WEEKEND WINE PICKS
Umani Ronchi Casal di Serra Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2020; Marche, Italy $19.99 I 89/100
UPC: 8032853721124 The engine of this wine is an organically grown Verdicchio, and vines up to 30 years old sitting on calcareous, loamy hillsides on the Adriatic Coast. The fruit shines, mixing citrus, pear and toasted almonds, all supported by a stony fresh mineral undercurrent with a surprising amount of weight. Any spring dish or shellfish selection, raw or cooked, on the West Coast will work here. Fine value.
Tormaresca Trentangeli Castel del Monte Aglianico — Cabernet Sauvignon — Syrah 2018; Puglia, Italy $19.99 I 91/100
UPC: 8026530000862 Trentangeli is a 65/25/10 mix of Aglianico/cabernet Sauvignon/syrah and it is all Apulia. The nose is a fragrant mix of violets and intensely savoury dark fruit with a dusting of smoke and spice. It is a beautiful mix of power and freshness, pitching black raspberry, licorice and balsamic notes that finish with persistence and surprising suppleness. Think big dinner dishes: lamb osso buco, rice with Bolognese sauce or mature cheeses. It is also certified organic and one of the biggest red wine bargains in the province.
Faustino Rioja Organic 2020; Rioja, Spain $19.99 I 87/100
UPC: 8410441112002 This is a new wine from an old Rioja wine producer that is surprisingly certified organic. The colour is dark, the yields are low, and the Tempranillo mixes black and red berries. The attack is round but fresh, and the tannins are youthful but light. It is a perfect mid-week chicken wine that would also suit soft cheese.
Robin Ridge Organic Gamay 2021; Keremeos, Similkameen Valley $23.99 I 90/100
UPC: 626990155027 Gamay continues to shine at Robin Ridge, a tiny boutique producer in the wild, windy, rocky Similkameen. The terroir is spare, providing the perfect platform for this Gamay to thrive. Lean, tight and red-fruited, with cherry and black plum nuances, this is vibrant from front to back. Precision and delicacy with a peppery undercurrent draw it across your palate in a straight line, asking for a chunk of grilled salmon or pork sausages. Crunchy, juicy and mineral-scented, it has all the attributes of seriousness. Now available in B.C. Liquor Stores.
Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico Organic 2021; Tuscany, Italy $35.99 I 92/100
UPC: 8032956630040 This wine has a beautiful depth, a testament to the vintage and the rising star of Chianti Classico. Harmonious and long, it is simply impressive for the money. Mushroom pasta continues to be a brilliant match. Wonderful value. Experts have recognized the 2021s as among the best made in the region.