So the sun has more or less been beatin’ down hard and you don’t want to be drinking anything heavy. I’ve got your back this week, with a half-dozen takes on sunshine in a bottle. Chill ‘em up and pour liberally!
The Tapas Wine Collection 2013 Moscato | Valencia, Spain | $13.99 | BC Liquor Stores
This is a breakfast wine if there ever was one. A lightly-carbonated hurricane of apricots and peaches, this jovial moscato has just the smallest touch of honey on the end to satisfy that sweet tooth, but there’s enough acidity and liveliness to keep it far from being too sweet. It’s a mere 5 per cent alcohol, making it the perfect pairing for French toast, pancakes, or lazy afternoons.
Selbach Oster 2011 Riesling Brut | Mosel, Germany | $35.99 | BC Liquor Stores
Sure, you can enjoy the fizzy lime and nectarine business going on here and leave it at that, but a closer look at this traditional method sparkling from one of the world’s best riesling producers lends evidence to mineral-laden soils and an extra layer of jasmine and finesse. Grab it while you can, it’s a one-time buy on BC Liquor Store shelves for a very limited time. Extra points if you have the self-restraint to lay it down for a few years; this guy’s only gonna get better.
Porcupine Ridge 2013 Sauvignon Blanc | Western Cape, South Africa | $14.99 | BC Liquor Stores
Flip open the textbook to Western Cape sauvignon blanc and you’ll find something that looks a little like this. Lemongrass, lime, gooseberry and a hint of jalapeño is dusted with a flinty bit of gunpowder. If you’re like me and don’t like your sauvignon blancs to be too grassy or too full of bell pepper, this should be just what you’re looking for.
Noble Ridge 2012 Mingle | Okanagan Falls, BC | $17.90 | Winery Direct/Private Stores
What we have here is a bright blend of pinot gris, gewurztraminer and chardonnay that’s a fresh-baked apple pie straight out of the oven with some fresh passionfruit on the side. A nice, long finish keeps the flavour train rollin’.
Fort Berens 2013 23 Camels | Lillooet, BC | $17 | Winery Direct/Private Stores
This blend of riesling, chardonnay and pinot gris from the wilds of Lillooet shines with Meyer lemon and kiwi, with a touch of baked pear on the finish. Made from 100 per cent Lillooet fruit, it offers hints that the region could possibly be the Next Big Thing in BC wine.
Laughing Stock Vineyards 2013 Amphora VRM | Okanagan Valley, BC
Cynthia and David Enns took viognier, roussanne, and marsanne, the three main components in a typical Rhône white blend, did a wild ferment in terracotta clay amphorae, aged it on the skins, and knocked the socks off of everyone who tried it! Don’t start coming after me with torches, but I’m gonna have to be the bearer of bad news; the tiny production of 144 cases came and went in and out of stores in a heartbeat. Fear not, all you have to do if find yourself a seat at Chambar, L’Abattoir, Blue Water Café, or Vij’s, where they’re all happily pouring this epic ode to honeyed peaches, marmalade, and nutmeg.
As always, if you’re having trouble finding something or just want to say hi, find me via KurtisKolt.com or on Twitter.
