As a product consultant, I find there are two types of people who buy wine. There are those who like it simple and go back to the same old, same old wine every time.
Then, there are the adventurers who like to seek out new tastes and flavours. While I appreciate all of my customers, I love trying out the wide variety of wines available to us in our store.
This week, whether summer decides to get here or not, white wines are still on my recommendation list.
Although I am sharing two whites perfect for a picnic or just relaxing, I have also included a full-bodied red to enjoy with a nice juicy steak. I hope you enjoy them all as much as I did .
Gray Monk
Latitude Fifty 2010 White
(321646)
B.C. Vqa
$13.99
The simple VQA acronym stands for Vintners Quality Assurance.
These letters let you know that this wine's quality is guaranteed and that
really they do stand for much more.
In my opinion, B.C. produces superb wines and Gray Monk is just one of those wineries. George and Trudy had put their future in the hands of a vineyard they purchased while wanting a employment change and that was 30 years ago.
That's just one of their few accomplishments. They are also proud of the fact their family has been growing grapes in the Okanagan for 40 years now.
Best of all they will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year also.
What a year it will be I am sure. I couldn't think of a more deserving couple. Gray Monk winery really is Trudy's castle. Latitude Fifty is a light crisp refreshing wine that you can enjoy with or without friends.
It has been one of the top selling VQA whites on a regular basis. You will find this white on the menu at Hell's Kitchen in Kitsilano.
The next time you want to enjoy a crisp summer salad with a great wine, I'd recommend this one. For those first time wine tasters, this is very easy drinking, approachable and not complex. It is fruity and smooth with little to no acidity. If you like this wine, you should explore what Gray Monk has to offer.
Casas Del Bosque
2011 Sauvignon Blanc
Reserva (740878)
Chile
$16.99
In the past, when I have tried this Sauvignon Blanc I was attracted by its price.
At that time, it sold for around $19.99 which was a little too high for my
budget.
Today, it can be purchased for $16.99 and at that price, I thought I would give it another try.
Casas del Bosque is a Chilean winery that is located near the city of Santiago. Its vineyards are located in Chile's famed Casablanca Valley where winemakers pay careful attention to ensure only the highest quality grapes are grown.
Casas del Bosque made a name for themselves with their Sauvignon Blanc wines. Today, more than 80 per cent of their wines are exported. This wine is unique in that three different clones of Sauvignon Blanc grapes are used in its
production.
The vines themselves range in age from eight to 18 years. The finished product is this refreshing white with enough acidity to linger well on into the finish.
The aromas of peach, lime and lemon zest are very predominant with a hint of spice.
Flavours of citrus packed with a zingy zesty rush. The balance couldn't be better. Quite enjoyable and I am glad I gave it another try.
Primal Roots
Red Blend 2010 (806471)
California
$15.99
Every once in a while a new wine comes along and I give it a try and decide to tell my friends and readers more about it.
Primal Roots' Red Blend is such a wine.
While the type of grape varietals used in this blend - Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel - are known, the vineyard locations are a mystery.
If you've ever tried blending wines to make a masterpiece you might already know it is definitely a science and art form. Once in a while when I visit wineries, I try to test my blending skills - the results are not usually good and something I'll leave up to the experts.
In this blend, Merlot is responsible for the red raspberry and mocha flavours while the Syrah lends it dark cherry, chocolate and spice flavours and not to be out done by the Zinfandel with its blackberry and warm spice.
Once you try it, you may notice that the flavours start out one thing and then
finish off totally different.
The structure and balance is just right in this California Red blend thanks in part to the oak aging. When I first tried this wine, I thought it would work with dessert but it has enough punch to work well with a grilled steak. The aromas of vanilla and spice followed by a rich mocha tempted me for more.
All in all, this wine delivers rich mocha, cherry and raspberry flavours, why wouldn't you be satisfied?
Kim Cabral is a product consultant at the B.C. Signature Liquor Store, Pine Centre. The bracketed numbers are the product codes for the B.C. liquor stores.
