Like many dads, mine taught me how to ride a bike and helped me with my math homework. He also introduced me to jazz music and James Bond films. Most significantly, though, he gave me my first sip of wine. Like any self-respecting nine-year-old I spat it out immediately and swore I'd never drink the stuff. Well, I'm eating, or more accurately, drinking my words now.
Both of our palates have evolved since then. That wine he let me taste as a youngster was pretty basic bag-in-box booze. I'm quite sure my dad is pleased that I eventually developed an appreciation for wine. While he continues to teach me valuable life lessons, he has relied on me for more than the occasional wine recommendation.
Whatever Father's Day activities you have planned, surely your wine-loving dad will enjoy bonding with you over a bottle. You may even try introducing the old man to something new. Just remember, this is not the time to scrimp. You owe this guy your life, right?
2014 Weingut Dönnhoff, Riesling Trocken, Nahe, Germany $30-34 Private stores like Kitsilano Wine Cellars
This one is for my dad, who tried to entice me towards wine with Hochtaler. Intense and complex, the Dönnhoff smells like rain hitting sun-warmed rocks. On the palate, it's fruity but dry with lemon zest, peach and minerals carried by vibrant and energetic acidity. Lovely to sip on before dinner while you are firing up the grill. It's also a great choice if you want to convince your dad that not all Rieslings are sweet.
2012 Van Gus Vana, Bierzo DO, Spain $37.99BC Liquor Stores
Does your dad tend to venture off the beaten track? Then he'll surely approve of this fascinating dinner guest. Mencía is the grape behind the pretty and exotic reds from the northwest region of Bierzo. Fresh, juicy and mid-weight, the Van Gus Vana offers wild flowers, heather, forest berries and appetizing licorice nuances. A brilliant match with succulent pork chops.
2014 Quinta do Crasto, Old Vines Douro DOC Reserva, Portugal $40.99 BC Liquor Stores
If your dad enjoys Port, he'll probably appreciate the dry but equally full-throttled reds that also hail from Portugal's Douro Valley. Notes of black forest cake, sweet dried herbs and violets entice. On the palate, tons of ripe blackberry, black plum, toast and grippy tannin lead to a long chewy finish. A cellar worthy wine for those fathers who like to squirrel bottles away.
2009 Colognole, 'Riserva del Don' Chianti Rufina DOCG Riserva, Italy $46.99BC Liquor Stores
While your dad may already be familiar with Chianti, the Colognole is a delicious new listing in BC. It opens with orange pekoe tea, iris and intriguing earthy aromas. On the palate, savoury herb, tangy red cherry and leather are held together with an irony grip. Begs for a bloody steak or a hearty, meaty pasta. I bet dad would like either of those.
2011 Ciabot Berton, Barolo DOCG La Morra, Italy $52.99BC Liquor Stores
Made from the noble Nebbiolo variety, Barolo has been referred to as 'the wine of kings, the king of wines'. It can be imposing, muscular and firm. Ciabot Berton manages to ally power with elegance, capturing Nebbiolo's haunting fragrances of rose, balsam, raspberry and mint. In the world of Barolo, this is well priced and approachable now (especially with food), but will also age gracefully for the next 10 years. Definitely fit for the stately patriarch in your family.
Prices exclusive of taxes.
