LOCAL THIRST-QUENCHERS TO CONSIDER IN SUMMER
In keeping with my “drink local” theme, for the next couple of months I thought I would focus on seasonal beverages of a thirst-quenching nature, lighter beers, pink wine, summer cocktails; you get the idea. While retail alcohol sales have remained brisk in Alberta — and elsewhere — the restaurant shutdown has affected local breweries, distillers and wineries in a significant way. However, I’ve noticed a lot of support for domestic products at the retail level. Your liver may not thank you, but your support is critical to help these normally vibrant small businesses survive.
Snake Lake Brewing Co. Kinabik Pilsner — $17 per 6-pack
Snake Lake — or Kinabik — is the original Cree name for Sylvan Lake, where this Pilsner is brewed. It’s classic Pilsner, crisp and refreshing with a nice underlying hoppiness. Pilsners can, of course, be enjoyed at any time of year but they always strike me as the classic summer beer.
Annex Ale Project Forward Progress Pale Ale — $4 per 473ml can
Annex is a staple in the local craft beer realm and Forward Progress is a great example of the pale style. Citra and Mosaic hops lend it a nice hoppy note without being overbearing, a nicely balanced ale that comes in a 5.2 per cent alcohol, which means you can enjoy one and still mow the lawn without fear.
Sawback Brewing Co. Hazy Blonde Ale — $14 per 4-pack 473ml cans
Sawback is in Red Deer and its Hazy Blonde Ale is another entry well suited to summer.
The hops are understated, with a nice creamy texture and a touch of citrus, a refreshing style that comes in at moderate 4.6 per cent alcohol. There is a natural haziness to it as the name suggests; it’s a patio sipper, for sure.
Poplar Grove Rose 2018 — $25
Poplar Grove was established in 1993 and is one of the original five wineries established on the Naramata Bench, an area that is now home to a large number of B.C.’S best wineries. Their wines are consistently ranked among the best in the valley and the rosé is no exception. A blend of Malbec, Merlot, Cab Franc and Syrah, it has a core of honeydew melon with some orange rind and bright acidity. It’s fully dry and has summer written all over it.
Quails’ Gate Rosé 2019 — $20
Quails’ Gate’s rosé is always a solid deal from this highly regarded, family-owned and run winery. The 2019 vintage was really tough for red grapes; buy with caution would be my advice, but there is no evidence of that here. It’s just a nice glass of classic red berries and melon — summer in a glass, as it were.
Meyer Family Vineyards Tribute Series Chardonnay 2018 — $36
You can spend a lot more on some of the top examples of B.C. Chardonnay, but this is a wine that more than justifies its price; in fact, it competes with much pricier examples from just about anywhere. A small portion of it goes into new oak — and as such the wood is nicely integrated — complementing notes of lime leaf, stone fruits, minerals and great acidity. It would go nicely with grilled chicken and salmon, for example.
Go to onetable.ca to see how you can support the restaurant industry.
Geoff Last is a longtime Calgary wine merchant, writer and broadcaster and a regular contributor to City Palate Magazine and other publications. He instructs on food and wine at the Cookbook Co. Cooks and was recently awarded a fellowship to the Symposium of Professional Wine Writers based in Napa Valley.