Sommelier recommendations for Mother’s Day as with Patricia Boal on CFRA News Talk Radio

May 10 2024

Today on CFRA News Talk Radio, CFRA Patricia Boal and Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased some great wines perfectly suited for Mother’s Day. These wines are guaranteed to be loved by Mom and certain to help put a smile on her face. Listen to our discussion here 🥂

Actions speak louder than words, and with Mother’s Day this weekend now is the time to show mom just how much you appreciate her with a great gift. 

Whether your shopping for your mom, or several generations of them, one thing moms have in common beyond their love for their children is their appreciation for a refreshing glass of wine.  So, for this Mother’s Day, why not treat mom to a special bottle of wine as it really is the best gift for this occasion.

A bouquet of flowers and a handwritten card are key parts to any Mother’s Day gift, but adding a bottle or two of delicious wine is a sure bet way to show her how appreciated she is.  It’s also a great way to jazz up that brunch, transforming it from a great meal to an unforgettable experience.

This Mother’s Day, let’s give Mom the gift of relaxation. A bottle of wine is like a mini-vacation in a glass – the perfect way to unwind and recharge after a busy day of being supermom.

And while picking the perfect bottle of wine can be a challenging endeavour with so many options available at LCBO, you need not worry as we’ve selected a few gems that mom is sure to love as they complement the season and will pair beautifully with your Mother’s Day brunch or BBQ. 

Matt’s list of Mother’s Day perfect wines are not only ideally suited for celebrating the occasion but they’re all conveniently available at LCBO stores in your neighbourhood, making them the perfect solution for any procrastinator.   So don’t worry when you’re leaving the golf course empty handed on your way to Mother’s Day brunch… mom will never know you just picked it up on the way over.  

Let’s face it, Moms love (and need!) wine, so it’s a gift you know she’ll put to good use, there’s zero chance it won’t fit, won’t take up precious space in her closet, and guaranteed to leave mom smiling from one ear to the other with a full heart.

Today we’re starting off with Champagne because Champagne is the ultimate expression of celebration and sophistication, making it the perfect option for gifting Mom this Mother’s Day.

With its effervescent bubbles and luxurious taste, Champagne embodies the love, appreciation, and admiration we have for our mothers. Whether it’s raising a toast to her unconditional love, her unwavering support, or her countless sacrifices, a bottle of Champagne is a symbol of gratitude and a heartfelt way to honor Mom on her special day.

Veuve Clicquot Rosé Available at LCBO – $104.15

Founded in 1772, Veuve Clicquot’s story is one of boldness, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. In 1805, Madame Clicquot took the reins of the champagne House after the death of her husband, at a time when women could neither work nor hold a bank account. ​Madame Clicquot had to face numerous obstacles but revolutionized the field, ultimately becoming well respected and given the title La Grande Dame of Champagne.

From harvest to shipment, Veuve Clicquot is inspired by the House’s longstanding motto, “Only one quality, the finest.”  This motto reminds me of a child’s sentiment towards their mother… one and only and the best! As such, for this Mother’s Day, a luxurious bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne seems to be a perfect gift idea and great way to celebrate La Grande Dame of your family too.

ln 1818, Madame Clicquot broke with tradition and created the very first blended Rosé in Champagne. The cuvée is based on the traditional Yellow Label blend, completed with 12% of Red Pinot Noir especially selected to bring strength and aromatic richness.  

Red and black fruits (cherry, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry), Spices (licorice) Pastry (biscuit, croissant) Orange zest and peel Gingerbread and toasted bread. A harmonious Rosé, with crunchy acidity well-meshed to the lacy mousse and minerally, smoke- and stone-laced underpinning, forming a fine frame for the flavors of ripe white cherry and pink grapefruit zest, accented by a touch of whole-grain toast. Drink now.

Moet & Chandon Rosé Imperial – Available at LCBO – $98.45

Moët & Chandon was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët and elevated to international renown by his descendant, Jean-Rémy Moët, who dreamt of “sharing the effervescence of Champagne with the world.”

With the largest, most diverse vineyards in the region, the House offers a universal & versatile portfolio of Champagnes for every occasion and palate.

For nearly three centuries, Moët & Chandon has been the Champagne of choice to mark both significant events in history and personal celebrations, enhancing each toast with the spark of effervescence.

The passion for Rosé blends continued well into 1878, the year inscribed on Moët & Chandon’s oldest bottle of its vintage Rosé Champagnes, and a powerful living symbol of unrivaled Rosé heritage.

A blend of 40-50% Pinot Noir (10% red wine), 30-40% Pinot Meunier (10% red wine), and 10-20% Chardonnay, of which 20-30% are from specially selected reserve wines to enhance its intensity, nuanced flavours, and consistency.

Juicy and persistent intensity of red fruits: strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant.  Subtle menthol note.  Pair with beer carpaccio with olive oil and ground pepper, red summer fruit salad and mint.

Still Rosé wine is another great style of wine to gift mom this Mother’s Day. Rosé wines are perfect companions for both brunch and BBQ fare due to their versatility and refreshing characteristics. Their light and crisp profile pairs beautifully with a wide range of brunch dishes, from savory quiches and omelets to fresh salads and seafood. The bright acidity and fruit-forward flavors of Rosé complement brunch favorites like eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, and avocado toast, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Similarly, Rosé wines shine alongside BBQ fare, offering a delightful contrast to the rich and smoky flavors of grilled meats and vegetables. The acidity in Rosé cuts through the richness of BBQ dishes, while its fruity notes add a refreshing element to each bite. Whether it’s juicy burgers, tangy ribs, or grilled chicken, Rosé provides a versatile and palate-cleansing accompaniment that elevates the flavors of the meal.

Additionally, the chilled temperature of Rosé wines makes them particularly refreshing on warm summer days, making them the perfect choice for outdoor brunches and BBQ gatherings. Whether enjoyed on a sunny patio or in the backyard with friends and family, Rosé wines add a touch of elegance and enjoyment to any brunch or BBQ occasion making them a great option for your Mother’s Day celebration.

Available at LCBO – $27.95

M de Minuty Rosé, from the picturesque Cotes de Provence in the south of France, beside the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, is a delightful ode to the region’s sun-drenched terroir and centuries-old winemaking heritage. A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, and 10% Syrah, M de Minuty Rosé embodies the epitome of Provencal elegance with an unquestionable sense of place. The nose shows fresh field strawberries interwoven with hints of peach, pear, delicate spice, and herbs. The palate showcases the creamy and refreshing texture, like strawberry shortcake with whip cream, but better, more refreshing, one glass leads to two. You’ll want to chill that second bottle too. Enjoy with summery salads, grilled seafood and pan-seared starters, or BBQ fare. Each bite certain to be enhanced by the refreshing profile of M de Minuty Rosé. At $27.95, it offers great value in a style of wine all will love. Tasted May 2024. 93 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Finally, as the weather warms up and patio and BBQ season get into full swing, it’s always nice to have a great (and affordable) red wine suggestion that complements BBQ fare.   This is where Terrazas De Los Andes Reserva Malbec comes in. Malbec’s bold flavors, balanced acidity, and tannic structure make it an ideal wine for enjoying with BBQ. And at under $20, this wine delivers quality at a great price.  

Terrazas De Los Andes Reserva Malbec – Mendoza Argentina – Available at LCBO – $19.95

Terrazas de Los Andes was founded in 1996 in the heart of Mendoza. Nestled high in the foothills of the Andes, it takes its name from the “terrazas”, a series of terraced plateaus at the foothills of the Andes mountain range, scattered over altitudes ranging from 800 to 1,800 metres. Terrazas Malbec vines are planted between 800 and 1,500 meters above sea level, in various locations around the province of Mendoza.

Malbec, the French grape brought to Argentina in 1850 by Michel Aimé Pouget, and has become the country’s king variety.

2021 vintage was characterized by lower temperatures than average during the ripening season and slightly above-average rainfall for the key months of January through March. This cool vintage, rather early for Terrazas, allowed the grapes to develop an intense color and a bright fruity profile with a vibrant and elegant mouthfeel. A fresh year, with bright and elegant wines.

Reserva Malbec grapes are harvested early and fresh, at their peak of fruit expression; “al dente”, preserving their refreshing characteristics while highlighting the great intensity of fruit concentration.

Fresh and intensely fruity with black and red fruit flavors like blackberry, plum and strawberry, together with typical violet and mountain spices notes of cold climate Malbec. Vibrant and layered, the mouthfeel is fresh and polished, with a good tension and length. It shows the refinement, nuance and polish that is defining modern Argentine Malbec. It’s generous, balanced and energetic, with lifted florals, layered black fruit, and oak spice. Enjoy with grilled BBQ fare, including ribs.

Mother’s Day is a precious time to celebrate everything special about Mom. Here’s wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day and I hope you’re able to gift and enjoy some of the delicious wines we recommended for this special occassion!

Cheers,

Matt