As summer tumbles our way, its probably a safe bet that youll find yourself strolling Vancouvers Olympic Village, the little neighbourhood that could, on some idle sunny afternoon. After poking around Habitat Island, enjoying the seaside furniture, and perhaps picking up a couple things at Urban Fare, youll be getting mighty thirsty and end up on the sunny patio at the Daniel Groups Tap & Barrel with a hankering for a glass of wine (or two). Trust me. Ive been there.
Now, I know that the Groups corporate sommelier David Stansfield has a zillion excellent BC wines on tap, the freshest way to enjoy a glass of the good stuff.
Whether youre tucking into mussels, pizzas, burgers or (Why not?) a little brunch, here are a few exclusives theyre drawing from their taps, wines you wont find anywhere else, that will leave your palate singin.
Backyard Vineyards 2012 Hand Drawn White | $8/glass
This is one of those Alsatian-inspired aromatic white blends that brings the sunshine, no matter the weather. A blend of Riesling from Osoyoos, Pinot Gris from the winerys Fraser Valley region, and Summerland Gewürztraminer. While theres less Gewürztraminer in the blend than the other two grapes, those lychee and lavender notes just jump out of the glass, followed by peaches and a good stream of citrus cheer.
Meyer Family Vineyards 2012 Cask Chardonnay | $11/glass
Ive written ad nauseum of winemaker Chris Carsons knack for Burgundian varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and this super-fresh version that adds an extra dose from his Naramata Chardonnay vineyard tells me theres no end in sight to my singing his praises. Tropical pineapple-driven fruit, but not cloyingly so, is lifted by a nice little touch of lemon verbena. The steady hand he gained while training in Burgundy lends a golden touch to our local juice. Well done.
Stoneboat Vineyards 2012 Faux Pas Rosé | $10/glass
A blend of Pinot Noir and Pinotage from Oliver, this isnt your simple berry-fruit-andnothing-else glass of pink. Nope, youll take note of black plum, nutmeg, strawberry leaf and the juiciest, drippiest bites of watermelon you could imagine.
Backyard Vineyards 2011 Hand Drawn Red | $8/glass
A decent BC red at eight bucks a glass? Bring it! The Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc from both Oliver and the deserts of Osoyoos plunk you right onto the forest floor with brambly currants, dark fruits and herbs with a good pinch of black licorice and a dusting of pepper. My favourite part of this red on tap is that the slightly cool temperature brings the freshness even more. Lovely.
Its getting warmer and sunnier day by day. Get out there. Drink up!
