As sad as it is, I think our great summer has come to an end.
Fall is definitely in the air.
This is that time of year when the anticipation builds for our next Bordeaux release. As in past vintages, this one does not disappoint. The more B.C. wines I try, the more I encourage people to support local. We can produce wines that go head-to-head with wines from countries such as France and win top honours. Our wines are getting more exposure on a worldwide scale every day.
That being said, the first two wines are from the lovely Okanagan, both Pinot Gris, both with slight differences. Finishing off is a bold red just in time for fall. You can't beat the price, either.
Enjoy.
Fern Walk Pinot Gris
BC VQA
796011
$16.99
It's sad that I only found this wine now, at the end of summer. Once I tried it, all I could think about was what and how this would pair with a warm summer's day.
The simple classy white label with a single green fern is produced by the Co/Artisan wine company in Vancouver. All the grapes are sourced from the Okanagan Valley along the Black Sage Bench and the Osoyoos vineyards, which are located at the southernmost end of the valley. Both locations boast the terroir required to produce grapes to a 'T'.
The Black Sage bench is famous for growing high quality fruits due to the warm summer winds creating a longer growing season. Osoyoos vineyards are grown on slopes at higher elevations, which allows more sun exposure during the day. It too benefits a longer growing season. These wines have been produced exclusively for the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch and can only be found in our stores. This is a first for the B.C. Liquor stores having exclusivity.
I know my colleague Al Spoklie featured the sister to this wine in his last article, the Sauvignon Blanc. Both of their white wines are aged in stainless steel, which helps retain the true characteristics of the grapes.
Fern Walk Pinot Gris reminds me of a classic B.C. style with its minerality and hints of fall spice. There is a slightly sweet floral aroma which leads into ripe apricot and loads of tropical fruits on a dry crisp finish. You can enjoy this wonderful white chilled on its own or it can easily paired with a spicy dish.
Thornhaven Pinot Gris
BC VQA
53934
$13.89
I featured Thornhaven Gewurztraminer in my last article and I was so impressed I had to try the Pinot Gris. It was neat comparing the two B.C. Pinot Gris. Thornhaven is located in Summerland and has been owned by the Fraser family since opening it in 1999. Anyone familiar with the area might know the Giant's Head mountain. Its surroundings almost take you back in time with the Santa Fe style winery. When you look around, you see nothing but Ponderosa pines, sage brush and even cacti along the slopes around the vineyards. The look and feel is desert, for sure.
Thornhaven currently grows about 14 different varietals, with all whites produced being estate-grown. I like the winemaker's theory "It begins in the vineyard," because it truly does. If you don't produce good grapes, you can't make good wine. This Pinot Gris is slightly tarter, I found, than the Fern Walk.
Once in my glass I noticed aromas of ripe green fruits and spice. The first sip was packed with citrus, followed by an off-dry finish. I find this a very easy-drinking white, slightly chilled.
Palo Alto
Cabernet/Carmenere/Shiraz
Chile
24059
$10.99
Palo Alto comes from a native tree of Chile which is depicted on the label. It's located in the Maule Valley known to have the largest wine region in the country, close to the feet of the Andes mountain with its steep slopes and cooling evening winds.
Winemaker Hector Urzua sources grapes within a few different areas. In Mariposass, the Cabernet flourishes with the cooling evening breezes to retain the balance and acidity. Lourdes is home to the Carmenere with its slow setting sun for even ripening. Villa Alegre offers a slower growing season, which is just what the Shiraz needs.
The Maule Valley is known for producing superb wines and this one is no different. I think what makes this even a better buy is the price of $10.99. It is only for a limited time so it won't last.
Cabernet is very predominant and shows in the structure in your mouth. The blend of all three produces a bold, smooth, full body red. The aromas of ripe dark fruits is there, a little cocoa and slight oak, leading into the same dark fruits, which become mouth watering on the finish.
Pair this bold red with a roast beef and enjoy.
Kim Cabral is a product consultant at the B.C. Signature Liquor Store at Pine Centre Mall.
