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Like music, wine selections are influenced by mood and occasion, culture and personality.  And just like a good music playlist, my handful of recommendations are intended to expand your wine experience and share it with others.

Today’s wine groove: light, bright, sparkling, natural, wild, white, rose & red.

The wines mentioned below are available in British Columbia mainly through private retail stores, select restaurants and direct from the winery for BC wines.

Sparkling wine is a go-to wine for celebrations big and small and is incredibly versatile when considering cuisine pairings.  Here are two sparkling wines worthy of inclusion in your summer sparkling repertoire:

Nichol Vineyards Extra Brut Rosé

In honour of Canada’s 152nd birthday on July 1st, “Canada Day”, this is a stand-out sparkling wine from Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Delightful acidity, red berries, rhubarb and biscuits.  Est. $31

Medici Ermete Phermento Frizzante Secco Rosé

This sparkling Italian wine is made from 100% Lambrusco di Sorbara grapes in Metodo Ancestrale style, fermented in bottle with no disgorgement.  Its cloudy pink hue, rich frothiness and crisp acidity reflect the diversity of Lambrusco wine styles. Layered with bright red fruits mixed with tree fruit purée, this earthy and complex wine is wonderfully engaging. Est $37

White:  Kitsch Block Party 2018

A party in a glass. This white wine from Kelowna, BC, is a blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir grapes.  Dry, delicately aromatic, orchard fruits and citrus.    Est. $25

Rose:  Domaine Vacheron VdF Le Rosé XVII 2017

This vin de France is a rosé made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, is Demeter Certified Biodynamic, whole cluster, direct pressed, wild fermented, and four months in tank.  Complex, structured with pinot crunch, crisp and dry.  Food friendly with its delicate tannic structure. Charcuterie anyone? Est $60

Red:  Viña Ilusión ‘Prana’

A tempranillo from Rioja, Spain. Organic, carbonic macerated, wild fermented crushable tempranillo juice, this Joven style wine has fresh, juicy and broad tender fruit.  Think summer strawberries and cherries.  Est $29

Red:  Rust Wine Co. Gamay 2018

Winemakers in BC are having a go at Gamay and Rust Wine Co, from the Similkameen Valley, BC, has a stand-out. Wild fermentation, partial whole cluster, 1/3 carbonic maceration and aged in stainless steel produces a ripe yet fresh style.  Spicy aromas and flavours of peppercorns, strawberry jam, Bing cherry, chipotle and classic Similkameen earthiness, and bright acidity. It’s a versatile food wine – think Pacific salmon with grill marks, charcuterie or just slightly chilled on a deck with a view.  Est. $25

Red:  G.D. Vajra 2018 Claré J.C. Langhe DOC Nebbiolo 

Wow! This wine is ancient and futuristic at the same time.

Claré J.C. is a Nebbiolo made according to a 1606 note from the House of Savoia jeweller Gian Battista Croce. This wine is a time-capsule into an era when Nebbiolo wines tasted fresher, lifted and slightly crisp. If you’re young-at-heart, brave and curious about Piemonte’s forgotten past, this is a wine for you.  100% Nebbiolo, 1/5 whole cluster, partial carbonic, finished in stainless.  A sensory thrill ride, slightly hazy, pale ruby red, crushed cranberries, Twizzlers, white pepper, red florals.  Est $40

Stay tuned for news about my upcoming seminars:  Love Gamay and Silence of the Lambruscos.

Here’s hoping these recommendations inspire you to expand your summer wine groove. If you’re up for sharing what’s on your summer wine play list, we’d love to hear it. Drop us a comment below.

Until next time,

Tyler

 

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