While Im sure most moms out there are more than happy with flowers and brunch this Sunday, Im also pretty confident that more than a few wouldnt mind a little tipple to go with it all.
Keep these wines in mind if youre looking to fix up a little daytime feast for her this weekend; any of them will liven up her day. Come to think of it, theyll liven up any day!
Innocent Bystander 2011 Moscato | Victoria, Australia | $18.99 | BC Liquor Stores
If French Toast is on the menu, particularly with good lashings of cinnamon, this fizzy treat out of Australia will charm every single bite. Those celebratory bubbles carry boatloads of strawberry and a sea of cream soda, but theres just enough zippy lemon zest to keep it from being cloying. To top it all off, its only 5.5% alcohol so pour liberally!
La Chablisienne 2011 Saint-Bris Sauvignon | Chablis, France | $17.99 | BC Liquor Stores
If theres a seafood component to your brunch, heres the direction youll want to be heading. Whether smoked salmon quiche, shrimp in your omelette or youre being adventurous and shucking a few oysters; the Saint-Bris will certainly hit the spot.
The appellation is a rarity for white Burgundy, the only one where Sauvignon Blanc is permitted; this one offering fresh snap pea, crisp asparagus and a wee bit of lime leaf, making it all the more aromatic. The lemony minerality showing through makes it gleam and shimmer. Lovely.
Bellingham Bernard Series 2010 Old Vine Chenin Blanc | Western Cape, South Africa | $24.99 | BC Liquor Stores
If youre going continental with yogurt, granola, fruit salad and perhaps an array of cheeses, this low-yield Chenin Blanc will add complexity and a boost of richness to the day. An assortment of pears, Honeycrisp apples and a sprig or two of sage are all in perfect position enhanced by some toasty French oak. Oh-so-juicy, do make sure you take it out of the fridge 10 or 15 minutes before serving; those flavours will be all the more opulent.
Olivares 2011 Jumilla Rosado | Jumilla, Spain | $12.95 | BC Liquor Stores
Two-thirds Monastrell and one-third Syrah make this dry Rosé more than just a nice, dry summery wine. Note the peppery licorice notes permeating a good handful of cherries and blackberries with a mint leaf or two on the pleasantly vibrant finish. This one has some zing, perfect for cutting through chewy multigrain bread or bagels slathered with peanut butter or Nutella.
Le Clos du Tue-Boeuf 2010 Cheverny Rouge | Loire, France | $30-ish | Kitsilano Wine Cellar / RacineWineImports.ca
A naturally-made red (indigenous yeast, nothing added, unfiltered) that sails across the palate! Do serve this Pinot Noir and Gamay blend with a bit of a chill to it; the perfumed cherries, fennel top, currants and bright acidity will sing even louder that way. Serve with a stack of blueberry pancakes or slightly-warmed pain au chocolat!
As always, if youre having trouble tracking something down, find me via KurtisKolt.com or tweet me @KurtisKolt.
