Whenever I’m able to pull my nose out of my own glass, I’m curious about what everyone else is drinking. And there’s no better person to ask in BC than Barbara Philip, a Master of Wine and the category manager for European wines at BC Liquor Stores. Philip keeps a close eye on the stats and has a knack for making them exciting. She provided me with a snapshot of sales (by value) in BC Liquor Stores from April to November 2016 – those with steady growth will surely be filling glasses in 2017. My recommendations combine following fashion with bucking the trends.
Rosé
This is one craze that shows no signs of waning. Despite a less-than-stellar summer, rosé sales were up 15 per cent in 2016 over 2015. Surely sales spiked on the warmest days, but the sustained growth year-round suggests it’s no longer taboo to drink pink after Labour Day.
2015 Domaine L’Ostal Cazes Rosé • IGP Pays d’Oc, France • $14.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
France tops the rosé charts at a whopping 50 per cent increase; as well, three of the 10 top-selling French wines are rosé. With its pale-pink hue, L’Ostal Cazes clocks in at number six of all French wines. Gorgeous scents of thyme blossom and dried lavender, and flavours of fresh strawberries and raspberries, make it so appropriate with a garlicky fish soup.
Sparkling Wine
Bubble is another hot category, with Champagne and Prosecco battling it out for top dog. The former currently has the edge, boasting almost $7 million in sales (up 17.5 per cent) versus Prosecco, which clocks in just under $6.9 million (up 16 per cent). Cheers to both, and kudos to Prosecco for being the catalyst for making sparkling wine an everyday drink.
Villa Conchi Brut Selección Cava • Spain • $15.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
If you have Champagne tastes but a Prosecco budget, my answer is Cava. Though less complex and racy than Champagne, Villa Conchi is characterful and affordable, with subtle toasty notes and lots of pear, red apple and lemon flavours.
BC Riesling
Our local wines aren’t just a trend; they’re a going concern. Although Merlot is the most planted grape, the latest acreage report (2014) showed Riesling to be on the rise, with plantings up 16.3 per cent since 2011. It’s also one of the varieties that’s constantly trotted out when we’re showing off our wines abroad.
2015 Wild Goose, Riesling • Okanagan Valley, BC VQA • $15.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
I never run out of recommendations for BC Riesling. In the spirit of post-holiday austerity, this is the perfect time to include this, Wild Goose’s subtly sweet yet vibrant (and well-priced) gem.
Chile
At 20 per cent, Chile gets the prize for the country showing the most growth. This is driven by cheap and cheerful labels, often in large-format bottles and bag-in-box. Cono Sur Viognier is Chile’s top-selling wine and, at $9.99, is one of the best budget whites out there. Keep buying it – but don’t forget Chile when you’re looking to spend a bit more, too. There is value to be had at all prices.
2013 Koyle Royale Carmenere • Alto Colchagua, Chile • $28.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
This Carmenere packs in tobacco, blackcurrant, black pepper, toast and dark chocolate with lots of ripe, chewy tannin. The perfect winter red for a braised-beef stew.
Regional Australia
With sales in decline (-5.3 per cent), Australia appears to be the anti-trend. However, more than one local importer has suggested peeling back the layers. While generic critter labels and wines of that ilk fall out of favour, there is small but promising growth for Australia’s premium offerings. If you want to be ahead of the curve, now is the time to start exploring Australia’s regionally distinct wines.
2008 Bellwether Cabernet Sauvignon • Coonawarra, Australia • $38.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
Cab fans should definitely turn their attention to South Australia’s Coonawarra region. In this full but well-balanced beauty, classic eucalyptus and cassis meet developing savoury nuances of black tea and cedar.
Prices exclusive of taxes.
