A GREAT MENU DESERVES TO BE PAIRED WITH A GREAT WINE LIST
Time for a shout-out to recognize a great Edmonton wine list that parallels an awesome food menu, accompanied by great service. Criteria for the complete package is what food lovers worldwide search for.
A notable example is Cafe Linnea on 119 Street, a French- and Scandinavian-inspired restaurant that features locally sourced ingredients. It was recently named a top 10 restaurant by EnRoute magazine.
The wine list is a collaboration between Garner Beggs (co-owner) and Chuck Elves, who we are glad to see back in town to give Garner a hand.
The list is focused, interesting French wines representing a wide range of styles to please every palate and pairing.
Unfocused lists trying to please all without menu consideration are frustrating because the effort for food isn’t matched with the same effort for the wine program.
You know those wine lists — the ones that drive wine lovers to order a gin and tonic. For example, if fresh oysters are on the menu, please have a Muscadet (a crisp wine from the Melon de Bourgogne grape) or Chablis (a beautiful flinty Chardonnay from northern France) on the wine list.
You won’t suffer this at Cafe Linnea — there are 17 white wines, 21 red wines and eight sparkling wines, all French, representing most every region in the country.
I happened to stop on a Tuesday evening and was delighted to discover this is the night they do a chef ’s pairing. You need to go support this innovative and inspirational concept.
Grab a sourdough loaf, sausage, house-smoked bacon and some condiments to take home.
Not only can you enjoy these wines at Café Linnea, you could also stock up for Easter weekend.
DE CHANCENY CREMANT BRUT $22
A long weekend deserves a toast with these delicious bubbles. The term “Cremant” tells us that the wine is made using the same method as Champagne. A blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc that’s dry and crisp with floral and citrus notes. A refreshing wine that would pair with almost anything.
SANGOUARD-GUYOT POUILLY FUISSE $33
This is a spectacular example of how amazingly elegant and expressive Chardonnay can be without being over-oaked and cloyingly sweet. A rich and complex white Burgundy that pairs with rich creamy dishes, grilled white meat, guaranteed to please.
YVES CUILLERON GAMAY $27
Trust me, when you see a wine from this producer, just buy it. Yves took over the estate from his grandfather in 1987 and he is involved in all aspects of the winemaking. This wine was fermented using only the ambient yeast in the winery, producing an intensely aromatic wine bursting with black and red fruits, spice and a softly textured palate. Perfect pairing for lamb and ham if that’s on your menu this weekend.
CAHORS MAS DEL PERIE LA ROGUE $36
This is a grape that doesn’t need an introduction (Malbec), although a completely different animal than what you find from Argentina. It’s from France — this is where Malbec originated. It’s dark, earthy, spicy and fabulous.
CHAVE ST JOSEPH ‘OFFERUS’ $47
One of the greatest producers in the world and also one of the most elusive (he rarely entertains guests). But when you make wine like this, you can choose who and when. An absolutely amazing red wine with layers of flavours and aromas that beg for more. This one is from the region of St-Joseph in the Rhone Valley made from Syrah — a spiritual experience. A wine with fine silky tannins, floral and spice notes and dark fruits on an elegant, complex palate.
Wine selections are available at select Alberta shops. Log onto liquorconnect.com to check availability and give them a call to verify.