I hope everyone enjoyed a fun Canada Day, even if it was in the middle of the week. Here in Prince George, the events at Fort George Park were enjoyable and the sun was definitely warm. After spending some time in the park, I toasted Canada Day with a great Spanish Cava. For dinner I really enjoyed a scrumptious Gewrztraminer with seafood. The BC Ros I am featuring today is full of red BC fruit aromas and flavours and is much different from the French Ros mentioned in my previous article.
Codorniu
Anna de Codorniu (156075)
Spain
$16.99
Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine which is made using the same 'traditional method' as the one used to produce Champagne from France. The effervescent or bubbles are produced in the bottle during the second fermentation process. Simply put, Cava is to Spain as Champagne is to France. Cava has been produced since the mid-16th century and Codorniu is the world's largest producer of bottle-fermented sparkling wine. In Spain, there is a council which oversees all the decisions of which varietal to plant, how to grow and harvest the grapes and how the Cava is made and how long it should age. With such structured oversight, it ensures you will be drinking the best Cava. Traditionally, Cava uses mainly three grape varietals: Macabeo, Parellada and Xarello. Today, more Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are used as these are the grape varietals used to produce Champagne. This Cava was produced by using Chardonnay and Parellada which gives the aromas and flavours of pineapple, lime and bits of apple and honey to create a creamy mouth feel finish.
Kuhlmann-Platz
Gewrztraminer 2013 (90241)
France
$18.99
Have you experienced a wine from Alsace region of France? Why not? I feel it's a shame more people haven't tried the wines from this small winemaking region. Alsace produces primarily white wines and is the only official wine region in France to list the name of the grape varietals on the label. This is due in part to the region's heavy Germanic influences. I think this makes it easier for customers. It helps customers know exactly what they are buying without needing a guide to help them to know all the grape varietals and their associated regions. The Alsace region is known to produce very aromatic Gewrztraminer and dry Riesling wines. The Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr winery the first cooperative in the Alsace region is where this scrumptious Gewrztraminer is made.
Slightly chill this white before serving to enjoy the expressions or flavours and aromas. This Gewrztraminer is in the official tall, fluted bottle (as required by law and are very similar to the ones used to bottle German Rieslings). Once in your glass the slightly yellow hue makes way for aromas of plums and apricots with floral notes. The slight sweetness on the tip of your tongue is followed by acidity to quench your palate.
Hester Creeek
Cabernet Franc Ros 2013 VQA (776500)
B.C. VQA
$19.95
It won't be too much longer until I am down around this beautiful region from where this summer Ros is produced. I can't wait! Until then, I don't mind getting in the mood by trying a wine from there.
Oliver is the "Wine Capital of Canada" and we have it here in our great province. The town itself was named after our first Premier of BC John Oliver. If you're in the area make sure to stop into one of (approximately) 30 wineries all within about 15 minutes of Oliver's town centre. Oliver offers it all sun, soil and just the right climate to produce award-winning wines.
Located along the Golden Mile, Hester Creek winery is located in an area famous for its alluvial soils and perfect growing conditions. Not only do grapes flourish here but also peaches, apples and cherries.
Since 2006, winemaker Rob Summers has used his wealth of knowledge and passion for winemaking to ensure Hester Creek produces the best wine out of 70 acres it harvests each season.
On more than one occasion, I have had the pleasure of meeting Summers at Hester Creek's store. . There's nothing better than having the winemaker there front and centre for any questions you might have about the wines. Who better to ask about the wines than the person who made them?
With a winemaker like Summers behind the Hester Creek label it's a win, win situation. Not only do they produce wine at Hester Creek, you can spend a night or two in one of their fine Villas. If you like a fruitier Ros, this wine won't disappoint you. There are lots of ripe red fruits in this Ros with hints of spice, very refreshing. I would recommend trying this Ros barely chilled and definitely with friends.
