Power Play

The NHL Alumni Association is hoping its partnership with Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits will be a hit with wine lovers as the playoffs begin.

The association has joined forces with Ontario-based Diamond Estates to produce two blended wines — a red and a white. The wines, which both combine three grape varietals, are aptly named Hat Trick Red and Hat Trick White.

“Hockey is Canada,” said Murray Marshall, President & CEO of Diamond Estates, which owns several Ontario wineries. “What better way to celebrate this long and rich history than with a great bottle of wine that embodies our pride and passion for all things Canadian.”

The VQA Ontario wines, which are currently available in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, sell for $13 to $15. The project will be used as a fund-raiser for the NHL Alumni Association, with 50 cents from the sale of every bottle being used for its charitable causes.

“The NHL Alumni Association is thrilled and very excited to be partnering up with such a quality company like Diamond Estates,” said Mark Napier, executive director of the NHL Alumni Association. “We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Diamond.”

The red blend from the 2010 vintage combines cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and shiraz. Diamond Estates vice-president of winemaking Tom Green says the medium-bodied wine, which offers aromas of dark berry fruit and pepper, is great for easy-going sipping while watching the NHL playoffs.

“We like to have this wine on its own or teamed up with steaks or sausages on the barbecue, or maybe even meat pizza if we can’t tear ourselves away from the game,” said Green.

The 2011 Hat Trick White blends gewürztraminer, riesling and chardonnay. According to Green it boasts “a refreshing palate that shows crisp characteristics of citrus and tropical fruits.” It pairs well with hot wings, Chinese takeout and nachos, he says.

Diamond Estates hopes to have the wines on sale across Canada by the end of the year.