The booths have long been packed up and the free-flowing Shiraz may have come to an end, but I’m still scraping the purple stains off my teeth post Vancouver International Wine Festival.
My verdict? The Aussies killed it.
Behind their seemingly casual approach lies a keen attention to detail. Besides breathing fresh life into the festival, they succeeded in delivering their message of diversity. Dividing the room up by region and featuring a cool climate table helped drive this home. To further their cause, Australian producers proudly paraded off the beaten track gems made from grapes like Grüner Veltliner, Touriga, Fiano, Savagnin and Tempranillo. Most of these wines aren't available in BC yet but judging from the enthusiastic response, it won’t be long before they start appearing on our shelves. I've earmarked them for when they do.
Despite all the stimulation Australia provided, I was able to drag myself away to sample what the rest of the world had to offer. Following are some of my tasty discoveries from Australia and beyond that are currently available.
2014 Wakefield, Riesling • Clare Valley, Australia • $20.99, BC Liquor Stores
The Clare Valley is one of Australia’s “sweet” spots for Riesling. Don’t let me confuse you. This Riesling is bone dry. It’s also ultra-fresh boasting loads of lime sorbet, green apple and zesty, lip smacking acidity guaranteed to rouse your palate. Try it out with spicy prawns or an assertive Thai salad.
2013 Howard Park, Flint Rock Chardonnay • Mount Barker, Australia • $29.99, BC Liquor Stores
I have professed my love for Aussie Chard in the past. The problem to date is that there hasn’t been a ton to choose from. This is changing. I was able to wallow in plenty of examples in the tasting room, many of which will be making their way to BC soon. For immediate gratification, I’ll be revisiting the Howard Park. Citrus blossom and honeydew melon on a mineral-y, steely backbone that begs comparison to Chablis. Oysters are highly appropriate.
2013 Yangarra Estate, Old Vine Grenache • McLaren Vale, Australia • $28.99, BC Liquor Stores
I have Wine Australia educator Mark Davidson to thank for this one. I admit that I haven't been the biggest fan of Aussie Grenache in the past. After interviewing Davidson, I was inspired to reevaluate. Yangarra’s is beautifully scented with spice, cocoa and juicy raspberry notes. What really appeals to me though is the dry savoury tannin. Seriously good and definitely not a sweet “bubble gum” wine. The perfect pork partner.
2012 Château l’Hospitalet • La Clape Coteaux du Languedoc AOC, France • $26.99, BC Liquor Stores
A nod to last year's theme country and this year's focus on Syrah/Shiraz. Here, Syrah joins forces with Grenache and Mourvèdre, the combo that Aussie's based their GSM blends on. Simply oozing with Southern French character. Think smoked meat, grilled herbs, lavender, black olives and wild plums. Gutsy and mouth filling, it begs for game meat sausages.
2012 Vigneti Zabù, Il Passo Nerello Mascalese Nero d’Avola • Sicilia, Italy • $19.99, BC Liquor Stores
Australia concluded the Festival by passing the baton to Italy. Check out Il Passo in anticipation of all the weird and wonderful grapes that will be commanding your attention next year. Supple and friendly, it brings together two of Sicilia’s finest: dark and rich flagship variety Nero d’Avola with herb-scented and earthy Nerello Mascalese. This calls for an exotically-spiced meat stew.
