By The Glass
September 30, 2011
Byline: Kim Cabral, Pine Centre Signature BC Liquor Store, Prince George
Last week in Vancouver, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Bill Blatch a well-respected Bordeaux ngociant or a "wine world secret agent." For over 30 years, Blatch has made Bordeaux wines his passion. Through his company, Bordeaux Gold, he promotes and sells wines from the Sauternes and Barsac areas in France's Bordeaux wine region. This weekend (October 1), the 2008 Bordeaux wines will be released in Signature stores across BC. I wanted to share a sweet wine from Sauternes. A wine I believe must be experienced even if it's just once.
With that said, Thanksgiving is not too far off either. I am featuring a German Gewrztraminer that is always a hit for turkey and all the trimmings. Also, for those of you who might want to experience a wine but aren't really keen on a traditional wine this lovely Moscato d'Asti is the one. It pairs well with turkey and won't make your cheeks pucker as it is a 5 in sweetness, not overly sweet just right in the middle. Enjoy!!
CHATEAU PARTARRIEU
SAUTERNES 2007 (+ 448944)
FRANCE
$21.95
Sauternes is a sweet wine from an area located about 40 km south of the Bordeaux wine region in western France. This style of wine is made using Smillion, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes that have been affected by Botrytis cinerea, also known as noble rot. Don't let that scare you. All it means is that the grapes are become raisined or slightly dried to concentrate the fruit and flavour.
Now this is a very sweet powerful wine with great ageing potential. On his recent Vancouver visit, Blatch's face lit up when he spoke about Sauternes and he was even more delighted when he sampled this one. In his opinion, this wine can be "tried with almost any food -- from spicy to salty or even Chinese." I have to agree with him. The complexity and balance of this Sauternes is amazing. The aromas and flavours of dried fruits such as pineapple, peaches, apricot and passion fruit with honey and an almost nutty finish. You will find yourself smacking your lips together wanting more. Somehow when these grapes are blended together in Bordeaux, magic is made and the final product is like honey in a glass.
VALCKENBERG
GEWRZTRAMINER 2009 (+541573)
GERMANY
$17.85
For over seven generations, Valckenberg has been producing wines. Known in Germany as the oldest family wine merchant, Valckenberg exports their wines to over 24 countries. Most of these wines are produced in Germany's Rheinhessen region. This region is famous for its Riesling, Gewrztraminer, Pinot Noir and Dornfelder wines. Valckenburg's 2009 Gewrztraminer is from the Pfalz region. Pfalz is the second largest wine region in Germany and is often referred to as "Tuscany of Germany." The Valckenberg vineyards are located on southeast slopes ensuring the perfect ripeness. This Gewrztraminer is a very full bodied, medium dry white with aromas of fresh roses, peaches and lychee. Marry all of these aromas with a very fruity finish with spicy notes of cloves and cinnamon and you are sure to enhance any Thanksgiving celebration.
TRANCHERO
MOSCATO D'ASTI 2010 (+1214)
ITALY
$19.99
If you are one of the people who like to try something a little different with your Thanksgiving feast, why not pair this Moscato d"Asti with a cheese plate or dessert? Tranchero produces its wines in the town of Mango in the Piedmont region in north-west Italy. Made from the Moscato grape, you'll be slightly surprised by the delicate frizzante bubbles that tickle your nose. Don't let them put you off. While the Moscato grape is often much sweeter than other grape varietals; this medium dry white wine offers nice balance. This fruity, low alcohol white wine exudes aromas of dried white raisins, stone fruits and ginger while flavours of citrus, apricot, ginger and honey satisfy your taste buds.
KIM CABRAL
