A new animal in the wine world: A lighter Shiraz

October is local wine month at the LCBO and Vintages got the ball rolling by releasing 20 wines last Saturday: The catalogue is as attractive as ever and features beautiful photographs of the winemakers. I wasn't crazy about many of the wines, but there were two really interesting reds –- not earth-shattering wines, but lovely examples of what Ontario can produce, and what I think it should produce -- lighter reds.

Pelham’s 07 Gamay has the bright, lively quality of Beaujolais. So vibrant, it almost screams at you to have fun. Lightly chill and do it. No food needed. We need to see more local Gamay. It might encourage us to have more fun.

The wine that really excites me from this Vintages release is a Shiraz from Jackson-Triggs. It's a lighter style of Shiraz, and a new animal in the wine world because nobody else produces it.
You still get the peppery/smoky flavors of the Aussie edition but it’s drier, more refreshing and way more food-friendly. Doesn’t try to upstage everyone and everything, and the low alcohol allows for second bottle. It’s what the French call a bistro wine –- goes well with any food and company. How can you beat that?

I always tell students at my seminars that wines will tell you where they want to be used. One sip of J-T’s Shiraz and you’ll hear “let's get some food and friends around a table." Try it.

Local Shiraz (same as Syrah) often needs a glass or two to show its personality, so don’t expect to ‘get it’ on the first sip.

Other Niagara wineries have produced similar bistro-style Shirazes in 06: Check out Peninsula Ridge and Creekside, both are at regular LCBOs. If you’re in Niagara, you must seek out the 06 Syrah at the beautiful new Southbrook winery. Readers out west can find a B.C. Jackson-Triggs that is a little richer.

Henry of Pelham 07 Gamay, Niagara 291112 $14.95
Jackson-Triggs 06 Shiraz, Niagara 89359 $16.95 (also available at Wine Rack stores)