Pelee Island Pinot Noir Reserve VQA (Carolina Hurricanes)
VS.
Philippe De Rothschild Pinot Noir Pays d’Oc (Florida Panthers)
Tale of the Tape:
This series should not be a surprise to anyone… but it sort of is a surprise to everyone. The Carolina Hurricanes have been a one of the hardest working skill-based teams that has thrived under the guidance of head coach Rod “The Bod” Brind’Amour. The Flordia Panthers were the 2022 President’s Trophy winner that made a major roster shuffle trading franchise player Jonathan Huberdeau for American superstar (and 2nd generation NHLer) Matthew Tkatchuk.
Hockey WineUp Prediction:
Hockey WineUp is choosing Pelee Island Pinot Noir Reserve VQA to win the third round match up. Both wines are fantastic for enjoying hockey and understanding the nuances of balance and taste. Head to head, the Pelee Island Pinot Noir Reserve VQA is more unique and complex with layers to experience and discover as you engage with it.
Pelee Island Pinot Noir Reserve VQA
Pairing: Carolina Hurricanes
Vintage Year: N/A
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Country: Canada
Region: Ontario, Pelee Island
Alcohol/Volume: 12.5%
Price: $19.45
From the LCBO:
Medium ruby red colour; aromas of berry fruit, smoke and chocolate, with underlying notes of fruit jam and cloves; extra dry, medium bodied with berry fruit, smoky oak and chocolate flavours; well balanced with moderate to long finish.
Philippe De Rothschild Pinot Noir Pays d’Oc
Pairing: Florida Panthers
Vintage Year: N/A
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Country: France
Region: Pays d’Oc
Alcohol/Volume: 12.5%
Price: $14.45
From the winery:
Welcome to the world of French Pinot Noir. This is a very accessible wine at a great price from a historically significant and well storied wine brand – Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The wine region Pays d’Oc is nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean in Southern France. The warmer climate will result in more prominent dark fruit flavours like plum and blueberry – also keep your taste buds aware of hints of chocolate. This is a warmer climate pinot noir for a warm climate hockey team and is best served at 55° F.
Schedule:
Game 1: Thursday, May 18: at Carolina, 8 p.m. ET
Game 2: Saturday, May 20: at Carolina, 8 p.m. ET
Game 3: Mondy, May 22: at Florida, 8 p.m. ET
Game 4: Wednesday, May 24: at Florida, 8 p.m. ET
Game 5: Friday, May 26: at Carolina, 8 p.m. ET
Game 6: Sunday, May 28: at Florida, 8 p.m. ET
Game 7: Tuesday, May 30: at Carolina, 8 p.m.ET
© 2025 Nicholas Shalagan and Hockey WineUp. All rights reserved. Hockey WineUp is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHL or its teams.
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