Happy New Year!
Now that the holidays are over and the new year has begun, it is time to continue to explore the world of wine. If you struggled with making a wine selection over the recent holidays, now is the time to start doing some research before the next big event. Why not add wine knowledge and education to your list of New Year's resolutions. To help get you started, I have included a few red and white wines that I thought you would enjoy.
2012 promises to be a great year for learning more about wine.
GANTON & LARSEN PROSPECT WINERY
REGATTA RED 2009 (194415)
BC VQA
$14.99
Prospect Winery's original owners the Ganton & Larsen families are to thank for not forgetting the rich history of the Okanagan Valley and all the stories it holds. Each and every winery label depicts a photo of somewhere in the Okanagan and explains its historical significance. The Regatta Red label obviously commemorates Kelowna's first Regatta which was held in in 1906. The Regatta consisted of many water sports activities.
A perfectly balanced dry red wine, Regatta Red shows off what the terroir of the Okanagan has to offer and more. A blend of five grapes sourced from some of the best vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos. Although predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Regatta Red includes Petit Verdot, Merlot followed by a hint of Cabernet Franc and Shiraz. Expect aromas and flavours of dark black fruits, hint of cocoa and spice due to the oak aging. A great wine to enhance a prime rib. Why not try what the Okanagan has to offer at the unbeatable price of $14.99?
FETZER
GEWRZTRAMINER 2009 (350843)
CALIFORNIA
$12.99
I have chosen this off-dry white from California for a few different reasons. I often hear customers say they don't like the taste of Gewrztraminer wine. For some, Gewrztraminer can be an acquired taste. It is a very aromatic, delicate white wine usually with rose petal or honeysuckle aromas and flavours.
For the earth-conscious among us, Fetzer made a commitment in the mid-80s to conduct business in an environmentally and socially responsible way and continues to build on this commitment. Fetzer is the largest grower of certified organically grown grapes on California's north coast and one of the largest in the world. The vineyards are farmed without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers.
Fetzer's winemakers have created a very accessible Gewrztraminer that can be enjoyed anyone even non-wine drinkers. Inside this bottle is a classic Gewrztraminer with aromas and flavours of a candied apricot followed by ripe peaches, aromas of honeysuckle linger in the glass. While the sweetness of this white is a 04, don't let that scare you off. The sweetness is well balanced with a level of acidity making the wine taste drier. If you enjoy serving wine before dinner, this wine would be a great one to try.
DOMAINE DE VAUGONDY
VOUVRAY 2010 (721654)
FRANCE
$19.99
France's Loire Valley is best known for its breathtaking chateaux and outstanding wines. The Loire River is located in central France where vineyards, fruit orchards, asparagus and artichokes flourish. You may also be familiar with the Loire's many wine appellations or regions which are equally famous -- Sancerre, Poully-Fum, Muscadet and Vouvray.
Don't let French wine labels intimidate you. Like many French wines, the label can be challenging. Vouvray on this wine's label gives us some information. Knowing the wine appellation immediately tells someone like me that this wine will be white and be made from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes. The year is also important. Depending on the year, a wine made in the Vouvray region can range from rich and sweet to very dry.
In general, Loire wines tend to be very fresh and fruity with just the right amount of crisp flavours. While the 2010 Vouvray from Domaine de Vaugondy is definitely on the dry side it is still fruity and crisp.
Winemaker Philippe Perdriaux is the man behind all the work to produce this great dry Vouvray. The Domaine de Vaugondy winery has vines that vary from 20 to 50 years old producing very low yields, with better quality. This Vouvray is a classic dry wine example with peachy, apple and almost vegetal aromas, while deeper flavours of peach, apple and vegetal notes linger to the end -- perfect for pairing with seafood in general and especially yummy with oysters. If you would like to investigate how a traditional French wine pairs with seafood, I would recommend this Vouvray from France's famous Loire Valley.
