Mother Nature has really been messing with our palates lately. Because of this, I found myself craving a lighter white wine over the weekend. As a result, I have yet another fruity, dry white to share with you. I also found a great new red blend about a week ago -- just in time for the upcoming holiday season. My next wine suggestion is the red version of a very popular white blend and one I can see will quickly follow in the white?s footsteps. Too top it all off, a very versatile and fun ginger wine has been added to the list. I?m sure all of you will all want to give this a try. It is one you can enjoy all year round.
CASA DAS GAEIRAS
LISBOA BRANCO (428680)
PORTUGAL
$14.99
Lisboa or Lisbon as most of us know it by is not only the capital city of Portugal but it is the largest city also. Lisbon is known for its subtropical Mediterranean climate, with the very mild winters and warm to hot summers. Lisbon is also known as the wealthiest region of Portugal. The winery is located in the Gaeiras Village. Eburobrittium is the site of a mysterious ancient city that was located near the current winery and attracts tourists from all over the world to come and marvel in the sights. The town is well preserved and is a huge tourist attraction with its medieval architecture such as castles, squares and streets. Casa Das Gaeiras wines are best known for their unique characteristics. The grapes for this white were picked in the cooler hours to sustain the natural fruit flavours. Stainless steel tanks were used during fermentation ensuring the crispness and fruit flavours to come through and not be masked by oak. The three grape varietals are Chardonnay and two indigenous to Portugal the Arinto and Ferno Pires. Together the three make for a very old world style dry white. Once in the glass you will notice a very nice lemon to golden hue, light aromas of citrus pass your nose. On the palate, the white skin of grapefruit comes to mind with loads of minerals and tons of acidity. You could serve this wine chilled with grilled seafood.
CAYMUS VINEYARD
CONUNDRUM RED (21998)
CALIFORNIA
$24.99
You may already be familiar with the Conundrum white blend. The Caymus winemakers have added a red wine to their Conundrum family of wines. The inspiration behind both of these labels comes from the famous Wagner family known for their Caymus wines. It has all about change for this family and keeping up with trends, no matter what they may bring. For three generations now, the Wagner family has been producing quality wines, while thinking outside of the box. So far it?s been working for them. 1989 was when the first vintage of Conundrum white was produced not knowing how it would be accepted. Well 23 years later here we are introducing the red so they must be doing something right. This is the second vintage for Conundrum Red and I foresee many more to come. They are very tight lipped on the blend, which isn't so bad, it?s more fun for you to decide what you think the varietals are. On the nose it was pretty intense with dried flowers and dark dry fruits and a slight smokiness. From the first sip my mouth was overwhelmed in a good way with the dark juicy rich fruit flavours bursting through my palate. The tannins grab your cheeks gently while the finish never seems to end on this must try red blend. You deserve it, I know you do. Chill this red before serving.
STONES
ORIGINAL GREEN GINGER WINE (24828)
CANADA
$12.99
Stones Original Green Ginger wine was first produced in England back in the 1740's by The Finsbury Distillery Co. It was thought back then that it would ward off such diseases as cholera and a few other health issues. Today, Stones Original is made with this same recipe that includes the use of top quality raisins and pure ground ginger. It?s very versatile as well which I never did know. You can not only sip and enjoy a few different ways, but you can also cook with it. Try it first on its own in a glass of ice and take in the rich ginger and juicy raisin flavours before making a cocktail. Stones Original is rich, almost creamy tasting and very warming -- perfect for those cold, winter nights ahead. The dark pink colours in the glass would brighten up any dinner table and would also make Stones Original a good aperitif. Think what it could do to a glass of sparkling bubbly at your next celebration? Another way is to pour Stones Original into an ice-filled glass and top it off with some lemonade. Think how refreshing that would be in the summer? For all you whisky drinkers, why not add a splash of ginger wine to your glass of whisky and see how the flavours are enhanced. For more ideas, check out the Stones Original website at www.stonegingerwine.com where the recipes and possibilities are endless. I am glad I?ve finally tried this ginger wine since I have passed by it many times and wondered.
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.
