PROVINCIAL SPECIALTIES
Pair prawns with rosé
Years ago, I was involved in an annual hunt for the best bargains in wine for the now-defunct Wine Access Magazine. The International Value Wine Awards had only one catch: the wine had to sell somewhere in Canada for less than $25. Since we seldom see the lowest price in B.C. for any wine sold in the country, it was a particularly rewarding experience to share the results with British Columbians each year.
I no longer have a panel to shoulder the load, but I thought I would offer up what I believe to be some of the best bargain labels in the market by grape variety, sticking to wines under $25. I have taken into consideration the sale price at publication time and chosen almost exclusively wines with wide availability in BCLDB stores. Here’s what I suggest to close out the summer:
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The biggest selling red wine category in the world is Cabernet Sauvignon. However, few places can produce quality, fully ripe versions year in and year out at a bargain price. At the high end of the range is Catena Cabernet Sauvignon High Mountain Vines 2017, Mendoza, Argentina for $24.99. The super bargain is the Santa Carolina Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2017, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Chile for $13.99.
PINOT NOIR
Excellent Pinot Noir is rarely cheap, but we found a pair of labels that will make your day by providing the roundness and “sweetness of fruit” that makes Pinot so appealing to a wide spectrum of drinkers. And as it happens, our two picks skirt both ends of the price spectrum. Meyer Pinot Noir 2018, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia for $24.99, and Santa Carolina Reserva Pinot Noir Leyda Estate 2018, Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Chile for $13.99.
SYRAH/SHIRAZ
Australia dominated the Shiraz category in the 1990s and 2000s, but some cooler new world sites are challenging the Down Under versions with gusto, including B.C. Our favourite duo serves up one terrific, stony complex B.C. Syrah: the Orofino Syrah 2018, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia for $25, and its counterpoint several dollars cheaper is the Yalumba Organic Shiraz 2018, South Australia at $16.99.
CHARDONNAY
Back in the day, we split Chardonnay into oaked and unoaked categories, but as they converge in style, there is only good and bad Chardonnay.
Our favourites are balanced, energized, textural and almost always better with food. Our two picks to look for are Kendall-jackson Chardonnay Vintner’s Reserve 2018, California, United States for $24.49, and Cedarcreek Chardonnay 2018, British Columbia at $18.99.
WHITE SINGLE VARIETIES
Single white varietals could be a saviour category. New, different and full of exciting possibilities are where you can find the energy — and, frankly, something different to drink. And best of all, the prices are highly affordable.
Here are four picks you may be unfamiliar with, but just jump in, chill them down and get ready to be delighted:
Umani Ronchi Casal di Serra
■
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2017, Marche, Italy $17.99;
Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino
■ di Sardegna 2017, Sardinia, Italy $18.99;
Barone di Valforte Pecorino
■
2019, Abruzzo, Italy $19.99;
Château Dereszla Tokaji Furmint
■ 2018, Hungary $16.49.
SPARKLING
Few sparkling wines can take on Segura Viudas N/V Brut Reserva, Cava, Catalunya, Spain at $16, when you factor in price, quality and reliability. It is the quintessential afternoon tapas bubble.
Locally, a charming version of Italy’s sparkling moscato comes from Osoyoos in the Lastella Moscato D’osoyoos 2019, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada for $19.99.
Hang on to this list, because it will serve you well through the fall.