It’s a whole mix of fun this week, with each wine a good study of their grape variety. If you find yourself sticking to a particular grape or blend all the time, perhaps you can take these recommendations as a good excuse to break out of your mould and try something a little different!
Fort Berens 2013 Pinot Gris | Lillooet, BC | $18 | Winery Direct/Private Stores
Mangos abound! This take on BC’s most-planted white grape hails from Lillooet, which enjoys a similar climate to sunny Oliver. A slightly weightier Gris, there’s an abundance of rich tropical fruit that will envelope spicier dishes well. If you’re a Pinot Blanc fan, this is a step up in complexity.
Trimbach 2011 Gewurztraminer | Alsace, France | $33.99 | BC Liquor Stores
While this lovely, honeyed ode to Alsatian sun brings typical lychee and rosewater notes, there’s layer upon layer of more decadent elements such as lemon tart and maybe even peach galette. The clean acidity keeps things cheery all the way through. If you like Torrontés or Muscats, you’ll probably be all over this one.
Loveblock 2013 Sauvignon Blanc | Marlborough, New Zealand | $26.99 | BC Liquor Stores
Proprietor Erica Crawford was recently in Vancouver, delighting many with this handsome Sauvignon Blanc that’s just as stunning as its incredible packaging. This ain’t cat-pee-on-a-gooseberry-bush, more like Granny Smith apple, lime leaf and white pepper. If you’ve been put off by cheap-ass New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs that are aggressively pungent with hints of ammonia, it’s time to give this grape and country another whirl. Keep an eye out for Crawford’s Pinot Noir, which’ll be hitting our market soon; it’s pretty spectacular stuff.
Quail’s Gate 2013 Chenin Blanc | Okanagan Valley, BC | $18.99 | BC Liquor Stores
Oh, I wish we made more Chenin Blanc in British Columbia! Year in, year out, Quail’s Gate’s version stops me in my tracks, chock-a-block with pears, honeydew, watermelon and Meyer lemon. It’s pretty easy to throw the ‘sunshine in a glass’ phrase around with this one. If un-oaked Chardonnays are in your glass often, you’ll love the quaffability here.
Laughing Stock 2011 Syrah | Okanagan Valley, BC | $36 | Winery Direct/Private Stores
Cynthia and David Enns’ darling of a Syrah is composed from grapes grown in Osoyoos, and while there’s a ripeness of blackberries, plums and currants, there’s of whole heap of fresh, aromatic herbs like mint, basil and maybe a fleck of dill. A dusting of pepper completes the package with just the right spark of heat. A wonderful opportunity to get out of a Merlot rut.
Quarisa ‘Caravan’ Petite Sirah | SE Australia | $16.99 | BC Liquor Stores
Did someone order a tall mocha? Yup, there’s both espresso and cocoa notes in this Caravan, and they’re woven amongst Italian plums, black cherries and some quite-enjoyable cardamom flavours. Weighty and juicy, but with a pleasantly dry finish – there’s good value here. Think of it as somewhere between Zinfandel and Syrah.
