Summer time is the right time to enjoy a crisp white wine or refreshing cider.
One is a wine from B.C. that is bursting with apples while the other is a perfect classic Chardonnay from Ontario. Then for the cooler evenings I wanted to share a great Tawny from the Okanagan Valley that has been barrel-aged for 15 years.
Taste what British Columbia and Ontario have to offer.
THE VIEW WINERY
TEMPTATION FRIZZANTE
2011 (671586)
B.C.
$15.90
You would be the hit of your next dinner invitation if you brought this wine as a hostess gift. This very classy bottle has frosted glass with a tiny window that gives you a view of an apple tree.
For five generations now, the Ward and the Turton families have handpicked and selected only the best apples for their Frizzante.
English cider apples such varietals as Jersey Chisel, Porters perfection and Bell de Boskoop were used in this slightly effervescent wine.
The Okanagan sun is responsible for ensuring the right amount of sunshine for the apples on the lake exposed orchard with its sandy loam soils providing the nutrition the tree needs to flourish. This year, the quantities are limited - only 170 cases were produced.
From the time you open the cap on this light frizzante until the last sip apples, apples, and apples is what you will enjoy. A great addition for that summer picnic or for relaxing and enjoying it with friends. Either way it's summer fun in a bottle.
SKETCHES OF NIAGARA
CHARDONNAY (204529)
Ontario VQA
$19.99
A few months ago, I featured a Riesling from Ontario's award-winning Tawse Winery. Now I have one of their Chardonnay wines. Chardonnay is not as in
demand as it once was.
As you may recall from my past article, Tawse Winery was named Canadian Winery of the Year by Wine Access magazine for 2010 and 2011. Tawse Winery has many vineyards contributing their own characteristics to each and every wine.
To give you an idea where the winery is located it's not too far off from St. Catherines, Ontario and very close to Lake Ontario and the Wayne Gretzky Estate Winery. The winery is not the only one winning awards, the wine is too.
This Chardonnay and only six others won a gold medal at the 2011 Canadian wine awards against 86 other Chardonnays.
The best part was this wine was the only wine out the six selected that was priced under $30 a bottle.
Luckily for us, this Chardonnay is available in our store but it is no longer available at the winery. This Chardonnay is very well balanced and very versatile with many dishes.
Aromas of ripe crisp apples with a hint of citrus grab your attention on the finish of this dry Chardonnay. You might even find it a bit toasty or smoky on the finish.
Pair this white with almost any cheese, salads or any white meat dish.
GANTON & LARSEN
PROSPECT WINERY
ADMIRAL SHORTS
OKANAGAN TAWNY (195909)
BC VQA
$17.99
Wade Stark is the man behind these labels and the quality affordable wines, which he is very proud of producing. Wade has an extensive background that has seen him accomplish what he wanted in life.
His dream came true and while studying under famous winemaker of Mission Hill's John Simes he learned the skills enabling him to craft his very own wine.
Since 2006 Stark has been creating award winning wines and receiving recognition for his hard work and dedication.
Now you might be wondering what's with the Admiral's Shorts?
The names given to Prospect Winery's wines have historical
significance to the Okanagan region.
The labels often display a figure, animal, historical place, or any such item related to Okanagan geography and history. You may already be familiar with other wines produced by the winery including Ogopogo's Lair Pinot Grigio or Haynes Barn Merlot Cabernet.
Local artists create the label artwork which makes them that little bit more special. All the grapes are sourced from a number of the vineyards throughout the Okanagan Valley.
This is a fortified red wine that would make the best dessert. Aromas and flavours of burnt sugar, caramel, roasted nuts, dried dark fruits and spice make a great finish to any meal.
You could even have a glass before dinner and would enjoy it just as much.
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.
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