Beat winter blues with reds or whites sipped al fresco
A relative sent me a photo of what winter looks like in Palm Springs … OK, I am officially done with this one ... or if you can’t beat them, join them? We should embrace the days when the snow sparkles, the wind is calm and the sunshine warm. We’re already dressed for the weather, so why not beat those winter blues and find a winter patio for a glass of wine?
While on a trip to London a couple of years back, I was amazed at the hardy locals sitting outside on patios with the thermometer showing -3 C (sounds balmy at this point). Couples were bundled up, enjoying a glass of wine and engaged in conversation and I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t something I had even considered doing back home.
I headed to Cafe Bicyclette in the French Quarter to see if the patio was open. A big thank-you and shout out to Francois for hauling wood and clearing snow to make it happen. In no time, we were warm and cosy, wrapped in wool throws while enjoying a glass of wine by the fire. It was wonderful! I recommend ordering the sparkling wine along with their poutine, best in the city. I wonder if they have S’mores?
When weather permits, Little Brick opens its outdoor patio and Biera in Ritchie has heat lamps and throws to keep you toasty warm. Rumour has it they are working on adding awnings to create an all-season patio.
Explore Edmonton promotes us as a winter city and states that the “winter patio culture is growing, but slowly” and why not, when we are blessed with blue skies and bright sunshine? So, gear up Edmonton, and get out to embrace this movement. It would be wonderful to see more all-season patios popping up for us to enjoy.
Here are some suggestions for winter patio wines:
CANELLA PROSECCO SUPERIORE DI CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE $20
Bubbles are lively, fun and stimulate not only enjoyable conversation, but appetite, as well. Peaches, apples, pears and lemons burst from this sparkling wine and its zesty acidity. Terrific as an aperitif, with food or as a crisp and zesty glass that’s best served at 6 C to 8 C — perfect for patio weather! By the glass at Cafe Bicyclette.
TEXIER CHAT FOU COTES DU RHONE ROUGE $22
I am over the moon! We just received a shipment of one of my favourite wines from Eric Texier, the ever delicious “crazy cat” that warms the soul with every sip. The talented nuclear physicist turned winemaker is world renowned for the freshness and purity of his natural wines and his organic farming. A vibrant wine that is mostly from Grenache that exudes spiced cherries and blackberries on a light, fresh and bright palate. If you close your eyes, you can taste summer!
BORIE BLANCHE MINEVOIS $26
A complex and rich red wine from the south of France in Languedoc. Made from a blend of Grenache and Syrah grapes, producing a wine that’s mediumto full-bodied, with soft tannins, blueberries, spice, earth and a mid-palate lush, red-berry smoothness that warms from the inside out. Just darn tasty and perfect to combat the winter blues. Maybe snuggle up with a backyard fire this weekend?
GERARD BERTRAND TAUTAVEL $24
A southern French blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan that has loads of toasty wood notes mingling with the rich red and black fruits and floral notes. Concentrated and intense aromas and flavours of red berries and spice, smooth and warming. Best served at 18 C, so you may have to keep your palms on the glass to keep it warmed — odd thought? Served by the glass at Cafe Bicyclette and a perfect red wine pairing for poutine!
Wine selections are available at select Alberta shops. Log onto liquorconnect.com to check availability and give them a call to verify.
Juanita Roos opened Color de Vino, a fine wine and spirits store, with her family in 2014. She has travelled to wine regions around the world and completed the prestigious WSET Diploma from London, England, the prerequisite for the Master of Wine program. Send your questions about wine to info@colordevino.ca.