I’ve made it a personal mission to hit as many farmers' markets as I can this summer. It’s usually not too much of an effort to get me out to one, but come the winter and rains when markets are few and far between, I want to know that I took full advantage when the going was good.
In staying with the theme of going local, this week I’m recommending some fantastic British Columbian wines to go alongside your Vancouver Farmers Market fare. After all, just as Tuscan wine is best with Tuscan food and similar philosophies work out just fine the world over, let’s continue that line of thought here on the West Coast.
Fresh Greens, sprouts, wild herbs, radishes and hazelnuts
While we often think of greens and salad fixings as more delicate or subtly-flavoured bites, when you get them fresh and local, the elements of flavours from citrus to pepper to sweetness can really pop. Le Vieux Pin 2012 Petit Blanc ($20) is an aromatic white blend out of Oliver with lychee, orange blossom, lemongrass and a wee bit of white pepper on the crisp, dry finish. In heartier salads, it should tie everything together wonderfully
Blues, cheddars and goat cheese
Back Yard Vineyards’ Blanc de Noir Brut ($22.99) is a well-crafted, traditional-method sparkling wine made from pinot noir grapes grown in the Fraser Valley. Now, that’s local! With a light copper colour from brief contact with the grape skins, there’s enough oomph of ruby red grapefruit, peach and mandarin orange to shine alongside the saltier side of local cheeses, and those bubbles will refresh the palate after every sip.
Good ol’ BC salmon
We’re looking at a skookum salmon run this year and once you throw some on the barbecue, I suggest you pick up a bottle of Van Westen Vineyards 2013 Vivacious ($19.90) to wash it down. It’s usually a safe bet that anything from the pinot family will match salmon well, and the Vivacious’s character will back me up on this. An Okanagan orchard of Gala apples, peaches and nectarines dripping with honey and delight will sail along well.
Beef, lamb, and other meaty goodness
Sure, I know you want something that’ll go well with grilled meats and such, but you still don’t feel like anything too rich or heavy. Enter Haywire 2012 Pinot Noir ($22.90). It’s a bright enough pinot to waltz along with poultry and lighter meats, but it’ll have no problem as a worthy partner for hamburgers, barbecued steaks or lamb. Plums, cherries, a whole rack of baking spices will have your palate jam-packed with happiness.
All prices are winery-direct, but for a couple bucks more there’s solid availability of most at private wine stores and BC VQA stores, as well. Tweet me at @KurtisKolt or email me via KurtisKolt.com if you need a hand tracking something down.
