Summer is the best time to be in Vancouver. Those of you who decided to stay put can give yourselves a big pat on the back.
However, if you suffer from a restless nature like me, you may still have moments of wanderlust. I’ve learned how to deal with my condition. I count on wine to transport me when the travel bug bites. Specifically I look for examples that smell and taste so distinctly of where they come from.
You can choose your own adventure from the suggestions below.
2012 Château de Caraguilhes, Classique • Corbières AOC, France • $19.49 (BC Liquor Stores)
Only the most cold-hearted couldn’t fall for the South of France. Sun soaked, arid, wild and scrubby, the region of Corbières extends from the Mediterranean to the foothills of the Pyrenees. Besides vineyards, the varied landscape offers olives, lavender, rosemary and fennel. Imagine all of that captured in a bottle of wine.
This blend of Syrah, Carignan and Grenache gives tapenade, licorice and dried herbs tangled with wild berries. Delicious with lamb sausages.
2014 Mud House, Pinot Noir • Central Otago, New Zealand • $19.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
A special pilgrimage to New Zealand in 2009 allowed me to explore all the wine regions from tip to tail. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and interspersed with pristine lakes, the dramatically beautiful area of Central Otago stole my heart in particular. My most vivid memory is the scent of wild thyme that invaded the spring air. When I smell this in a glass of Central Otago Pinot, I am immediately there.
Black cherry, clove and sweet herbs waft from this juicy and fleshy Pinot Noir. In New Zealand they might pair it with venison. I say, why not?
2012 Giovanni Rosso • Langhe Nebbiolo DOC, Italy • $26.79 (BC Liquor Stores)
The more time I spend in Piedmont, the more I miss it when I’m away. Luckily this Italian region produces some of the most evocative wines ever, especially those made with Nebbiolo. One sip and I can imagine myself in the rolling hills breathing in the heady mix of roses, truffles, chocolate and hazelnuts.
Strawberry, scented roses, balsam and spice dominate the 2012 Giovanni Rosso, while a slight grippiness of tannin and crunchy acidity beg for food. Pasta with wild mushrooms is the ultimate pairing.
2012 Truchard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carneros • Napa Valley, California • $30.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
Having cut my teeth on French wine, I was initially sceptical of California’s offerings. I even went to Napa quite reluctantly the first time. Boy was I schooled! Now I get back as often as I can. The generous California sun battling it out with the cool Pacific Ocean breezes and fog make for some pretty complex yet friendly Cabernet Sauvignon.
One whiff of this Cab Sav conjures up big cedars and eucalyptus. Lush but balanced with flavours of tobacco, vanilla and black currant. Just give me a steak and I’ll keep California dreamin’.
2014 Blue Mountain, Pinot Blanc • Okanagan Valley, BC • $18-22 (Winery direct and private wine stores)
And sometimes it’s just so good to be home. Every time I land in Vancouver, I breathe in the fresh sea air and am infinitely grateful. I am equally charmed when I taste the pure flavours of the Okanagan in a glass. The fresh orchard fruit and sagebrush backed up by edgy acid is as comfy to me as my Mum’s cooking.
This unpretentious beauty boasts white peach, melon and sage flower with tons of lemon zest and lip-smacking acidity. Calls for simply cooked halibut.
All wines exclusive of taxes.
