It’s time to catch up on a number of worthy recent tastes, with no common theme except that they all represent significant value in their class.
Here are some of my suggestions for wines to check out:
Chateau Beaulieu Rosé 2014 (Coteaux D’Aix en-Provence AOP)
On the tail end of B.C. Liquor Stores’ Provence promo, here’s one of the best rosé values around, from an impressive 16th-century chateau not far from Aix. A blend of 40 per cent Grenache, 25 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 per cent Syrah, 10 per cent Cinsault, and five per cent Mourvedre, this wine sports a pretty pale salmon colour with wild fruits and rhubarb aromas, followed by good acidity and some assertive mineral notes from volcanic soils. Juicy and refreshing. Pack up some cold cuts and good cheeses for a picnic (BCLS $17.99, 90 points).
Château la Tour de l’Évêque Petale de Rose 2014 (Côtes de Provence)
Mainly Cinsault and Grenache with a cocktail of other varieties, including Rolls, Semillon and Ugni-blanc, this is a wonderful, delicate pale, orange-tinged rose colour in the glass, with a delicate entry of citrus and red fruits and just enough heft to keep things interesting. Just sip it or match with fresh shrimp and a mild cocktail sauce (BCLS $20.99, 90 points).
Howard Park Flint Rock Chardonnay 2013
Here’s a beautifully balanced Chardonnay from southwest Australia with a distinctly elegant personality. A combo of stainless steel and large, older French barrels keeps the oak nicely in check with some malolactic for added mouthfeel. Lifted stone fruit and mineral notes before a well-textured palate of peach and melon, with a clean acid core and lingering end. Try it with halibut and lemon dill sauce (BCLS $26.09, 92 points).
Moon Curser Syrah 2012
One of the south Okanagan’s most red-driven producers rightly takes its Syrah pretty seriously. Yes, that will be Syrah as opposed to Shiraz, dry, medium-bodied and well-balanced, with approachable, integrated tannins, and wonderfully peppery and spicy. This wine comes from three Osoyoos East Bench vineyards, with lots fermented separately, plus a splash of viognier, just to be polite! One of the best so far, from a wickedly good vintage. How about a nice pepper steak? ($26.90, 91 points)
Poplar Grove Cabernet Franc 2012
This is the wine that put Cabernet Franc on the Okanagan radar back in 1994, and scooped the Okanagan Wine Festival’s first platinum medal. Look for vibrant plummy notes up front, followed by a supple, plush but structured palate of red and black fruit with a hint of herbs and spice ($34.90 at the winery, 92 points).
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The Similkameen Barbecue King, July 11, is one of the year’s most enjoyable food and wine events, and is a great way to taste the best of Similkameen. Each wine is paired with fare from local Okanagan chefs, who compete for top honours. It’s a lovely, laid-back affair in the beautiful grounds of the historic Keremeos Grist Mill. But tix, as always, are going fast.
More info at similkameenwine.com/events.
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Belly’s Budget Best
Pares Balta ‘B’ Blanc de Pacs 2013 (Penedes)
When the mercury climbs the way it is right now, this is what you want to be drinking: an edgy drop, with orchard fruits on the nose, an apple palate, bright acidity, a quick hit of minerality and a dry, clean end. And do you care that it’s made with indigenous Spanish Parellada, Xarel.lo and Macabeo? Not for $15, you don’t. But you might that it’s certified organic (Private stores, including Everything Wine, $18.49, 90 points).
Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: [email protected].
