Good Wine to Keep You Alive in January


Published on May 24, 2011

It is still dark out there and decidedly cold. The bank account has not quite popped back and Spring is not around the corner. How do Edmontonian’s cope with the harsh climate? I have to maintain; it is the community of friends and family around us that make us thrive. Sharing food and wine in the warmth of your domain, with good company, helps us get through the winter.


Here are some wines that match with roast beef, winter stews and the like. Turn on the oven or crank on the crock pot. Keep your cork screw oiled up in January as there are many wines that fit this chilly season.


• Australian Shiraz is a perfect match for roasted red meat. Every one of the Australian wine principals I have met has to agree; Alberta beef is superb with their wines. I have chosen Yalumba Y Series, Shiraz/ Viogner. The Viogner is a white grape. The winemaker adds in around 5% to the Shiraz to give it a nice acidic lift. The wine is prices around $15.00. All the Yalumba wines are very nice.


• A French wine I tip my beret to is, “Three Winds”. The label is easy to read and the Shiraz grape name is on the front label. This is very modern for France. Expect soft tannins and nice cherry fruit. At $14.00 I am impressed.

  Check out your Canadian section for Jackson Triggs, “Proprietors Reserve” Merlot. It is surprisingly fabulous! Not a juicy fruit bomb, or a weed pile, but a nicely layered focus on plums and berries. The finish is smooth and the price is also, at around $20.00.

Find the wines, go to Alberta Liquor Guide and follow the directions. You can find the wine close to your postal code. Call the store first to make sure it is in stock!