For the locavore

While it’s true that good Canadian wine is made by the boatload these days (you can’t go wrong with Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc from Ontario; big red blends, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Syrah from the Okanagan Valley; or even Quebec apple cider and L’Acadie Blanc and sparkling from Nova Scotia) but this is Christmas, and that calls for some extra special attention to some extra special wines. Here are a few standouts that I’d love to see under my tree:

Foreign Affair Unreasonable 2008, Ontario ($163)

This appassimento-style red from Niagara’s Foreign Affair is the bomb. Big, bold, brash and as unique a wine as you’ll find in Canada. The grapes have been dried for 163 days, hence, a dollar for each day aged (and the most expensive table wine in Ontario). If you’re splurging, go no further than right here.

Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir 2009, Niagara ($70)

One of the benchmark Pinots in Canada from one of the best vintages. Gorgeous plum and black cherries and toasted vanilla with aging potential of 10 years or more. Throw in a nice wooden box for $16, and Santa may never leave your house.

Inniskillin Sparkling Icewine 2011, Niagara ($70)

This comes in a gorgeous decorative gold tube but it is the golden nectar that awaits in the bottle that will thrill your recipient. Think honey, peaches, sparkles and apricot fruit all delivered flawlessly in a racy, tongue-tingling explosion on the palate.

Jackson-Triggs Entourage Sparkling Merlot, Ontario ($30)

A fabulously delicious (in a manly way) bubbly with raspberry, wild field berries, kirsch and plums with toast and spice to boot. Made exclusively for that favourite man in the house who needs a little sweetness in his life.

Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 2011, Nova Scotia ($26)

Nova Scotia’s Benjamin Bridge is turning heads for its all-sparkling wine program. The Nova 7 hits all the right notes in a slightly off-dry style.

Orofino Beleza 2009, BC ($34)

There are so many great wines in BC, but this one caught my full attention during a recent visit. It’s in the booming Similkameen Valley (a short drive from the Okanagan) and built just like a fine Bordeaux with power, structure and layers of pleasure. A real treat if you can get your hands on it.

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Kerner Icewine 2011, BC ($30)

This has all the right wow factors for Christmas gift giving: different, delicious and sweet with honey, citrus and peach flavours that build on the palate.