Its possibly because I have never owned a car that I dont mind taking transit. In my 20 years living in Vancouver Ive hopped many a bus, Canada Line car or SkyTrain and my complaints have been few. Torrential downpours, sitting next to the guy with garbage bags bursting with soda and beer cans, you name it I take it all in stride as Im jostled around a steamy bus in the winter, tapping about on my iPhone as my only portal to the outside world.
The one time that drives me crazy, though, is getting on a bus with a pizza. Main Streets Pizzeria Farina is my local and I love it, but the awkwardness of navigating a packed bus with a pizza in hand aside, its the guaranteed remarks you have to field in this situation that almost makes a 45-minute walk in the rain preferable.
Sure smells good! Mind if I have a slice? Ooh, I hope theres enough to go around! All of these examples of outright hilarity promise to occupy my commute each time. Worth it? Totally. Especially with a glass of something delicious to go with it when I finally get home. The cold weathers here, the rains a-fallin and pizza for a cozy night in is probably more likely to fit the bill these days. No matter how that pizza gets to your place, heres what you should be drinking with it.
Castano Yecla Monastrell | Spain | $11.97 | BC Liquor Stores | +731620
Because these old Monastrell vines offer up nice and chunky, rustic black-fruit flavours with a strap of leather and fresh-torn basil. A good wine to chew on as you tuck into that second slice. Toothbrush optional.
Gabbiano Chianti | Tuscany | $14.99 | BC Liquor Stores | +25155
If youre having roast tomato, a little spice, fresh herbs and smoky meats on your pizza, why not have em in your glass? Sangiovese-driven, rustic reds of Chianti should be a no-brainer with pizza, and this ones no exception, offering value, great fruit and some good, dusty tannins to tackle that crust.
Fontanafredda Serralunga DAlba 2007 Barolo | Italy | $44.99 | BC Liquor Stores | +105650
Why not make that rainy Tuesday a little something special? Sure this ones fairly spendy, but its gonna come back to you in spades. After a little decanting to let the lovely nuances rise to the surface, immerse yourself into the truffles, wild mushrooms, perfumed Italian plums and velvety texture that jumps out of the glass with every swirl. Im totally smitten with this wine right now.
Lafond Roc Epine 2011 Tavel | France | $22.99 | BC Liquor Stores | +110411
When in doubt, drink pink! This dry rosé is out of the Rhones Tavel region a small corner of the world widely-regarded for doing the style well. Currants, forest-floor notes, fresh blackberries and pepper will wash down every bite no matter how many toppings youve piled on.
Want to read more of Kurtis wine picks? Browse an archive of his City Cellar columns on the Food & Drink page of WEVancouver.com.
