With Mother's Day only a day away what better way to let your mom or special lady know how much they are appreciated than with a nice bottle of wine?
I recently had the opportunity to travel east, and it got me thinking that our province, British Columbia, is situated in the perfect spot in Canada.We have Washington State, Idaho and Montana bordering us to the south, Alberta to the east, Northwest and Yukon Territories to the north, and to finish it off we have Alaska to the northwest.We have a reputation for having a cold climate, and we have wildlife everywhere. We are even home to the Kermode bear, or Spirit bear, which is only found here in B.C.
I think of our province as being driven by a dominating resource economy and the wine industry has really put us on the map.The wineries throughout B.C. have been awarded 2,000 medals in national and international competitions.
The first grapes were planted in B.C. in 1859 and since then the wine industry has onlygrown in leaps and bounds.Statistics say that in 1990 there were only 17 wineries operating in B.C. and as of today that number has grown to 273. We currently have approximately 9,800 acres of grapes with more than 75 varietals planted.Ourtop-planted grapes are Pinot Gris, for whites and Merlot for red wines.
There are currently five growing regions in B.C. and one emerging.We have Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, Okanagan Valley, Similkameen Valley and areas such as the Kootenays, Lillooet, Thompson/Shuswap and now Prince George.
All three of the wines I am featuring today VQA and from our great province.VQA stands for Vintners Quality Alliance, which guarantees that the wine you're drinking is 100 per cent B.C. grapes, with 95 per cent of the grapes used coming from the specific regionsstated on the label.
This week, I am featuring three very crisp, aromatic andrefreshing white wines.I hope you all enjoy these wines as much as I did.
Wild Goose Stoney Plains Riesling 2012
BC VQA
434316
$17.39
I tried thisRiesling at theVancouverInternational Wine Festival this springand have been awaiting its arrival.Good news... it is here!
I have been introduced to many Wild Goose white wines that I have enjoyed.Located in Okanagan Falls, this winery has operated for 30 years, with 300-plus medals, over three generations and still going strong.
This Riesling is grown in veryrocky, coarse soils which leads to the mineralflavors of the wine.I would consider this a very classic Riesling with the ripe green apple and mineral finish.You can easily pair this delicious white with seafood and enjoy.
This would be a great addition to any patio? You won't find this Riesling at the winery as they have sold out.Get yours at the storewhilethey last.
See Ya Later
Chardonnay 2012
BC VQA
75366
$12.79
Next time you're in the area of Okanagan Falls make sure to pop in for a visit atSee Ya Later Ranch. The views from the winery are breathtaking.The road is steep and winding but once you make it to the winery youwon't bedisappointed.
The name of the winery comes from a corky old man with a very vibrant lifestyle, Major Hugh Fraser. He brought a bride from overseas who didn't like it here and left him a note saying "see ya later." The rest is history. At the winery, they celebrate both his life and also his love for his dogs.
Throughout the year they hold events at the winery with all money being donated to the SPCA.They have the Puppy Love event on the Family Day long weekend, Dog Days of Summer with vendor markets and a doggie fashion show, to name a few.Your pets are always welcome.You will be greeted by dogs when you arrive as Goku, Hiro and Pinot all live at theranch.
I picked thisChardonnay today as it has a buttery texture that isn't coveredby oak.There are a lot of peach aromas with hints of citrus and vanilla on the finish.
Lake Breeze
The Spice Jar2014
BC VQA
$16.49
Lake Breeze is located along the picturesqueNaramata bench in Penticton.
Garron Elmes is president and winemaker forLake Breezewinery.He was born in Capetown, South Africa, and has been at the winery for over 20 years.He admits to still having a passion for rugby, but he is taking a liking to hockey.Garron's Jam Jar won silver, in 2014, at the All Canadian Wine Championships.
When I noticed two of my favorite grapes, Gewurztraminer and Ehrenfelser, in one bottle, I had to try The Spice Jar.It's not often you see an Ehrenfelser blended with any other varietal.This white would have paired well with Easter dinner, but it's never too late for a patio sipper for the warmer weather ahead. You could always pair this white with any spicydish.
Once in your glass noticeall the aromatics, the spicy flavours of the Gewurztraminer and a hint of sweetness that balances this off dry white nicely.
Kim Cabral is a product consultant at the B.C. Signature Liquor Store at Pine Centre Mall.
