Grab a glass of BC Wine and join the celebration!
Wine holidays can seem to be a silly thing but because of them, the wine-drinking community is able to share tips and inspirations. Follow the hashtag #DrinkWineDay and you’ll learn a whole deal about specific varietals, wine-producing regions and the latest popular sips from all over the world.
Let’s join the tasting party with six delicious BC VQA wines:
1. Blue Grouse Quill Rosé
Blue Grouse’s Quill Rosé is a unanimous hit. A complex, full flavoured wine produced with Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir from the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island and Oliver, Okanagan Valley. A beautiful mix of strawberry and rhubarb on the nose and fresh and lively palate with a savoury touch on the finish. Think about pairing this rosé with pizza, chicken, pasta or enjoy by itself. Available at the winery, online and on selected fine wine stores across BC. $21.99
2. Singletree Siggy
Have you ever tried wines produced from Siegerrebe? Siggy is Singletree’s wine interpretation for this intriguing varietal that in German means ‘victory grape’. You will learn this is indeed a win. Siegerrebe (pronounced see-geh-Ray-buh) grows very well in climates like the Fraser Valley, just outside of Vancouver, and it turns into a wine that is rich and lush with soft acidity and floral aromatics. The delicious notes of peaches, pears and lychees make a great pairing for dishes like spicy curries or fish tacos. Available at the winery, online and in selected fine wine stores. $16.00
3. Haywire Switchback Vineyard Pinot Gris
A beautiful organic Pinot Gris that displays the best of Okanagan terroir. Haywire wines are produced with low intervention, attention to detail and represent some the best of natural wines being produced in British Columbia. But mostly importantly, it is delicious. This wine was naturally fermented and aged in concrete tanks for eight months and has a creamy mouthfeel with lively acidity and critic and herbal notes on the palate. Harvested in four separate batches in October, the estate-grown organic Pinot Gris was whole cluster pressed to concrete tanks where it was fermented using native yeasts. The wine went through full malolactic fermentation and was left on gross lees for 10 months. Available at the winery, online and in selected fine wine stores. $26.90
4. Coolshanagh Chardonnay
This chardonnay is as special as the place it comes from. Grown on a small property in Naramata, where a stellar team of specialists, including renowned terroir consultant Pedro Parra, pointed out that the area was full of potential to grow outstanding grapes. And he was right: vintage after vintage Coolshanagh has been gathering accolade after accolade. This is one of the most special chardonnays in British Columbia, with elegant aromas of straw, green apple and lychee with a rich and layered texture. Available online and in selected fine wine stores. $360 (case of 12)
5. TIME Cabernet Franc
A new release red from TIME Wines, home to a winemaking team that has been producing wines in the Okanagan Valley for more than 50 years. The tradition and proficiency shines through the glass as you sip this complex Cab Franc. Enjoy classic aromas of red berries and black cherry with hints of pepper and sage on palate as well as soft tannins with velvety texture. Open a bottle to enjoy with grilled meat or loaded burger. Available at the winery, online or where fine wines are sold. $34.99
6. Oliver Twist Cherry Baby Port-Style
Ready for dessert? Then you’ll fall in love with Cherry Baby. A dessert wine in Port Style that elevates the end of a special meal. This is a wine with luscious flavours of ripe dates, toasty pecans, dark chocolate and lingering black cherry, that turns into a fantastic pair for black forest cake when served slightly chilled at around 16C. Available at the winery and online. $29 (375ml)
Information and images provided by Leeann Froese, Town Hall Brands.
