I couldn't resist the first two whites today - I am still craving clean crisp easy sipping wines.
My wine favourites list is definitely getting longer, that's for sure. How about yours? Did you try a new wine for Thanksgiving? My family shared good wine and good laughs.
When you think about it the list of wines available out there is really endless, keeping up is next to impossible, but I give it my best shot. If there is a wine you're looking for but can't find it in the store, just ask. If we don't have it that doesn't mean we can't find it or order it. It's always nice seeing and talking to each of you in the store whether it is about what to pair with what wine, or even just something new to try. It's also great hearing your comments when you're in the store about the articles I write. I always love feedback.
That being said, on to today's article and what I have next for all of you. It wasn't my intention to feature sweeter wines; it just worked out that way.
Don't be afraid of the word "sweet" really, they both have ample acidity to balance them perfectly. For those red fans I didn't leave you out, I do have a great red from Portugal that's worth trying.
Wild Goose
Autumn Gold 2013 (414755)
bc vqa
$19.00
The Kruger family has been growing grapes and making wine for more than 30 years now and three generations. Wild Goose was the 17th winery for B.C., located in Okanagan Falls. Okanagan Falls is famous for their rolling hills and very winding roads. If you've ever visited See Ya Later Ranch you will know what I am talking about.
Due to the elevation, cool climate varietals like Gewurztraminer and Riesling thrive here and also produce some of the province's best sparkling wines. The top varietals planted in this area are Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The name for this winery comes from the actual geese that were on the acreage Adolf Kruger had purchased. When he returned to check on what he had bought the first thing he saw was geese gathering on the field.
As he walked closer to the geese they took off in their V formation heading north. That's when the 'ah ha' moment happened and the name would be Wild Goose.
When the land was purchased in 1983 they grew grapes and sold them to Mission Hill winery, which was producing outstanding wines. It wasn't until the late 80s when they decided to make their own wines and see what would happen.
Now, winemaker Hagen Kruger ensures nothing but the best wines go into any bottle with the Wild Goose label. The blend in this white really got my attention. You will find mostly Sauvignon Blanc followed by Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Blanc.
Once in your glass the aromas of stone fruits follow through in your mouth into spiced pear, sharp minerals and a rush of citrus. Very crisp white wine followed by a hint of sweetness on the finish.
This wine is sought after so get it while you can.
Red Rooster
Hen House Sly White 2012 (772574)
BC VQA
$14.99
What a great name for a wine. Not only is it a fun label it really reflects the quirky winery itself.
Red Rooster winery was one of my stops in Penticton on my VQA tour five years ago. I do remember the story teller who took us on the winery tour with his great sense of humour. It wasn't all humour though as there is deep rich history here also.
The large arched doorway of the winery was provided by wood salvaged from the old train dock from Naramata. They also have suitcases mounted on short poles that have hardened randomly scattered around the winery. They have lots to look at, some great metal art structures which are different and inviting at the same time. It was on this visit I learned about the different programs available at Red Rooster and wish I lived closer to participate in the 'adopt a row'. You actually adopt a row of vines and then you get to come during fall harvest and actually participate in all aspects of the harvest. Then in spring you also get a sneak peek at the release before it hits the shelves.
If you're ever in the Penticton area make sure to visit this winery along with others along the Naramata Bench. The Naramata Bench is one of our hottest regions in the province with approximately 898 acres planted with about 35 licensed wineries. The top varietals planted here are Merlot, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
This region produces full flavoured Pinot Gris and Viognier due to the ideal ripening time. It's not often we see such a big white blend with Sauvignon Blanc as the predominant varietal. I tend to lean towards Sauvignon Blanc this time of year if I am having a white - following that you have Riesling, Pinot Gris, Semillon, Chardonnay and Orange Muscat.
Wow, that's a lot in one bottle, the perfect combination. You get the Sauvignon Blanc flavours first and foremost with green fruit flavours, slight peachy notes and loads of citrus and acidity with a sweet tangy crisp finish.
Setubal Tinto
Ermelinda Freitas Monte da Baia (888453)
Portugal
$12.99
One man's dream turned into a big success for the many women in his family, which at the time was little known to him.
Back in 1920 founder Deonilde Freitas along with his wife Manuel Joao de Freitas started producing wines sold unbranded and wholesale. Unfortunately his dream was cut short when he passed away. Fortunately, his wife stepped up to the plate and took control of everything.
Manuel wanted to ensure it stayed in the family and that is exactly what happened. Their only child, daughter Ermelinda, not only took interest in the business but also began learning how to become a winemaker herself and she succeeded and then some.
It wasn't until 1997 that the company decided to stop selling wholesale unbranded wines and produce wines with their own label. Even today the winery is led by women and one in particular, Leonor Freitas, who was recognized by your Excellency the President of the Republic of Portugal as the Commander of Agriculture Merit. She also received the Order of Merit for Agriculture, Commerce and Industry for her hard work and dedication in the region of Palmela.
The winery today has a mix of old and new when it comes to winemaking techniques, producing and storing eight million litres of wine in stainless steel tanks. This wine is produced in the small growing region of the Setubal Peninsula.
Located just South of Lisbon this region is known for being tradition based when it comes to the varietals planted and the wine styles. That being said it's no surprise that the varietals in this red are traditionally grown here and traditionally blended together. Two of the varietals used in this red are Castelao and Touriga Nacional. The Castelao could compare to the Italian Barbera or a ripe Cabernet Franc. If in Portugal this varietal is also known as Periquita. The Touriga Nacional is said to be Portugal's finest as it provides the structure and body to the wine with and plenty of tannins. Touriga Nacional varietal is very low yielding, also plays a very important part in Port.
The Syrah is probably one of the varietal in this red that you do recognize and it provides the great fruit flavours and hint of pepper and spice. The ripe berry aromas fill your glass while rich concentrated dark fruits blend into some grippy tannins lessened by hints of oak and vanilla on a long lingering finish.
This is the perfect red for game - a big moose roast. If that's not your thing, try it with a good strong cheese and enjoy. I can't believe the quality in this red for such an affordable wine.
Kim Cabral is a product consultant at the BC Signature Liquor Store at Pine Centre Mall
