the WINE GUY
Finally, it looks and feels like spring has fully sprung. Importantly, of course, this means the barbecue is back in regular rotation. Thus it’s high time to review a few wine-meets-grill pairing tips.
First and foremost, this isn’t the time to get austere. Keep the drying tannins and finessed flavours in the cellar. We need overt fruit to tame the char, along with bright and juicy acidity to cut through grilled fat.
You can find this profile in both red and white wines, by the way. Or you could aim for the best of both worlds and opt for a rosé!
THE SWIRL: Chef Meets B.C. Grape
Tonight, the largest annual tasting of B.C. VQA wines arrives again in Vancouver.
Chef Meets B.C. Grape is much more than just wine, of course. It’s a celebration of all things grown, crushed, raised and produced in the province.
The tasting takes place from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Vancouver Convention Centre East and features more than 350 wines from 85 wineries poured alongside small bites from 15 restaurants, not to mention special guests and a chance to win a summer trip to Okanagan Wine Country.
Tickets cost $90. For complete details head to chefmeetsbcgrape.com/tickets. twitter.com/hadaglass
Spier 2016 Signature Chenin Blanc, South Africa ($13.99, #659037)
There’s a lot going on here. Year in and year out, Spier’s Signature Chenin Blanc provides a cacophony of aromas and flavours. Citrus peel and floral notes jump out in this golden-coloured wine that features a rich entry and an unabashedly fruity stance. The theme carries on to the finish, which is honeyed yet fresh. In short, this is a fun and flavour-packed wine made to take on marinades: think lemon grass grilled chicken or miso-orange glazed pork tenderloin. Bottom line: B+, Allpurpose barbecue white
Probiancco Lambrusco Rosato Frizzante, Italy ($11.99, #869693)
Put pink and sparkling together and you’re well on your way to grilling wine perfection. Probiancco Lambrusco is new to B.C. Liquor Store shelves. The bubbles are fizzy and the shade of pink is bright. As the label states, this is“Amabile Rosato,” or lovable rosé, and it certainly aims for fun backyard times. Full on berry fruit and cream abound in this juicy number. It’s quite sweet, but the bubbles keep things lip-smacking. Serve super chilled — even cut with club soda for an afternoon spritzer — and pair with greasy cheeseburgers.
Bottom line: B-, Backyard barnstormer
Trivento 2014 Amado Sur, Argentina ($15.99, #568238)
Finally, a red from the land of Asado for some prime grill and wine inspiration. Trivento’s Amado Sur is a lush blend of Malbec, Bonarda, and Syrah (in 79/11/10 proportion for the inquisitive) that features a juicy stance with a herby underlay. Dark berry fruit and a bold, spicy finish make this a bottle ready to serve alongside big hunks of protein, whether it’s a rib-eye steak or a lamb leg. Bottom line: B, Sear-ready red