LISTING EARLY SUMMER SIPPERS
Keep this roster of favourites around until the July long weekend
What’s your favourite wine? It’s a question I get all the time but it’s not one I can answer with any certainty because it’s impossible to pick just one. In fact, my favourites change all the time. Today we have a list of my current favourites that are widely available.
Government stores are still the best place to start your hunt; many will be available in select private wine shops. You can check the inventory of B.C. Liquor Stores online but few private wine shops offer a full online inventory. It’s the price you pay for freedom of selection.
B.C. wineries have plenty of wine in grocery stores, and you can shop the winery online but if you order direct quantities are generally a minimum six or 12 bottles. Some wineries will mix and match picks, and it’s probably worth keeping this list around at least until the July long weekend.
The home team is an easy choice for Pinot Gris. While we await all the 2015s we suggest the CedarCreek Pinot Gris 2014 ($17.79). Pears, orange zest, almonds, white peach and brisk acidity make this a barbecue favourite. Chicken, seafood pasta — it all works here.
If you left the Chardonnay fray a while back to escape the oak it’s time to rediscover the popular grape. The perfect wine to welcome you back is the La Crema Chardonnay 2013 ($27.99) from the Sonoma Coast. The texture and flavours of butter, pears, peaches and melon with a squeeze of citrus all aged in French oak are irresistible. Crab or lobster both pair well with this gem.
Riesling is easily the most versatile food wine of the bunch and it’s made for summer. Our current pick would be the Leitz Dragonstone 2014 Riesling Kabinett ($18.99) from the Rheingau, Germany. Limes, nectarines and smoky green apple flavours with a fresh, citrus bite will electrify the dishes you serve it with. Think Indian or Thai takeout and turn a mid-week takeout patio party into a class act.
Everyone is drinking Pinot, although finding affordable, quality bottles is a challenge. One of the best to combine price with spice, ripe fruit and soft textures is the Mud House Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 ($19.49). Savoury plums, dark cherries and dried herbs with a supple mouth feel make it a favourite. Salmon or pork are the match.
Americans Charles Bieler, Roger Scommegna and Joel Gott, better known as the 3 Thieves Wine Company, are the folks behind The Show Malbec ($17.49). The fruit comes off a mix of high-altitude sites in Argentina’s Lujan de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, revealing a balance of fruit and texture. Expect a dry savoury red with fine acidity and structure that will easily tame your favourite barbecue ribs recipe. A serious block party red. If you want a more classic example The Las Hormigas Clásico Malbec ($16.99) takes you down the red fruit/mineral road.
Cabernet Sauvignon is hardly a summer style red but that won’t deter its legion of fans and there is always a steak being grilled somewhere. Our pick is the Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.99) from Sonoma County. Ripe Cabernet fruit and blackcurrant cassis flavours can be irresistible. Just add a homemade chimichurri sauce for the perfect match.
Red blends are all the rage but most popular varietal brands are too sweet to enjoy with food. We recommend heading to the southern Rhone for a bottle you will want to finish: M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône ($17.49) Black cherries, raspberries, plums and white pepper permeate its solid core of fruit. Grilled lamb, roasted chicken and cheese are all easily tamed by this red.
Don’t drink and drive and enjoy the long weekend.