Howell: 5 Canadian white wines great for summer

I am still talking about my last trip to the Canadian vineyards, and have decided that I am not yet done whining.  Oh, Canada!  You are producing such delicious wines.  But why, oh why can’t we find them in wine shops this side of the border?  A famous politician recently said it best. “We need more Canada”!

Since it is necessary to take a road trip to procure some of these goodies, that is exactly what I did.  After two days, I returned with a substantial stash to sustain me throughout the summer.  I rarely write about wines that are not readily available in local wine shops, but today is an exception.  You’ll just need to drive a couple extra miles, and remember to bring your passport or enhanced license.

They don’t call it “The Great White North” for nothing.  Although there are amazing reds being made in the Niagara Peninsula, I found myself gathering up the wines that are going to be tasting best in warm weather.  Here are some great white sippers for you to search out on your next visit.

Malivoire “Bisous” Brut NV. Malivoire is a class-act winery on the Beamsville Bench of the Niagara Peninsula.  It is known for its Chardonnays and Pinot noirs, but it was the delicious sparkler that knocked my socks off.  Made using the traditional method (just like French Champagne), it is a blend of 85 percent Pinot noir and 15 percent Chardonnay. Inviting notes of freshly baked biscuits and apple blossom on a richly creamy palate make this a total winner in my book.  Save for a special occasion.  Like tomorrow.  $29.95 CAD (about $23 U.S.).

Ravine “Sand & Gravel” Riesling 2015.  Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery is in the St. David’s Bench sub-appellation of Niagara-on-the-Lake.  (It's not related to Ravines Wine Cellars in the Finger Lakes).  The vineyards here lie above the ancient Niagara River beds, which donate a good dose of minerality to the wines.  This Riesling is aptly named for its terroir, and is a delightfully juicy style that finishes crisp and dry. A consistent favorite. $17.95 CAD (about $14 U.S.).

►MORE: Canada's Niagara region a treat for wine lovers

Coyote’s Run Unoaked Chardonnay 2015.  Another fabulous stop on your way into Niagara-on-the-Lake, this cozy little winery is making some pretty big stuff, including several amazing Cabernet and Syrah red blends.  This white was a standout, and is a testament to the stream of recent accolades about the region’s Chardonnay wines.  Unoaked, yet with a full body that borders on plush, this tasty white can please a wide variety of palates.  I know that because just about everyone at the bar (aka my mother and I) was buying it .  A steal at $14.95 CAD (about $11.50 U.S.).

Cattail Creek White 2013.  It is true that I have a soft spot for cats, but I did not stop at this winery just for the labels (some of which portray elegant felines).  I stopped because almost every other winery in the region suggested it.  There is a nice showing of neighborly support among the Niagara wineries, and that is a welcome benefit to visitors.  Cattail Creek makes several lines of wine: Cat Series, Cattail Creek Series, Estate Series, Small Lot Series and Dessert Series.  Plenty of excellent stuff to choose from, but I loved the Cattail Creek White, which is an easy-drinking blend of 88 percent Chardonnay, 9 percent Gewürztraminer, 2 percent Riesling and 1 percent Gamay noir.  Very peachy and fun, with a tartness on the finish that balanced the ripe fruit flavors.  The winery recommends pairing it with seafood fresh off the grill.  I like that.  $13.95 CAD (about $11 U.S.).

Strewn Gewürztraminer 2014.  This winery is a must-visit, not only for its stunning wines, but also for its crazy good food and cooking classes. It is on Lakeshore Road, just minutes west of Niagara-on-the-Lake town. The restaurant on site is called “OliV,” and it makes its own line of balsamic vinegars and olive oils that are infused into every dish on the menu.  The Gewürztraminer was the wine that caught my fancy this time around, and several bottles made their way into my basket.  Floral and spicy, but not over-the-top perfumed, this is a dry version that makes a classic pairing to curried chicken salad.  Another great value at $13.95 CAD (about $11 U.S.).

Now, wouldn’t it be nice if you could just run down to your local wine shop to pick a few of these up to try?  Well, let’s hope that someday that will be the case.  But for now, your case lies just over the border.  Get out your calendar and start planning a trip to a foreign country near you.  The Great White North awaits!