FRONT of mind this Canada Day is that - even as we write - Dan Albas' private members bill C-311 is being signed into law.
The fact it's happening just a couple of days before our national holiday makes it even more momentous - Canadians will now be able to enjoy much better access to their compatriots' wines. And have them shipped to each other without risk of prosecution.
Maybe.
Of course, just how "free" our grapes have really become will only be apparent once the provinces weigh in with their consideration of what qualifies as "personal use."
Make no mistake about it, the intent of the federal legislation is to make it easier for us to enjoy grown-in-Canada wines across Canada - without being penalized for doing so.
No guarantees in B.C., though. If you're of the opinion that you should be able to buy grown-in-Canada wine (including ordering online) for your own enjoyment, and have it shipped to you, you'd be well advised to pass those feelings on to your MLA or to Minister Coleman. While some provinces such as Manitoba have already weighed in, supporting the change to the 80-year-old law, so far, B.C. has been noticeably mute. (For the best play-by-play, follow Mark Hicken at winelaw. ca.
We'll have B.C. in our glass with which to toast this Canada Day; next year hopefully Niagara, Prince Edward County, Annapolis Valley, and more.
Our random trio comes from a wealth of worthy B.C. contenders, with rosé at the fore...
- Clos du Soleil Rosé 2011. No shrinking violet, this brilliant garnet-coloured wine has as much body as we've seen in a rosé, pressed off and cool fermented from 100 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon Similkameen and South Okanagan grapes. Intense cranberry raspberry notes dominate the broad palate before a lingering close. You could sip it but we think it needs food, such as barbecue chicken or cold turkey breast with cranberry sauce. Private wine stores $17.90 and up. 89 points.
- Laughing Stock In the Pink Rosé '11. $2 donated from each bottle sold is yet one more reason to drink this delicious strawberry-and orange-toned Malbec-Syrah blend, with melon and rhubarb notes. Juicy acidity, good structure with a touch of spice at the close. $22.10. Private stores and winery. Salmon anyone? 89 points.
- Clos de Soleil Capella 2011. This 90 per cent Sauvignon Blanc/sports citrus and gooseberry on the nose, followed by a textured citrus and stonefruit palate from sur lie aging, with moderate acidity and a lengthy close. 89 points. $24.90 winery/$32.99 Everything Wine; 89 points.
- Haywire Switchback estate Pinot Gris 2011. The neophyte Summerland winery continues to impress as its vines mature. This concrete fermented 2011 Gris has much more personality than its predecessor, with vibrant citrus and mineral notes. Made in a drier style with good acidity and length before a definite zesty finish. Grilled fresh halibut with a little sage-lemon butter; 90 points. Also not to be missed, and perfect for patriotic pairings, cranberry-toned, food-friendly Haywire Gamay Rosé 2010; $18.99/89 points.
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For a Canada Day with a difference head to Langley's Neck of the Woods Winery for a Salmon BBQ lunch (12-2 p.m.), with C Restaurant's executive chef Robert Clark at the grill. Sample the best of red and whites from the winery's Backyard Vineyards while enjoying a light summer lunch. Tickets, $13.95 per person, include lunch and a tasting of a Backyard Vineyards wine. Net Proceeds will be donated to the Pacific Salmon Foundation. Call 604-539-9463 to reserve tix.
