Winespeak: Van Westen Vineyards Viognier 2008
Who – Van Westen Vineyards
What – Viognier 2008
Where – Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley
Why – This wine has sold out quickly every year – and expect the same with this vintage – as it’s their best Viognier yet. As the vines mature, the flavours evolve and gain complexity. Sweet melon and ripe apricots greet you in the nose, and a creamy palate of tropical pineapple, nectarine, orange blossom and honey follow. A fresh limey minerality runs throughout to the spiced lingering finish.
When – This is a big weighty wine – pair with weighty food – would be a nice go with the start of halibut season here on the coast.
How (much) – $25
Winespeak of the Week – Rob Van Westen has a thing for V’s. In addition to Viognier, they have also released Vino Grigio (ha! Pinot Grigio) and Vivacious (Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris) and Voluptuous (Merlot and Cabernet Franc). Rob’s family has grown tree fruits around Naramata for 50 years, and his vineyards have taken over some of the family’s old orchard land. Obviously a smart move on his part – his farming passion is for grapes.
Winespeak: Young & Wyse Shiraz 2008
Who – Young & Wyse
What – Shiraz 2008
Where – Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley
Why – This new Okanagan winery is also one of the most anticipated to come down the stretch in some time. And it’s not just the catchy name and striking label – it’s the parentage behind the product. Winemaker Stephen Wyse hails from legendary Burrowing Owl, where he’s been crafting his family’s cult wines for the past decade. Together with his partner, Michelle Young, Stephen is out to add another chapter to the Wyse wine dynasty with the launch of his handcrafted Young & Wyse. This Shiraz is evidence that this young winery is wise beyond its years. Rich dark berry, plum and wild cherry aromas lead to a full palate of dark chocolate, spice, berry, savoury meat and black pepper. Plush tannins and a lengthy cocoa-coffee finish make for satisfying drinking now – though there’s enough stuffing to warrant laying down for a couple of years. Fantastic value for price – especially for a big BC red.
When – Since it’s already BBQ weather in most of BC, try with grilled pork or beef with a cocoa rub.
How (much) – $23
Winespeak of the Week – Young & Wise released their inaugural wines, this Shiraz and a Merlot, late last year. Watch for Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Malbec and Zinfandel to follow. Gusty – I love it – and I can’t wait!
Beerspeak: R&B Brewing Company Iceholes Celebration Lager
Who – R&B Brewing Company
What – Iceholes Celebration Lager
Where – Vancouver
Why – There’s nothing finer to pair with hockey than cold beer. Wait – even better – there’s nothing finer to pair with Canadian Olympic Hockey than tasty Vancouver-made beer! The story behind this limited edition lager is pretty fine itself – see Beerspeak below. Golden hued (there’s an omen right there!), this crisp, medium bodied beer has a spicy, bready flavour with light hops and a refreshing, light finish. Easy drinking and widely appealing. In other words, hockey beer.
When – In front of the TV, cheering on the home team to GOLD. You also might want to check out Refuel’s “Be an Icehole Burger & Beer” special running throughout February. Oh yeah – you can also drink while wearing your Iceholes t-shirt, available on the R&B Brewing website.
How (much) – 650ml bottle.
Winespeak of the Week –In response to Stephen Colbert calling Canadians a bunch of syrup suckers and iceholes for not letting the U.S. Olympic Speedskating team practice on the ice oval, R&B created a very special lager. Barry Benson, co-owner of R&B Brewing says “We are proud syrup-sucking Canadian iceholes. In celebration of our icehole-ish behaviour we have decided to get even rather than get mad. Canadians can wreak their revenge against Stephen Colbert in a truly Canadian way and have a beer.” Rumour has it that R&B sent Colbert a few cases, and that he’s been invited to suck on an Icehole.
Winespeak: Jackson-Triggs Esprit Merlot VQA 2007
Who – Jackson-Triggs Vintners
What – Esprit Merlot VQA 2007
Where – Okanagan Valley
Why – Because it’s Olympic time baby! Vincor is the official wine supplier of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, and J-T is one of their big 5 wineries that can partake in the honour. The spirited Esprit collection was created specifically for this partnership, with $1.25 from every bottle sold donated to the Games and Canada’s Olympic team. So even while you’re sitting at home, on the couch, watching the Games on your TV with wineglass in hand, you can be supporting our athletes. My type of sport! This crowd-pleasing Mer is a soft, fruity sipper, with sweet plum, vanilla and cocoa flavours and smooth tannins. Nothing serious except the intent – Go Team!
When – Pair with casual and comfy fare – burgers, beefy pastas, couch.
How (much) – $11
Winespeak of the Week – When the Esprit wines were first released a few years back, Vincor and J-T came under major flak for including juice sourced from outside of Canada. However, Vincor announced that due to their fantastic 2007 growing season, they were switching all Esprit bottling to 100% VQA (meaning grown in BC) as of July 1, 2009. Though many were skeptical of their motivating factors, Vincor released that “It was always our intention to offer a 100% VQA Olympic line-up when we first signed a six-year sponsorship agreement with the Vancouver Olympic organizing committee several years ago. However, the growing conditions in 2005 and 2006 where insufficient for meeting our volume requirements under our sponsorship commitment with a 100% VQA dedicated Olympic wine. We are certainly pleased that the 2007 yields will enable us to meet the rest of our commitment with an all VQA Olympic assortment.” Regardless of the controversy, having our official Canadian Olympic wines made from Canadian grapes is incredibly important – and it all worked out in the end – for our grape growers, our wine industry, and our athletes.
Winespeak: Merridale Estate Cidery Pomme Oh!
Who – Merridale Estate Cidery
What – Pomme Oh!
Where – Cobble Hill, Vancouver Island
Why – The sweetest holiday of all is approaching, and while you may have an idea for a romantic Valentine’s dinner (check our Recipes for inspiration) or sweet gifts for your sweetheart (keep an eye on Amuse Bouche for local gift ideas), perhaps you haven’t yet chosen your wines. So here’s a little special beauty to pick up. Merridale’s Pomme Oh! (their version of Pommeau – see Winespeak below), is a double apple whammy. Freshly picked French cider apples are picked and pressed into juice. The juice begins to ferment in French oak barrels, and then at the perfect balance of sweetness, the fermentation is stopped by the addition of previously made Apple Oh de Vie. The result is a silky smooth sipper of baked apple and toffee, intense but well balanced. Lifted, bright acid makes it not overly sweet.
When – My preferred Heart Day dinner a deux is a picnic of local cheeses, nuts, pate and baguette – and this would make a very fine accompaniment. You could also serve it with dessert – preferably a caramel apple tarte – or Eric’s Winter Apple Soup. Now that’s love.
How (much) – $22 for 375ml
Winespeak of the Week – Pommeau is Normandy’s equivalent of Western France’s Pineau des Charentes. These types of alcoholic bevvies are called mistelles. Pommeau is made by fortifying apple must (unfermented cider) with apple brandy – in France they use Calvados. It is commonly served as an aperitif.
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