Father’s Day is Sunday, so why not toast Dad with wines that not only pair well grilled favourites, but also with some terrific new books?
Here with her tips is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine and food pairing classes at nataliemaclean.com.
Welcome Natalie.
Great to be with you, Crystal!
What are you recommending first?
I have Farmhouse Vegetables: A Vegetable-Forward Cookbook by the award-winning chef Michael Smith from PEI. This collection of vibrant recipes is inspired by the culinary bounty of his farm at the Inn at Bay Fortune. Chef Michael shares everything that he has learned about vegetable cookery—ideas, techniques, and recipes—in this stunning cookbook.
What would you pair with this cookbook?
I’m going with the Domaine de Grand Pre l’Acadie Blanc from the Annapolis Valley. Its aromas of lemon zest and dried herbs would pair beautifully with Chef Michael’s basil ratatouille and Swiss chard.
Domaine de Grand Pré Vintner’s Reserve L’acadie Blanc
Grand Pre, Nova Scotia, Canada
What’s next?
The Essence of Invention by Canadian neuroradiologist Dr. Kieran Murphy digs into the fascinating stories behind the inventions of anesthesia, smallpox vaccines and safe surgery, among others. Dr. Murphy explores the mind of the inventor — their persistence, their rejection by their peers — and how they ultimately succeeded despite incredibly tough odds.
What’s the best wine for this book?
I’d go with a wine that’s difficult to make and also faces incredibly tough odds, the Westcott Pinot Noir from Niagara. It’s bursting with notes of juicy ripe cherries and spice. I’d also pair this with grilled chicken or seafood.
Westcott Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir
Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
What else do you suggest?
I have Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg, perfect for the dad who is always trying to improve himself and who will use this book only for the greater good: ie no mansplaining. It’s chock-full of life-changing lessons on how to connect better with friends, family and colleagues through words.
Which wine would you pair with it?
Yes, in vino veritas, through wine, people speak the truth. In honour of dad’s colourful, vibrant stories we have this equally colourful, vibrant Babich Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It’s as crisp and refreshing as the tips you’ll find in this book.
Babich Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough , New Zealand
What’s next?
I have Table for Two by Amor Towles who also wrote the bestsellers A Gentleman in Moscow and The Lincoln Highway. This collection of short stories based in New York City considers the heart of modern marriages with wit, insight and style.
There must be a wine for that?
I have an equally stylish wine from Greece, the Thalia Sauvignon Blanc. It has a racy, edgy vibe that reflects the stories in this book.
Thalia Sauvignon Blanc Vilana
Peza, Greece
Where can we find these wines?
All of these wines are in liquor stores now. I’ve also listed them and the food pairings on my site at www.nataliemaclean.com.
Thank you, Natalie.
Posted with permission of CTV.
