After a long day of hitting the slopes, wine-drinking by the fire – is an idea I look forward to. The routine doesn’t always fit into the reality of being a city dweller, but there’s no interdiction that says you have to be wearing ski boots to pop open the same bottle you’d enjoy on Tremblant or Sutton.
The other day I asked a foodie friend her thoughts on wine and skiing. She said skiing, drinking and enjoying good food keeps the body and soul as one. For this reason, a great deal of importance has been placed on the food and wine available many years in many of Quebec ski destinations
Wine and skiing are two hobbies that can mark you for life. Once you’re hooked, cost and risk are not important. You just want more wine and more skiing. I guess as well you would strive to be an expert in both.
I presume that one of the most popular ski drinks has to be mulled wine or vin chaud While there are numerous variations on this traditional recipe, the classic beverage is made by heating red wine with spices, sugar and fruit. Actually never been a fan of vin chaud. I would rather have a shot of rum or scotch.
Vintage champagne would be nice in the sky lift that takes you back to the mountain. It is important to keep yourself hydrated during an intense physical activity! Of course, I am dreaming. I don’t think drinking booze is allowed while you are skiing!
After a long day of skiing you would probably want something fun and easy going to chill and relax. Here are some recommendations to bring along in your next ski trip:
Enjoy the slopes my dear sky readers!
Edetaria Via Terra Alta 2017 – SAQ# 13802969 $17.75
This Spanish Mediterranean white is made exclusively with Grenache Blanc. It has a beautiful nose of anis and white liquorice with soft herbal nuances. Charming with an oily texture and a lingering finale.
Trivento Reserve Chardonnay 2017 – SAQ# 13684464 $14.95
Rich and heady with tropical fruit and butter character. On the palate, it display a pleasant mineral acidity and freshness with flavours reminiscent of ripe red apple. Long and balanced finale.
Bonterra Viognier North Coast 2017 – SAQ# 00898767 $20.35
Rich and sumptuous with delicious aromas of wild mint, nectarines and blanched Mediterranean herbs. Creamy with a sultry texture and delicious minerality. Beautiful. Pair it with Thai seafood dishes.
Foreign Affair Winery The Conspiracy 2016 ( Available as of Feb 18th at selected SAQ stores)
A blend of 62% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot. Famous for their use of appassimento style wine in Ontario’s Niagara peninsula, Foreign Affair Winery crafts elegant wines that are a favourite for many Canadian wine amateurs.
Awarded GOLD at the National Wine Awards 2018, this blend was created to pay hommage the early supporters of the winery. This is a thrilling red with aromas of coffee, roasted bell pepper and aromatic black currants. Polished with smooth tannins and a long finale. Perfect with braised meat weekday dishes.
L’Orangeraie Pinot Noir 2017 – SAQ# 13359469 $15.00
Difficult to find a Pinot Noir with this incredible quality at this price point. On the nose, aromas and nuances of ripe red fruit , spices and herbs. On the palate this wine is easy to drink harmonious and structured with round tannins. Beautiful flavours of blackberries, black cherry with a hint of vanilla. Pair it with pizza or chicken fajitas
Santa Julia Biologique Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – SAQ# 13359282 $14.15
Pretty aromas of strawberries and raspberries with a touch of liquorice and cedar. Medium to full body with touches of tobacco. Very easy to drink with supple tannins and a long fruity finale. Pair with steak and frites.
