It seems a little ironic and it didn't occur to me until I finished writing this week's article that I am once again featuring Pinot Grigio and Riesling white wines. Then seeing as the theme of this year's wine festival in Vancouver is California, I've included a fun red blend to finish off.
Al and I will both be attending the 35th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival and hope to bring some great new wines back with us for everyone to try. This year's grape focus is on Chardonnay, which should be very interesting. A total of 1,850 wines are featured from 176 wineries representing over 50 countries. It's very exciting and overwhelming all at the same time, you can get a chance to speak with the wine makers, which normally unless you get to their specific country would not happen. The excitement they bring is passed on and shared with everyone there for sure.
NEDERBURG
WINEMASTER's RESERVE PINOT GRIGIO (140525)
SOUTH AFRICA
$12.99
The Nederburg estate is located in a picturesque Dutch manor house in the third oldest European settlement in South Africa Paarl. The former home that Nederburg uses as its business headquarters is stunning with its thatched roof, large windows and wooden shutters. The walk to the front door is surrounded by large oak trees. Like this dream, house, the Nederburg winery began as one person's dream that continues to be kept alive today.
The Nederburg dream is kept alive by Hannes van Rensburg . Van Rensburg has over 40 years' experience and his long term dedication and contribution was recently recognized by the South African Society of for Enology and Viticulture. Hannes practices bio diversity and new wine initiatives on Nederburg's vineyards and shares his knowledge with others. As a result of this passion, Nederburg is one of three South African wineries to hold the distinction of holding a 5 star rating.
Like many wineries, Nederburg has different product ranges. Winemaster's Reserve is one of their most popular ranges and the one I am sharing with you. This Pinot Grigio has very light aromas of peaches but once in your mouth flavours of peaches burst through some acidity with a crisp dry finish. This white makes me think of sunny days just for a moment compared to all the snow we are getting. You could even pair this wine with a light fruit salad.
KUNG FU GIRL
RIESLING 2011 (301671)
CALIFORNIA
$21.99
I have been searching for this wine not only for myself but also because I have had many customer requests for it as well. It is now available in our stores and is the perfect wine for the next girls' night out.
The man behind the Kung Fu Girl label can best be described as a "rock and roll" winemaker. You would know why if you have ever seen Charles Smith with his 80's big rocker hair and laid back personality. Charles is a self-taught winemaker with many accolades and awards. In 2008, he was considered to be one of the Best New Wineries of the Last Ten Years, followed by Winery of the Year and Winemaker of the Year two years in a row. Kung Fu Girl Riesling has attained Best Value for a third year in a row from Wine Spectator.
Charles opened his winery K Vintners in December 2001 and produced only 330 cases. He now surpasses that with over 30 wines available in his line. The 2010 Riesling also received 90 points again from Wine Spectator. With all that behind the label why wouldn't I want to try this Riesling?
The grapes for Kung Fu Riesling are grown in the Evergreen vineyards located in the AVA or American Viticultural Area of Washington's Columbia River plateau. This is the largest wine region in Washington State. The actual winery is located on historical farm land at the base of the Blue Mountains of Walla Walla Washington, with a tasting room located in the down town core which was once an old repair warehouse that was totally transformed into a laid back relaxing tasting room. This is also headquarters for Charles Smith's many other business ventures.
Kung Fu Girl Riesling really is fun from the label to what's inside. Even though this is considered a dry Riesling I found some sweetness on the first sip. Once past my lips I enjoyed sweet ripe nectarines followed by a sharpness of lime and citrus on a long finish. Very complex and fruity compared to a Mosel Riesling. You could pair this Riesling with anything with a hint of spice. On its own is very enjoyable also.
CARICATURE
CALIFORNIA RED 2010 (248369)
CALIFORNIA
$19.99
Reading both the front and back labels on this wine, explains the whole story. You might wonder why they say it is a wine with "great legs"?
When someone refers to a wine as having great legs they are simply referring to the lines of wine that run down the sides of the glass once it has been swirled around. That mention tells this wine's story and definitely gives a hint about the quality of the wine.
California has long been known as the laid back state with few exceptions. One of these exceptions is wine. California ranks fourth globally when it comes to wine producers of the world, with 4,600 wine growers and about 3,000 wineries. Traditionally, California is known for its whites like Chardonnay and its reds like Zinfandel. Caricature is made from old vine Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
This Cabernet Zinfandel blended wine is produced by the very knowledgeable Lange Twins wine family of the Lodi region of California. For over five generations, the Lange Twins winery and vineyards is strictly family-owned and operated. For the past three generations, they have become the leaders in sustainable wine growing practises in California. The Lange twin brothers Bradford and Randall believe that it's important to not only care about the vineyard management but also the surrounding environment that contributes to the whole picture.
Both twins have extensive university backgrounds pertaining to all aspects of viticulture. They look forward to passing their knowledge onto the upcoming sixth generation wine growers of Lange Twins winery and vineyards. The winemaker for Caricature's red blend is Karen Birmingham and it definitely reflects the Lange tradition in every way. The tradition of quality mixed with Karen's touch which has be said to be similar to that of a chef in the kitchen. What more could you want backing a wine? This wine does live up to quote on the back "wines of character with great legs.". You will have to try it and see. In your glass the dark Zinfandel colour takes over while the aromas of the currant from the Cabernet tempt you for a sip. This red is bursting with aromas and flavours of dark ripe fruits and a hint of spice. The tannins are rather smooth and not too much in your mouth. The finish is velvety smooth. You would really enjoy this red with a nice BBQ steak or ribs, delicious.
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.
