WEEKEND WINE PICKS
Pieropan Soave Classico 2022, Soave, Veneto, Italy
$26 I 91/100
UPC: 00626990091028
From the volcanic limestone soils of the Soave hillside comes a classic 85/15 blend of Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave. The vines are aged 6-60 and the wine is certified organic. Pieropan is the maestro of Soave, and this wine, which sells for about $26 to $30 in private wine shops, was made for Vancouver's wealth of local seafood and a vast array of Asian and Indian foods. The purity of fruit flavours and complex nutty — almond — marzipan notes make this the most interesting wine in the room. Bright, fresh, and food-friendly, try hunting this down.
The Wine Umbrella Chardonnay 2022, Okanagan Valley
$35 I 88/100
UPC: 749565399890
The Wine Umbrella label is all Mireille Sauve, a former Vancouver sommelier turned winemaker and now general manager at Lakeboat Vineyards and Winery in Kaleden, just south of Penticton on the west side of Skaha Lake. The brand was developed in 2005 to inform, promote and inspire all things wine and currently is a fundraiser whose proceeds fund scholarships through Les Dames d'escoffier, B.C. Chapter, for women's education in the food and beverage fields. The 2022 Chardonnay was made with Oliver fruit, pitching a riper tropical note enhanced by the partial use of American oak. The nose is open and tropical, with candied lemon and freshly cut pineapple notes that spill onto the palate. It is primarily dry and fresh with just a bit of fatness in the finish — a fun style Chardonnay with one foot in California and one foot in the Okanagan Valley.
Jean-marc Brocard Chablis Montmains 1er Cru 2021, Chablis, Burgundy, France $62.99 I 92/100
UPC: 03436801109111
Montmains sits on the Serein River's left bank, on chalky soils. Its mineral-rich terroir significantly impacts the wine, contributing to its stony character and floral undertones. The coolish 2021 is a saline mineral affair pitching citrus and licorice, all contained in its subtle, taut, leesy textures. It is a beautiful food wine that is only beginning its life. Oysters, anyone? Delicious.
Goats do Roam Dry Rosé 2022, South Africa
$16.99 I 87/100
UPC: 6002291000138
The Goats do Roam Rosé is everything you want in a simple, inexpensive pink that you can drink any time. Fairview Vineyards is a highly reputable producer of Rhone-style wines, and this blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre is reminiscent of the famous French valley style. The grapes are fermented separately, blended, and left on fine lees before bottling. Look for floral rose petal notes and citrus-bathed red berries with a hint of lees and minerality. Clean, fresh and ready to drink at a giveaway price. Private wine shops only.
Giovanni Rosso Nebbiolo Langhe Rosso 2020, Piedmont, Italy $31.99 I 91/100
UPC: 8028981037091
The Giovanni Rosso Langhe Nebbiolo comes off various aspects between 340 and 520 metres above sea level. It is all hand-harvested, crushed, and fermented on the skins in concrete tanks for 15 days. It gets daily pump-overs and one délestage at the halfway point. The aging is done in large 50-hectare French oak barrels for a few months. The result is a charming floral cherry affair with mostly elegant tannins and bloody red fruit. Stylish and food-friendly, serve this with a touch of coolness, and you will not be disappointed.