I dont think its a coincidence that its been almost two straight weeks of sun since I tasted the new releases from British Columbias JoieFarm winery that annual tasting is always the first sign of spring in my world.
Owned and operated by former Vancouverites Heidi Noble and Michael Dinn (with Robert Thielicke assisting in both the vineyards and winery), JoieFarm has been a critical and commercial darling around town for nine years now. Not only do the wines offer fantastic value and express the Okanagans sunny, mineral-rich terroir with crisp acidity and grace, but the whole line-up pairs well with the way we eat in this part of the world.
The 2012 vintage is an excellent one overall in BC. All of the wines here can be ordered direct from the winery (JoieFarm.com) at the prices below, but tack on couple bucks when shopping in local stores.
JoieFarm 2012 Unoaked Chardonnay | $22.90
Theres a nice weight to this years edition, perhaps a wee bit heavier than those in the past. This isnt a negative thing; it just adds a richness that will make the wine stand up to bolder flavours such as barbecued chicken, South Indian curries and more. Preserved lemon and mandarin orange with a few flecks of basil and sage.
JoieFarm 2012 A Noble Blend | $23.90
This is Heidi and Mikes flagship wine, and aromatic blend of Alsatian varietals including Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc and more. The ultra-fragrant nose is ridiculously pretty, with lychee, rose petal and perfumed citrus. On the palate, a bunch of kiwi and guava come tumbling in with a little splash of lemonade at the end. Theres a bit more richness in this years Noble Blend too, which makes it perfect for spicy Korean and Thai dishes.
JoieFarm 2012 Riesling | $22.90
Whenever Im teaching a beginners wine seminar, I always like to clarify that the wines were talking about are made from 100 per cent grapes, that when we say a wine has notes of peaches or lime, those fruits are not actually in the wine. Its just that were talking about flavour characteristics that the particular grape carries. I bring this up now, because there are so many ripe, juicy pears in this wine that you might think theyre an ingredient! This is certainly a dry and crisp Riesling, but were talking the most juicy and charming of Bosc, Bartlett and Asian pears around. Lovely.
JoieFarm 2012 Rosé | $20.90
It wouldnt be summer in Vancouver unless copious amounts of JoieFarm Rosé were being enjoyed throughout the day and every day across the city. This years version is composed mainly of Pinot Noir and Gamay, and dont let that super-sweet strawberry shortcake nose fool you; sip after sip, its as refreshing, dry and crisp as youre hoping for. An Okanagan harvest of plums, cherries, blackberries and peaches. Pairs with almost anything, particularly fish and poultry. Word to the wise: always keep a back-up bottle in the fridge, those opportunities come quite often on hot days.
