Although there are incredible foods and drinks in countries around the world, it can’t be denied that Canada produces some noteworthy goods. Mandrea Bike took to sampling top quality oysters and wines that bring the Great White North to the forefront for taste. 

The evening began with an Atlantic Canada versus British Columbia oyster tasting that resulted in an uncontested winner from New Brunswick, and flowing into a wine tasting between Ontario and British Columbia, ultimately ending in a west coast sweep. 

Here’s what was on the shucking block: 

• Raspberry Point (PEI): A cute starter with fresh taste to cleanse the palate to transition from Negronis to Crémant.  
• Kusshi (BC): These big boys are meaty AF and are sure to be the largest oyster that ever enters your mouth.  
• Beausoleil (NB): Pleasant in name, and even more pleasant in flavour. This elegant oyster had the whole group fall in love at first bite. 

Mandrea Bike is partial to East Coast oysters. It could be the years spent running through the streets of Halifax, or simply that the flavour profile is more appealing. Either way, doubling up on oysters from two Maritime provinces was a no-brainer. But the west coast Kusshi oysters are all the hype and a tasting competition was in order to crown a winner once and for all. 

The Beausoleil oysters from New Brunswick were the clear favourite, followed by an even PEI’s Raspberry Point and the Kusshi from BC. The Kusshi was too much of a mouthful for some, while the Raspberry Point were too soft in comparison. The consensus among the group was that the Beauoseil was a happy medium between the other two because they were packed with flavour, a palatable size and washed down well with some bubbles. 

The oysters were provided by our friend at Island Oysters, who delivers oysters across the Greater Toronto Area to oyster-lovers alike. 

The evening quickly progressed into wine lovers witching hour, where six bottles of three grape varietals were blindly compared from Ontario’s Prince Edward County and Niagara regions against wines from the Okanagan’s Naramata. 

The Chardonnay Tasting: 
Norman Hardie County Chardonnay (2017) 
Little Engine Chardonnay Gold Label (2017) – Winner 

Norman Hardie’s Chardonnay has to be one of Ontario’s best wines. Even non-believers of Chardonnay are converted. But it met its match with Little Engine’s Chardonnay. Both wines actually differed in taste significantly. The Ontario wine posessed the vanilla flavours from an oak barrel. Whereas, the Okanagan Chadonnay was much earthier. 

The Gamay Tasting: 
Malivoire Gamay (2018) 
Deep Roots Gamay (2019) – Winner

The Malivoire Gamay from the Niagara Peninsula was light both in colour and in flavour, with a subtle hint of pepper. It’s a go-to for Mandrea Bike all year around. However, there seems to be a new cat in town. The Deep Roots Gamay is much fuller in body and deeper in colour. Compared beside each other, there is more flavour and depth in the Okanagan Gamay. 

In the 2020 BC Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards Ceremony, Deep Roots Winery took home a lot of prizes for their wines. Although the Gamay didn’t take anything home, it’s still an awesome glass of grape juice. 

The Cabernet Franc Tasting: 
Norman Hardie County Cabernet Franc (2016)
Van Westen Vineyards: Vulture (2017) – Winner

Things got a little informal at this point of the night, but the gang still rallied for a final tasting. The judging was closer between these two wines than any of the others, but the majority ultimately voted for the Cabernet Franc from British Columbia. 

Mandrea Bike always has a rocking time with friends and family who love to taste wines alongside the food. Stay tuned for more tastings and eats. 

Eat and drink with you soon, 

Mandrea Bike
(Mat & Andrea)