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For the last year or so, the East Van Wine Academy has presented monthly "wine events that don't suck" at the legendary Waldorf Hotel on East Hastings.Over here at Vancouver Is Awesome, we're going to occasionally bring a little East Van Wine Academy to you, riffing on each month's theme — offering a portable, "home version" of our events where you can pick up a few bottles, invite some friends over, and maybe even learn a little something while enjoying plenty of cheer. |
The following are the wines we poured for each round, with a few tasting notes to give you an idea of what to expect from each bottle. The eventual winners of each round are in bold. Do enjoy battling out the different rounds at home with friends, whether over a few different dinners and occasions or all in one epic evening, and see which wines you think should've taken each crown.
All of these wines are recommended and available at BC Liquor Stores. Just search 'em on their website to see what's in stock at a store near you! The only exceptions are starred (*) and available at private wine stores.
Round 1: Sparkling!
Cristalino Cava Brut | Spain | $12.99 | Fresh-baked bread, and lemony notes on this crisp, dry refresher.
Veuve du Vernay Brut Rosé | France | $ 13.99 | Strawberries and raspberries with a snappy, peppery finish.
Round 2: Aromatic Whites!
Donnafugata 2009 Anthilia | Italy | $17.99 | A zippy Sicilian zinger unloading a fresh basket of peaches
Ganton & Larsen Prospect 2010 Riesling | BC | $12.99 | Key lime pie in a bottle!
Round 3: Rich Whites!
Cabriz 2009 Dao Encruzado | Portugal | $17.99 | Grilled grapefruit with warm, toasted almonds.
Cono Sur 2010 Viognier | Chile | $10.99 | An orchard of stonefruit with a couple honeyed kisses.
Round 4: Pink!
*Bartier-Scholefield 2010 Rose Table Wine | BC | $20.00 | Local, dry critical-darling with plums, cherries and sage.
‘Les Legeriens’ 2009 Rose d’ Anjou | France | $14.95 | Slightly off-dry w/ stewed blackberries.
Round 5: Light Reds!
*Mt. Boucherie 2010 Estate Gamay Noir | BC | $14.99 | Great value BC Gamay with black cherries and mocha.
Yering Station ‘Little Yering’ 2009 Pinot Noir | Australia | $14.99 | Buoyant and cheery with red berry fruit.
Round 6: Rich Reds!
Chateau de Valcombe 2009 Syrah-Grenache | France | $12.99 | Old-world charmer with currants and spice.
Yecla 2009 Lujuria | Spain | $9.98 | Rich, dark and brooding with espresso, dark chocolate and cloves.
Round 7: Dessert!
Concha y Toro Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc | Chile | $14.99 | Nice acid, lemony and not too cloying.
Domaine Du Clos Du Bourg Touraine Chenin Blanc Demi-Sec | France | $15.99 | Bartlett pear, honeycrisp apples and jasmine.
Round 8: Fortified!
Lillet | France | $16.99 (375ml) | A citrusy kick of grapefruit, lime, pomelo and blood orange.
Alvear Amontillado Sherry | Spain | $ 14.49 | Rasted hazelnuts, toffee and a touch of wild mushroom. Dry.
Want more under-$20 recommendations? James Nevison's Had A Glass app features a hundred of 'em, all available on BC Liquor Store shelves and it's only $2.99. A limited-edition, pocket-sized print version is available as well. Pop over to HadAGlass.com for more info!
Next up for the East Van Wine Academy on Tuesday, March 13th— Blending Bootcamp! with Tinhorn Creek Winery's Chief Winemaker Sandra Oldfield. A whole mess o' fun, all the info's right here. Space is limited, hope to see a few V.I.A. fans there!
