Taste B.C. 2016

It’s still too soon to overlook those New Year’s resolutions, right? Just in case a little more sipping motivation is required, here’s a reminder that one of 2016’s wine resolutions is to enjoy more wine made from grapes you can’t pronounce. So if you’re feeling a little shy in the wine aisle, or already falling back on the tried and true, here are three bottles to get you back on the resolution track.

The province’s largest wine tasting returns on Thursday, Jan. 28 (4:30– 7:30 p.m.) at the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel (999 Canada Place). Taste B.C. again presents a lively experience of B.C.’s finest wine, beer, and spirits served up with tasty fare from top local restaurants. All this is accompanied by live music, door prizes and a silent auction — the event is a fundraiser for B.C. Children’s Hospital. Tickets are $49.99 and available at all Liberty Wine Merchants locations. For complete details go to tastebc.wordpress.com.

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Painted Wolf The Den 2012 Pinotage, South Africa ($14.49, #545244)

Pinot what? No it’s not Pinot Noir, it’s the crossbred cousin! Pinotage is a red wine grape that was created in South Africa by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Historically, Pinotage has either found loyal fans or committed enemies. However, Painted Wolf’s Pinotage is here to crest the divide by ditching the grape’s gritty savouriness for a polished stance. The Den still has guts (lots of dark fruit, a mouthpuckering herbiness to finish), but it also has a juicy and plush entry. Serve with fajitas or lamb palak.

Bottom line: B “A punter’s Pinotage.”

Ormarine 2014 Picpoul de Pinet, France ($14.79, #124834)

Piquepoul (or Picpoul) is billed as “the great white wine from Languedoc,” and indeed there are many endearing qualities in this ancient grape. Brisk but balanced, this frisky white is redolent with herbs and lemon, its supple start transitioning to a fresh finish. Enjoy with fish pie or salmon Wellington, or simply savour a glass on its own — ideally alongside some lingering rays of wintertime sunshine.

Bottom line: B+ “Crisp

and unique.”

Pietradolce 2014 Etna Rosso, Italy ($25.49, #520585)

Finally, it’s off to the Italian isle of Sicily for a rugged red made from the indigenous Nerello Mascalese grape. Don’t let this wine’s lighter garnet colour fool you, this is a serious, intense sipper. Bold flavours of cherry and herbs meet grippy, firm tannins and abundant acidity in this gutsy yet poised bottle made from grapes grown 800 metres above the sea on volcanic Mount Etna. A bone dry finish concludes the tasting, angling this red as a prime partner for braised ribs.

Bottom line: A- “Bold but balanced.”