TWB – The Wine Bar at Provence Marinaside the Place To Be!

What is so special about TWB at Provence? Well let me tell you. It could be the 120+ wines by the glass; or it could be the almost double that number of wines available on tap or by the bottle, or it could be that you can enjoy the best selection of French wines, or it could be that you can also enjoy a selection of wines from Northern Italy and Portugal, or it could be that you can enjoy select wines from British Columbia, or it could be the exceptionally delicious bites to pair with the wines, or it could be just because it’s the place to be!

An intimate space for up to 30 people, inside, plus patio and bar seating. The concept of a wine bar, so popular in France, is rather unique in Vancouver. What makes TWB stand apart is definitely the incredible selection of wines; both by the glass and by the bottle. The bites are affordable and so good! Overall I would say the wines and bites are amazingly affordable so you can indulge more often. TWB is my idea of the perfect date night destination.

Wines-by-the glass options range from value-priced selections at $9/gl to indulgences at $43/gl. Additionally, patrons will see the return of the taps – Provence/TWB’s 32 taps will once again be flowing with a selection of wines, beers and ciders.

Here are a few of the wines that were enjoyed at TWB…

CIPES BRUT NV

On the nose, Honeycrisp apple, white flowers and lime zest. The palate is fresh and vibrant with juicy green apple, pear, lemon meringue and a hint of toasted brioche.

Ratings
92 points – Beppi Crosariol, Globe & Mail 91 points – John Schreiner, goodgrog.com
Awards

Double Gold Medal – 2016 San Francisco International Wine Competition Gold Medal – Taste BC, 2015 Gold Medal – 2015 BC Wine Awards Double Gold Medal TROPHY “Sparkling Wine of the Year” – 2014 All Canadian Wine Championships
Vineyard Notes

Grown in organic Okanagan vineyards especially suited for sparkling wine grape production.

Mt Boucherie “Les Cinq Sink” 2022 Rosé | Modest Wines

vineyard(s)
lazy river vineyard, similkameen valley south rock vineyard, golden mile lost horn vineyard, okanagan falls

varieties
31% cabernet sauvignon, 20% cabernet franc 21% merlot, 12% malbec, 16% petit verdot

notes
saline freshness is woven through notes of pomegranate, strawberry and a hint of jasmine.

Le Vieux Pin Petit Rouge

The inspiration for Petit Rouge is to make a wine that adheres to the same exacting standards and level of care as the rest of the wines at Le Vieux Pin, yet at the same time is more accessible upon release. Made from the fruit of younger vines and vines pruned and cropped at less stringent levels, Petit Rouge offers a big bang for your buck.

This year’s blend consists mostly of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon joins the mix, albeit in a smaller percentage as part of the blend, but it makes its presence known on both the nose and the palate with that unique herbaceous, spicy, black currant note. The palate is lively and harmonious and a great balance of fruit, tannin and acid make this wine quite versatile and very food-friendly.

Res Fortes Côtes du Roussillon White 

Maury, South of France

Variety
60% Macabeu, 40% Grenache Gris.

Tasting note
White melon & pear fruit, round & ripe, mineral acidity, dry. Something very unique.

Food pairing
Grilled pork, chicken and seafood.

Vineyard Information
Age of vines: 40 years old

LE GRAND CROS
L’Esprit de Provence White

A bright light yellow with beautiful shades of green. The delicate nose is complex with floral notes of verbena and white-fleshed fruit (pear). We find this aromatic complexity in the mouth. The fresh fruit is persistent and elegant. Lovely balance.

Domaine Le Grande Bauquiere MOMENT INATTENDU
AOP Côtes de Provence Rosé

Beautiful crystalline color with green reflections.

Powerful bouquet in which the aromas of white-flowered fruits blend elegantly with citrus notes.

Ample and rich, while remaining fresh thanks to a pleasant liveliness at the end of the blocked. Mineral characteristic of the Sainte Victoire terroir.

Cloa Cibonne
PROVENCAL CRU CLASSÉ

First nose of very ripe red fruit such as strawberry and red plum. After swirling, the intensity of this red fruitiness increases carried by subtle woody notes bringing touches of vanilla stick and tonca bean. Floral aromas come to complexify the bouquet like lily but also some delicate candied citrus fruits. On the palate a very nice presence, a structure in the attack that frames the mouth up to the beginning of the finish and then regains lightness. Tannins reinforcing the spices which explode on the finish.

Last night found almost every top Vancouver wine blogger, and a few foodies, enjoying all that makes The Wine Bar (TWB) at Provence Marinaside the place to be! It really doesn’t get any better than this! Excuse the exclamation marks but truly I am just expressing the overall feeling of enjoyment that was felt last night at TWB.

We enjoyed everything! Some favourites: the Brown Butter Truffle Popcorn bucket, it’s a generous size that easily satisfies two; the Classic Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell were superb; not to be missed the Escargot Provencal; and of course the classic BC Cheese Plate, with a half loaf of Fresh Baked Baguette. The blue cheese from Upper Bench was perfection.

So many more tasty bites to choose from, check out TWB’s menu here.

The Wine Bar

Originally launched in April 2013, TWB quickly established itself as the ‘go to’ place for fabulous wines and delicious, casual bites. Patrons can expect to find an astounding 260+ wines (including 125 wines-by-the-glass) on offer from every wine-producing region around the globe. “As we’re a French restaurant I decided our wine list should shine a spotlight on the wines of France, especially those of the south of France, as well as wines produced here in BC. I’m a firm believer in ‘what grows together, goes together.’ “ says Provence Marinaside’s Wine Director Joshua Carlson.

Renowned for its strong selection of sparkling wines and Champagnes TWB’s selection offers 12 sparkling wines by-the-glass including four champagnes. “Bubbles turn any occasion, whether meeting friends after work or dropping by after the game, into a mini-celebration. They’re also very food friendly and go with everything from oysters to popcorn,” says Carlson.

TWB opens daily at 2:45 pm until 11:00 pm, no reservations. Happy/Tappy Hour 3:00 to 5:00 pm

Wine notes courtesy of the wineries. Bottle shots and images: MyVanCity. Feature image: Wine Director, Provence Marinaside & TWB-The Wine Bar Photo credit: Emrys Horton, EPH Photography. The evening tasting and bites was complimentary. All opinions are my own. With thanks to TWB and Nancy Wong, Culinary Communications.