Pop that cork; it’s wine time. Let’s get sipping.
I started my 24-year love affair with wine by drinking dry imported white wine. (Sounds quite sophisticated doesn’t it?) That was back when my kids were young. From Chardonnay, it was a slow progression to reds.
Why wine? Because kids. Just kidding. Trying different styles of wine just kept me coming back.
I’m definitely not an expert; I’m just an avid enjoyer of quality wine. So much so that I get asked quite often what wine am I into at any given moment. Once I even helped a restauranteur with his wine list. That was fun!
Just recently, I enrolled in WSET level one and I found an appreciation for Beaujolais – the opposite of a full-bodied red. Yes, learning and exploring is definitely what keeps me tasting wines.
Anyway, I’m usually a full-bodied red wine girl, but lately I’ve been liking white and rosé, in the all types of weather.
Now, I have always thought: white in the summer, red in the winter. But apparently it’s OK to drink white after labour day. Ha!
The palate wants what it wants, I guess. And lately mine has been craving 10 wines in particular.
Before I share that list, I should say a few words about pairing food and wine.
It’s really fun to see how the flavour of the wine changes when you pair it with food. Take a sip of wine- mmm, that’s good. Take a bit of cheese, then have a sip of wine- mmm that’s amazing.
Here are a few guidelines for pairing food and wine:
Without further ado, here are 10 wines I’m really loving lately. You’ll see I tried but couldn’t quite keep it to British Columbia wines. Love local.
Wild Goose, Pinot Gris
Okanagan Falls, BC | $17.99 @ BCL
BC Liquor says, “Its nose expresses peach and pear while its palate fills your mouth with flavours of melon and honey. Layered with spicy, earthy undertones, finishing with a hint of spice.”
Joie A Noble Blend 2016
Naramata, BC | $22.99 @ BCL
BC Liquor says, “Intense notes of guava, nutmeg, and clove, with a grapefruit finish.”
Whitehaven, Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, NZ | $18.49
BC Liquor says, “Vibrant acidity and intense varietal flavours of currant, leaf, flint, and gooseberry which persist on the long, crisp finish.”
L’Opaline Rosé 2016
Provence, South of France | $21.99 @ BCL
With just a hint of colour, bright pink grapefruit and strawberry flavours, and a spicy finish.
Joie Rosé 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia | $19.99 @ BCL
Deep pink colour, and notes of rhubarb, tart cranberry, pear and ripe apple with a hint of sage.
Osoyoos Larose – Le Grand Vin 2014
Osoyoos, BC | $45.99 @ BCL
A silky texture with notes of mocha, vanilla, plum, black currant and black cherry.
Quarisa Caravan – Petit Sirah
South Eastern Australia | $15.49 @ BCL
Fresh and lively ripe dark plum and berry fruits, with hints of spice and chocolate framed by ripe tannins.
(This wine has a personal story, watch for that blog post story)
Hester Creek – Character
Golden Mile Bench, BC | $18.99 @ BCL
BC Liquor says, “Black fruit flavours, licorice and earthy Golden Mile essence make up its taste profile.”
Mollydooker, The Boxer, Shiraz
South Australia | $30.99 @ BCL
Wine.com says, “This Shiraz has hints of spiced plums, blackberry jam and cherry at the forefront and finishes with coffee cream, licorice, and vanilla.”
Black Sage, Cabernet Sauvignon
Southern Okanagan, BC | $25.99
BC Liquor says, “Look for cassis hints, black fruits and that structured character that this noble variety always shows.”
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Here are a few British Columbia Wineries that I order directly from or hold a wine club membership in:
Burrowing Owl (Cabernet Franc)
Laughing Stock (Portfolio)
Sandhill (Sandhill One)
Black Hills (Nota Bene)
Blue Mountain (Brut Reserve 2009)
So good! These are just some of my favourites. I’ll be sure to share more soon. In the meantime, enjoy exploring these fab wines and let me know — in the comments below– If you have tried one of these wines. Love it or not?
Oh, and if you want to cozy up with a glass of wine and watch a great movie about wine, may I recommend: https://www.netflix.com/title/70273636
Wine opener | Aerator Pourer/Stopper | Wine glasses | Decanter
BIG LOVE!!
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