Here are a couple of highlights related to hockey from the LCBO Spring Trends 2021 mailer.
19 Crimes Cali Red 2019
19 Crimes is an interesting brand. The 2019 Cali Red features a hockey icon on the label. An unexpected champion of the game, none other than the one and only “D-O-G-G Cherry”. That’s right… Snoop Dog. If you have not seen the 2018 hockey 101 segments you can check them out here: D-O-G-G Cherry Hockey 101
This is a great wine to enjoy while watching any of the California teams. For me, I gave it a taste during the April 17 Jets vs. Oilers game.
What did Grapes Taste?
This is a full-bodied wine. On my initial mouthful I could taste a mild vanilla flavour (this means it was aged in oak barrels) and cherries as I finished my first taste. As I continued to drink my first glass during the first period I noticed a bit of blueberry at the start of my sip with the cherries showing up again at the end. Overall I found this to be a very mellow wine that tasted similar to some of the Italian Primitivo grape varieties, which makes sense because 19 Crimes Cali Red is a mix of Petit Sirah and Zinfandel.
Interesting fact: Primitivo and Zinfandel are genetically the same grape!
Aviation Gin
I’m going to guess that you are thinking 3 things right now.
- Ryan Reynolds is an amazing human being
- Has Ryan Reynolds ever been in a movie that doesn’t have hockey or skating worked into it somehow?
- Grapes, this is a wine review, why is Aviation Gin being highlighted?
First of all, Ryan Reynolds is an amazing human being. Now, let’s talk about his Aviation Gin and Wine!
Every now and then you may have a desire to watch the game with a mixed drink. Lucky for us there is a classic cocktail that requires 4 ingredients and a bit of shaking.
Folks, I’m pleased to introduce you to the French 75, a great beverage to sip on while watching the Vancouver Canucks (mainly because that is where Ryan Reynolds is from) or a weekend afternoon game as you enjoy brunch.
For this recipe you will need a cocktail shaker, strainer, and a universal wine glass (or any other glass that can hold up to 10 ounces of beverage).
If you look up this recipe you will see that it is made with Champagne. Well, here’s a little Hockey WineUp Trick – Crémant uses the exact same technique as Champagne and is made in the following regions: Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone Valley, Jura, Limoux, and the Loire.
Why Crémant? Because for us, it is practically indistinguishable from Champagne at a fraction of the cost at $20/bottle. In the words of Wayne Campbell, “Ah yes, it’s a lot like “Star Trek: The Next Generation”. In many ways it’s superior but will never be as recognized as the original.”
French 75
Ingredients: Aviation Gin, Veuve Ambal Crémant, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup
Ingredients:
- 2.5 ounces of Aviation Gin
- 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce of simple syrup
- 4.5 ounces of Veuve Ambal Crémant
Recipe:
Pour the Aviation Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker. Add ice. Shake for 30 seconds (or until your hands feel cold from the shaker). Pour the mixed ingredients through a strainer into your glass followed by the Veuve Ambal Crémant.
© 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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