflect place and tradition.

Tasting Notes
A beautifully balanced Chardonnay brimming with ripe orchard fruits, lemon curd, and a creamy mid-palate. Gentle French oak adds whispers of toasted almond and spice, while bright acidity keeps the finish fresh and lifted.

Pairings

  • Classic: Creamy pasta dishes, roast chicken, or spring vegetables

  • Seafood: Poached trout, crab legs, or seared scallops

  • Vegetarian: Wild mushroom risotto or roasted cauliflower steaks


Bachelder, Gamay Noir “Les Villages” – 2022

The Mastery of Terroir

Thomas Bachelder has built his reputation on capturing the soul of Niagara’s escarpment soils. His philosophy: let terroir speak with purity and precision. “Les Villages” Gamay is a mosaic of vineyard sites, blending elegance with vibrancy—an ode to the land rather than the winemaker’s hand.

Winemaker Notes

45yr old Gamay vines planted to two sites planted between 1981 and 2005 with a mix of sandy and loamy sediments over lacustrine clay with some silt and limestone. Hand-harvested, destemmed, grapes are lightly crushed (24% Whole cluster) and co-fermented 17mo in 228L Burgundian neutral barrels (15% New oak). Most vintages experience Semi-Carbonic Maceration. 804cs produced

Tasting Notes
Perfumed and lively, with red cherry, cranberry, and raspberry notes layered over earthy minerality. Bright acidity and light tannins create a structured yet juicy finish.

Pairings

This Gamay’s bright fruit and earthy minerality make it incredibly versatile at the table:

  • Classic Pairings: Roast chicken with morels, duck confit, or herb-crusted pork tenderloin.

  • Charcuterie & Cheese: Perfect with cured meats, pâté, and cheeses like Comté, Taleggio, or a soft-ripened goat cheese.

  • Vegetarian Options: Mushroom risotto, roasted root vegetables, or a lentil and beet salad.

  • Seasonal Favorites: Thanksgiving turkey with cranberry sauce, or a cozy coq au vin by the fireplace.

 

Traynor Family Vineyards, White Pét-Nat – 2021

Natural Artistry, Sparkling with Life

Michael Traynor’s Prince Edward County estate champions organic and biodynamic farming with an adventurous, hands-off style. This White Pét-Nat, bottled unfiltered and alive with wild yeast fermentation, captures the vineyard’s raw sparkle and energy.

Tasting Notes
Fresh and effervescent with lively aromas of lemongrass, pineapple, and banana. Light sweetness balances racy acidity, leading to a clean, lingering finish that’s as playful as it is precise.

Pairings

  • Seafood: Sushi, ceviche, or grilled fish

  • Cheese: Soft cheeses like Brie or chèvre

  • Special Moments: Spicy Asian cuisine or celebratory brunches

 

PEARL MORISSETTE, "PRIMESAUTIER" RED BLEND - 2024

Elegant Minimalism, Expressed in Red

Pearl Morissette is known for restraint and minimal intervention, letting terroir speak through texture and tension. “Primesautier” blends Lemberger, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot into a soulful, distinctive wine.

Tasting Notes
Velvet-textured yet vibrant, showing layers of dark fruit, blood orange zest, and warming spice. Silky tannins and lifted acidity create balance, making it indulgent yet refreshingly drinkable.

Pairings

  • Charcuterie: Cured meats, pâtés, and aged cheeses

  • Main Dishes: Grilled lamb, pork tenderloin, or mushroom stroganoff

  • Seasonal Favorites: Slow-braised short ribs or festive holiday roasts