It's the tail end of an extended stay in Italy and I've crammed my suitcase with as many wines as I can. I didn't come here empty handed though.
To guarantee room for souvenir bottles, I always leave home with a few local gems to give away. This time my traveling companions included Rieslings from Little Farm and Tantalus as well as Nichol Syrah. And I could have chosen plenty of other wines. What was running through my head when I made my selection?
Clearly I had Riesling on the brain. I've tasted lots of fantastic examples recently but my preference is for the driest of the bunch. Kudos to those producers who aren't afraid of letting our telltale acid take centre stage. Both bottles I brought got thumbs up.
When am I not thinking of Chardonnay? Despite constantly confessing my love for this grape, I am fully aware that good and bad Chardonnay exists everywhere, including our own backyard. The most successful manage to balance the oak so that there's just enough to enhance, not overwhelm. Meyer, Tantalus, and CedarCreek get my vote.
Our second most-planted red, Pinot Noir, often ends up accompanying me on trips abroad. Cooler sites and a gentle hand are crucial for this finicky grape. In my mind, Quails' Gate and Blue Mountain are consistent performers while Liquidity is a happy new find.
Syrah will never be big business in BC. It's susceptible to winter frost which can kill the vines. However, enough stellar bottlings should encourage producers to persist with this grape, especially in warmer pockets. Generally more restraint in style, Aussie Shiraz this ain't. My top three in no particular order are Moon Curser, Le Vieux Pin, and Nichol.
The Italians' curiosity was definitely piqued so I'll need to fit in a few more bottles on my next visit.
N/V Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut • $24-30 winery direct and private wine stores
I have a weakness for bubbles in general and am happy to show off almost anything from Blue Mountain. Here, an elegant creamy mousse and fine bubbles call for oysters.
2013 Little Farm Mulberry Tree Vineyard Riesling • Similkameen Valley • $30-$37 winery direct and private wine stores
Chalky and minerally with tons of citrus peel and spine tingling acidity. The Italians recommended a pairing with ricotta stuffed zucchini flowers.
2012 Tantalus Chardonnay • Okanagan Valley • $30-38 winery direct and private wine stores
This presses all of my Chardonnay buttons. Balanced, textured, lots of lemon cream, and a touch of hazelnut.
2012 Liquidity Pinot Noir • Okanagan Falls • $25-30 private wine stores
Sold out at the winery but a smattering of bottles in private wine stores. Subtle earthy notes add intrigue to all those pretty red berries. Thinking mushroom stew...
2012 Moon Curser Syrah • Okanagan Valley • $25-$32 winery direct and private wine stores
Bursting with black cherry, pepper, and sweet baking spice, this is magic with duck.
