2020 Arneis
Moon Curser
Osoyoos, BC
$26.99
As many people are not familiar with this grape, I’ll provide a little background to help put things in context. Arneis is a white grape with roots in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, near Turin. Its name means ‘little rascal’ as it can be difficult to grow in some regions. As it turns out, the sandy soil of Osoyoos suits the variety quite well. It is known to be perfumed with good acidity. This example is straw-coloured with medium-light intensity. The nose shows aromas of peach, melon, banana, a hint of wet stones, lemon, and floral notes. Well balanced with a mouth-filling creamy texture. The flavours echo the mouth with a hint of peppery heat followed by a medium-long finish with lingering lemon notes. Serve this full-bodied white with a wide range of Asian cuisine, or aged white cheeses.
2020 Rosé
Tightrope
Penticton, BC
$20.99
This blend of 75% Pinot Noir, 20% Syrah, and 5% Barbera comes from the Naramata Bench. The grapes were fermented separately with one to two days of skin contact and blended before bottling. It is bright cherry red with medium-plus intensity. Huckleberry, strawberry, cherry, grapefruit, rhubarb, and watermelon and white flower undertones. Good balance. Mouth-watering fruit on the palate – rhubarb, cranberry, red currant, watermelon, and grapefruit. A medium-plus finish with flavours lingering. This dry wine is very food-friendly.
2018 Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo
Cantina Faccagnini
Bolognana, Italy
$19.99
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Cherries, raspberries, rhubarb, and sweet spice on the nose. Good balance, medium body and smooth tannins. Bright fruit on the palate with flavours of red fruit, red berries, and cantaloupe followed by a soft medium finish. A good match for pizza or pasta.
2019 Syrah (Okanagan Valley)
Blue Grouse
Duncan, BC
$27.99
These grapes were brought in from the Okanagan and so come under their Quill label. This wine reminded me of northern Rhone examples I have tasted. Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. The nose sings with bright fruit, including ripe cherries, dark berries, black olives, stewed plums, spice, and a whiff of menthol. Very good balance. Bright fruit on the palate that mirrors the nose followed by a medium-long finish. Be sure to decant well before serving.
2019 Bucket O’ Blood
Fairview Cellars
Oliver, BC
$32.90
Owner, Bill Eggert, knows how to make big reds. This wine, a blend of Syrah and Cabernet Franc, is garnet red in colour with medium-deep intensity. Dark cherries, earth, raspberries, spice, aniseed, leather, plum and beetroot on the nose. Well balanced with smooth ripe tannins. The flavours mirror the nose followed by a medium-long finish. Very impressive right now and well worth hanging on to for a few more years. Be sure to aerate or decant so it can shine.
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
