In the spirit of back-to-school preparations, I want to remind you not to neglect your wine education. Even if you can’t commit to a full-blown wine course, attending tastings will keep your palate keen. The most instructive events feature owners and winemakers who are on hand to answer your burning viticulture and winemaking questions, while you sip on their wares of course.
Kicking off the school year, Top Drop does just that. In its third year, it brings together a seemingly eclectic mix of local and international producers united by a similar terroir-driven and environmentally conscious philosophy. The initiative was founded by wine consultant and writer Kurtis Kolt and Jeff Curry, co-owner of wine import company The Wine Syndicate. Lisa Haley (wine director at L’Abattoir restaurant) and Jason Yamasaki (sommelier for Joey Restaurant Group) join them on the selection committee. These are palates I trust.
The “main event” takes place on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 7-9:30pm at the Roundhouse Community Centre. Tickets are $69 and available online with proceeds benefiting the BC Hospitality Foundation.
If you can’t hit all 34 wine tables in 2.5 hours, at least make sure you visit the following.
Domaine Le Soula, France
Le Soula captures the pure essence of the wild and intense area of Roussillon in southern France. The high altitude, granitic-based vineyards benefit from the cool evenings and mountain winds that impart freshness to generous sun-loving grapes like Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. The domain also makes an orange wine (white wine with long skin maceration) if you are into that.
La Stoppa, Italy
Better known for Parma ham, Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar and some of Italy’s best cuisine in general, Emilia-Romagna is oft overlooked when it comes to wine. This is where all of those Lambruscos come from that I’m always trying to push. But there’s more to Emilia-Romagna than just these deliciously frothy reds. La Stoppa provides another reason to take this region seriously, making wine from native Barbera and Bonarda grapes as well as a fantastic blend of international darlings Cab Sauv and Merlot.
Craggy Range, New Zealand
I like Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc just fine and Craggy Range’s Te Muna is a great example. Please try it but stay and taste the rest of the, um, range. Craggy’s home property is in the North Island region of Hawke’s Bay. I’m particularly fond of the Kidnappers Vineyard Chardonnay. Then there’s the stunning Le Sol Syrah. Elegant and loaded with floral and meaty notes, it recalls Northern Rhône gems.
Stag’s Hollow, BC
It’s always a pleasure chatting with owner Larry Gerelus. I love keeping up with what he and winemaker Dwight Sick are up to. Stag’s Hollow has been around for more than 20 years and has made a name for itself with the Renaissance label. (Larry will be pouring the Grenache and Pinot Noir from this series.) More recently they’ve delved into Italian and Spanish varieties. This is an opportunity to check out what BC can do with Dolcetto along with Albariño and Tempranillo.
Illahe Vineyards, Oregon
Newly arrived in BC, Illahe will be showcasing their Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris from the Willamette Valley. Their vineyard is LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology)-certified and Salmon Safe. They belong to the Deep Roots coalition meaning they don’t irrigate mature vines and use solar panels for energy along with a number of other sustainable and responsible practices. Essentially they embody exactly what Top Drop aims to champion.
