No matter what you are celebrating this season, TIME has you covered. Starting with two fun, crisp sparklers that are easy on the pocketbook.
Evolve Effervescence $21.99
This is an easy-drinking (only 12.3% ABV) bright blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Blanc that were fermented separately and then blended prior to bottling. It has a pale straw colour with medium-light intensity. The nose shows aromas of lemons, pears, honey, flowers and apples and flavours of melon, peach, and lemon followed by a medium finish. It has already spent a year and a half in the bottle and is ready to go. Keep a bottle in your fridge for when friends drop by. You’ll put a smile on their face.
Pink Effervescence $21.99
A similar, but different blend to the previous – 70% Chardonnay, 28% Pinot Blanc, and 2% Syrah which gives it a character of its own and such an attractive medium salmon colour. Cherry and strawberry on the nose. Dry with a light body. Raspberry and melon on the palate. Great for lunchtime grilled cheese sandwiches, leftover chicken, or seafood. At a price like this, it is perfect for any day celebrating and it makes for an excellent gift.
TIME Brut $34.99
Straw coloured with medium-light intensity. The nose displays aromas of yeast, grapefruit, honey, and brioche. Good balance with good mousse. Citrus, lemon, and green apple on the palate followed by a medium finish. The wine was fermented in neutral oak barrels with lees stirring for added complexity. TIME to celebrate!
Chronos Brut $34.99
Kicking things up a notch, this wine is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir from vineyards in Penticton, Osoyoos, and Naramata which were hand sorted and whole bunch pressed. They were fermented separately with some lees stirring on the Chardonnay and then blended for complexity. Golden straw with a touch of copper and medium-light intensity. Good depth on the nose with aromas of lees, blood orange, honey, citrus, bramble, and biscuit. Very good balance with mouth-filling mousse. Appealing on the palate with flavours of mandarin orange, stone fruit, grapefruit, and lime followed by a medium-plus finish. Cellar worthy for 5 – 8 years. Serve with Asian food, light luncheons, or Friday night popcorn. Perfect!
McWatters Brut $64.99
This is a new release. “The McWatters Collection is a tribute to our founder Harry McWatters and his wines of complex character embodying Okanagan Valley terroir. This Brut is a celebration of Harry’s 50th vintage in the wine industry.” Yes, Harry was a lover of sparkling wines and this release was one of the last projects he worked on. It is sad that he isn’t around to enjoy the fruits of his labour. Top drawer stuff here. Vintage 2017, is a blend of 65% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, and 10% Pinot Blanc. Made in the traditional method and aged 42 months en tirage before disgorgement. Lemon yellow with medium-light intensity. Classic traditional aromas of citrus, biscuit, dough, lemon, floral notes, and undertones of straw, melon, and toast. Well balanced with a rich texture and fine persistent bubbles. The flavours are integrated with the nose, followed by a medium-long finish. An excellent match for, “Truffle French Fries, Oysters, Eggs Benedict, Pan-seared Scallops with Beurre Blanc sauce.” Couldn’t agree more with their suggestions. Suitable for 10 years ageing. Perfect for New Year’s Eve toasting with someone special.
(All photos, except as noted – Sam Hauck)
