Spring is hopefully just around the corner. In anticipation, I was pulled in the direction of white wines for this feature. For me, the season for rich red wines is over and I'm ready for a refreshing change - crisp, clean whites.
Although I haven't seen any scientific reports, I think your palate and tastes change with the weather.
If you are looking for something more summery and cool rather than dark and warming, here are three, affordable wines that might help to get your spring off to the right start.
KRETIKOS
BOUTARI (327437)
GREECE
$12.99
Did you know that Greece is the oldest wine growing region in the world? Probably not. This fact is often not always shared. Being surrounded by the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas makes Greece's continental climate is most ideal for viticulture. The country's high mountains help to protect the vineyards from the heat filled winds which blow across the land. The soil consists of gravel and chalk which is known to
produce quality wines.
Greece's Boutari family has been producing wines for more than a century. Many credit, the Boutaris with creating the first Greek wine to be well received outside the country's borders. Today, Boutari is a
father-daughter team.
The Boutari vineyard is located on Greece's southern-most island - Crete. Also the fifth biggest
Mediterranean island, it is home to breathtaking views. While you may not be familiar with the grapes - Vilana and most likely Thrapsathiri - used in this white wine, the fruity result is sure to tempt your palate.
The exact blend is 70 per cent Vilana followed by 30 per cent of other varietals native to Greece. Vilana is primarily grown on Crete where it is known as the "queen of whites."
In your glass, this wine's golden colour and fruity aroma will remind you of sunny days. The aromas of pear, sweet orange, followed by a slight floral scent and a hint of honey mingle together to create an enjoyable treat. The acidity is very low on this light bodied white. Try pairing this with almost any seafood dish or salad.
TRAPICHE ASTICA
SAUVIGNON BLANC SMILLION (243485)
ARGENTINA
$8.99
Trapiche is Argentina's largest exporter of premium wines to more than 80 countries. Just as Summerhill Winery built a pyramid believing the "effects of sacred geometry on liquids," the team at Trapiche believe in the cycle of the moons, therefore work that is done in the vineyards is carefully planned out.
The vineyards are in Cuyo region with its reddish soils, viticulture is the main industry followed by tourism. The Trapiche winery believes in everything natural, no chemicals used ever. They use fertilizer composed of animal and vegetal waste from bio dynamic farms.
Astica when translated means flower, there are floral hints to this white for sure. The two varietals together balance each other out in this one. I was very surprised that this wine has a sweetness rating of two.
However, the acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc really cuts through any sweetness and the Smillion brings the fullness and length. On the nose there's some green apple and citrus fruits, while on the palate definitely citrus all the way enough to pucker your cheeks.
The finish is a bit longer and refreshing in the end. Try pairing this blend with almost any white meats.
LONG FLAT
PINOT GRIGIO (880229)
AUSTRALIA
$12.99
When you think of Australia, sun comes to mind.
Long Flat wines have been produced now for more than 40 years. Current winemaker Shane Virgo is proud to have been all hands of for 31 vintages. Shane involves himself from the vineyard work, cellar hand, forklift operator etc.
Long Flat's motto is "one of life's simplest pleasures."
This white wine is very light and if you are looking for something easy to drink, this wine is a great way to ease into spring. The aromas are very light with green apples and tropical fruits. The flavours are fruity with a short citrus burst at the end.
Kim Cabral is a product consultant at the B.C. Signature Liquor Store, Pine Centre. The bracketed numbers are the product codes for the B.C. liquor stores.
