When I started to plan this week's article, I did not intend to feature three white wines and a liqueur.
The fact that I have surprises me. You see, I have been struggling with the transition from the crisp whites of summer to heavier reds for winter. One of this week's feature wines is one I had not tried for a while. I tried it again and remembered why I liked it so much the first time.
Always open to something new and expanding my wine knowledge, I am also featuring a French white wine from the Rhone Valley. Then, just to mix things up a bit, I thought I'd introduce you to two new products from Italy.
Both combine to create a cocktail that has taken off all over the U.K. and is slowly migrating across the pond.
Jackson Triggs
Dry riesling 2010 (+543835)
B.C. vqa
$13.99
Jackson Triggs not only prides themselves in producing award winning VQA wines here in British Columbia, they also produce award winning wines from there winery in Ontario.
Jackson Triggs winery is located in Oliver, B.C. with the grapes being sourced from top grade growers throughout the Okanagan. The Black series Dry Riesling is intended to really show off what the Okanagan terroir has to offer combined with the expertise of an exceptional winemaking team.
This is a very pleasant Dry Riesling with aromas and flavours of apple and grapefruit with a hint of minerality. The perfect complement to any spicy dish. Jackson Triggs Dry Riesling is a very affordable way to
experience what B.C. VQA wines have to offer.
Ogier
Heritages Blanc 2010
(+447276)
Cotes du rhone
France
$16.99
Ogier has been producing wines since 1859 so it's pretty safe to say they have what it takes. Ogier Heritage Blanc comes from the Cotes Du Rhone wine region which is probably the most diverse region of France.
The vineyards are located in the southern Rhone valley with its sandy, rocky ground and very chalky white gravel like subsoil. The grapes used in this blend are Grenache, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Rousanne and finally Viognier.
The Grenache is a very dominant grape variety grown in the Southern Rhone, 80 per cent of a Chateauneuf-du-Pape displaying very good body and loads of fruitiness. The other varietals such as Clairette provide low acidity and high alcohol while the Bourboulenc brings citrus and smoke aromas followed by the Viognier and Rousanne allowing the floral herbal aromas and flavours to burst through. With so many varietals it makes for a complex wine, full of fruity notes.
This white is very complex with aromas of wild flowers followed by citrus and melon on the finish. A great French white to try and an even better selection for Christmas dinner coming up.
Nino Franco
Valdobbiadene prosecco rustico
(+674663)
Italy
$22.99
For almost 100 years, the Franco family has produced superior wines in Valdobbiadene, a small town at the base of the Alps in the province of Treviso, Italy. This area is the home of Italian Prosecco. Grapes grown in this region benefit from a cool climate and the protection of the Alps mountain range.
Prosecco is made using the Charmat Method.
This technique is very different than Champagne as the secondary fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks, rather than in individual bottles. As a result, Prosecco is much less expensive than Champagne, making it an affordable choice for Bellini and Mimosa
cocktails.
Prosecco is meant to be drunk young as it doesn't age well and will become stale over time unless you purchase a very high end one which can then be aged for no more than seven years.
In Italy, Prosecco is enjoyed for any occasion; I have to agree there sparkling wines are great anytime. Rustico Brut pairs very well with
appetizers or even pasta.
Campari
Aperol (+144071)
Italy
$21.99
Aperol is a bright orange bitter liqueur produced by Campari. Its unique flavour and colour is achieved through a subtle blend, with a perfect balancing of different herbs and roots. Among others, Aperol's ingredients include bitter orange, gentian, and rhubarb. In 2007, Wine Enthusiast rated Aperol in its 90-95 point category.
More recently, Aperol received a double-gold medal at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Although it looks, tastes, and smells much like Campari, Aperol has an alcohol content of 11 per cent - less than half of Campari. Aperol and Campari have the same sugar content. Campari is also slightly darker in colour. On its own Aperol is a very refreshing drink but it is definitely not something you might think to mix with Italian Prosecco. But this is exactly what
European mixologists AKA bartenders are doing.
The Aperol Spritz is taking Europe by storm. To make an Aperol Spritz, fill a short glass with ice and add three parts Prosecco, to parts Aperol, splash of soda, garnish with a half slice of orange. Enjoy.
