Count me among those who love surprises. That rush of delight that comes from opening up something fun, or thoughtful, or just entirely unexpected is something we could all use more of these days.

This is why I’m a big fan of Ottawa’s Savvy Company’s surprise packs. They distribute Canadian wines and ciders from smaller producers that aren’t found in the LCBO.
For those who prefer predictability, they regularly release seasonal 6- or 12-bottle cases and list the bottles they contain, which tend to be priced close to shelf value. 

Occasionally, Savvy releases a surprise pack that averages $20 per bottle including shipping to the Greater Toronto Area. I’ve bought a few of these and have seen wines featured from all over Ontario, from old-guard producers in Niagara-on-the-Lake to new and adventurous wineries in more far-flung regions.

I ordered the Holiday Surprise Pack in December, and will spend January sharing my findings.
This week’s column looks at the three white wines that were included, while our next column will cover the three reds. These may still be available from Savvy for direct order, but there’s no guarantee…that’s why it’s a surprise!

Note that this case wasn’t supplied to us: we paid for it, just like you can when the next one comes up by signing up for Savvy Company’s mailing list at savvycompany.ca

Fogolar 2017 Chardonnay
Niagara, Ontario
Regular $17.95 at drinkcollab.ca

Fogolar is a virtual winery: it doesn’t have a standalone brick-and-mortar location, but its wines are available online. This Chardonnay is beautifully complex, presenting with traditional notes of pineapple, lemon, and floral qualities on the nose, transitioning into flavours of apple and pear accented by a crisp minerality and a hint of caramelization. It’s fermented cool in neutral French oak barrels and aged for 10 months, which gives the oak presence without being intrusive. Try this with grilled or smoked salmon for a real treat.

Score: 8/10

Marynissen 2019 Pinot Grigio
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Available at the winery or in 6-packs ($95.70) at marynissen.com

I remember asking once years ago at Marynissen why their prices had stayed so reasonable while the wineries around them were increasingly charging premiums. Their answer: we believe everyone should have access to good wine. That’s a philosophy I can get behind. This Pinot grigio is a beautiful example with a tropical nose of pineapple and mango that continues into every sip along with a citrus, all of which ride a long and lingering finish. Pair it with a seafood linguine if you’re still in the mood for rich foods; if not, a vegan fettuccine alfredo would make a great lighter alternative.
Score: 8/10

Sprucewood Shores 2017 Lakeside White
Essex Pelee Island Coast, Ontario
Not available online; more info at sprucewoodshores.com

Bottles from Sprucewood Shores have been tucked into several of the Savvy surprise packs I’ve received, and I’ve been delighted with each one. This blended white is exceptionally easy-drinking with a fresh nose of green apple and citrus and flavours of peach, a hint of lemon, and juicy pear. This would make a great patio wine on its own and is worth saving for the summer months, or you can work toward your January clean eating goals by pairing it with a salad of beets and candied nuts.
Score: 8/10

Steph is a successful, established freelance writer and has been a wine aficionado for more than two decades. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram.
Decanting Digest appears every other Wednesday.
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