Inniskillin Pearl Vidal Ice Wine 2024 (375ml)

Inniskillin was one of the first estate wineries in Ontario, and it is famous for Icewine from the Niagara Peninsula. Icewine grapes are left on the vine into the winter and picked frozen, so only a small amount of very sweet, concentrated juice runs from the press. Inniskillin makes its Vidal Icewine in two styles, one aged in oak and one without, and Pearl is the unoaked version.

Because no oak is used, the fruit comes first: orange, mango and lemon, with peach and apricot, and bright acidity that keeps all that sweetness from turning syrupy. It is a good introduction to Icewine, sweet and fresh at the same time.

Serve it well chilled, around 45-50F, in small glasses; a half bottle pours about six servings. Try it with fruit tarts, cheesecake, blue cheese or foie gras, or on its own in place of dessert.

Bottle size: 375ml

It's fresh and elegant, with citrus, crisp apple and ripe peach, followed by light brioche and some toasted almond. The bubbles are fine, persistent and lively, and the finish is clean, bright and pleasantly long.

The blend is roughly 50% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier. The high share of Chardonnay gives the Champagne its light, graceful style and fresh citrus character, making it very easy to enjoy.

It's excellent with oysters, sushi, smoked salmon and grilled prawns. Light cheeses and crispy fried snacks also work well. Thanks to its freshness, it makes a brilliant aperitif before almost any dinner party or celebration.

Chill it to around 8–10°C and serve it in a tulip or white wine glass rather than a flute. The wider bowl lets the aromas open up while still keeping the bubbles fresh and lively.

You can buy Laurent-Perrier Champagne Brut La Cuvee online from Wine Chateau. Check the product page for the bottle sizes currently listed, then add it to your cart for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or festive celebrations.