At last month's All Canadian Wine Championships, B.C. swept the field in white entries, winning all of the white vinifera categories with the exception of a couple.
There's no argument that it was an impressive showing.
Competitions can be a mixed blessing both for wineries and consumers. Often overlooked is that they all cost money to run. With labour, venue, glasses and paying judges, the dollars can quickly add up. Most of those costs are passed on to the entrants, meaning it can be costly to wines widely.
The All Canadians is one of the most broadly spread fields with a variety of wines, including fruit wines, cider and other products. However the vast majority entered remain grape wines (vinifera and hybrids) from across the country, including Quebec and Nova Scotia.
Ontario entries were low, perhaps reflecting recent difficult vintages. The number of entries from B.C. remained high, no doubt a reflection of the excellent vintages that wineries enjoyed in the last two years. B.C. outnumbered Ontario by about two to one, meaning the odds of a B.C. wine winning a medal were higher. The Okanagan seems to have arrived at a consistency of white wine styles that appeal to consumers and judges. A glance at the results confirms the continued success of a number of producers whose wines win not only at this competition but also at important competitions elsewhere.
Best White Wine of the Year: Wild Goose Stoney Slope Riesling 2013
With orchard fruits and a hint of petrol followed by a luscious, mineral, vibrant green apple and stony palate, and a lingering close, I'm not surprised that this wine popped out as the judges' overall fave white ($20, 91 points).
Of note, 8th Generation, Arrowleaf, Cedar Creek, Intrigue and Red Rooster all came away with golds in Riesling.
Chardonnay Under $20, Double Gold: Screaming Frenzy Chardonnay 2013
This competition can be a springboard to success for newcomers. Witness this wine from West Kelowna's newly launched The Hatch.
Golds: Intrigue Wines, Jackson-Triggs Okanagan.
Chardonnay Over $20 Double Gold: Daydreamer Wines Marcus Ansems 2013 Chardonnay ($29.90)
Also Gold: 8th Generation, Dirty Laundry, Spierhead, Volcanic Hills.
Chardonnay, Unoaked Double Gold: Monster Vineyards 2014 Skinny Dip Chardonnay ($17.90).
For the full list check canadianwinetrail.com with more to come at hiredbelly.com.
Big winner at last week's International Tequila Expo Cocktail Competition was up and comer Katie Ingram (of Uva Wine Bar) whose extraordinary and well-executed Peloton de la Muerte-based Tierra y Libertad topped an impressive field of entries.
Belly's Budget Best: Balthasar Ress Rheingau Riesling QBA 2010
Aromas of citrus and stone fruit followed by a juicy, apple and peach palate with surprising texture and heft. Think mildly spiced Asian plates. Private stores ($14-16, 91 points).
Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: [email protected].
