I love this time of year. Even though it is still officially winter, spring is clearly lurking just around the corner. Sunset is at a slightly more tolerable hour, the plum trees are in bloom and I’m stopped in my tracks when I catch a random whiff of flowers. Even the birds are chirping (rain or shine).
The promise of something new awakens the adventurous spirit. Why not let this inspire your wine drinking habits too? I suggest purging the stalest choices from your familiar repertoire to make room for some fresh finds. The latest to cross my palate include beautifully scented whites and equally expressive reds. All are ideal for that transition from cozying up indoors to throwing open the windows to let the fresh air in.
2014 Augey • Bordeaux Blanc AOC, France • $16-17, private wine stores
Hey Sauvignon Blanc fans, you should really check this out! The Augey is a great value example of the mouth-watering whites hailing from the region of Bordeaux. Pungent Sauvignon Blanc gets added weight and intrigue from the addition of 25 per cent Semillon. In the glass, juicy green apple and white grapefruit flavours meld with subtle grassy and lime blossom notes. Steely and crisp without being tart. Makes me want to eat halibut with asparagus.
2014 Ronco del Gelso, ‘Vigna della Permuta’ • Malvasia Friuli Isonzo DOC, Italy • $27.99, BC Liquor Stores
A new import from the far northeastern corner of Italy, Vigna della Permuta is made from the Malvasia Istriana grape grown just stone’s throw from the Adriatic coast. An elegant wine with delicate aromas so appropriate for the nascent spring. Whispers of white peach skin, pear, hay and rose water are offset by an underlying saltiness that speaks to the vineyard’s proximity to the sea. Perfect for a mild Indian yellow curry.
2014 Plateau des Chênes • Lirac Blanc AOC, France • $32.17, Marquis Wine Cellars
The Southern Rhône is known for its generous, sun-kissed reds but the occasional white, like this Lirac, can be a thing of beauty. It’s round and fleshy as should be expected from these warmer climes, yet still vibrant. Local grapes Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Roussanne come together to create a gorgeous medley of stone fruit, jasmine tea and mandarin peel. A brilliant partner for pork, chicken or veal.
2012 Casa Santos Lima, ‘Confidencial’ Reserva • Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal • $15.99, BC Liquor Stores
I’m always scouring the shelves for the latest from Portugal. More often than not, the wines satisfy my quest for personality at a modest price. Here coffee bean, vanilla, spiced plum and boysenberry define this friendly full red. It’ll slip seamlessly into your everyday drinking rotation and drink like a charm with a mid-week stew.
2012 Gotín del Risc, Mencía • Bierzo DO, Spain • $17.99, BC Liquor Stores
With diamond-like baubles and flamboyant pink flowers, the label combines bling with spring. But it is what’s inside the bottle that counts. Featuring the alluring Mencía grape this medium-weight Bierzo offers cherries, herb flowers, and a touch of toast. There’s also a suggestive meatiness that has me craving grilled sausages.
• Prices exclusive of taxes.
