The Vancouver International Wine Festival is already on the horizon.
This year’s event (the 38th) puts Italy firmly in the spotlight. That adds up to a perfect opportunity to re-acquaint yourself with the remarkable variety of Italian wines from across its 20 contrasting regions, and with no shortage of Italian food of course.
This week, a special festival taste event offered a compelling preview of what’s in store not only from Italy but from wine producing countries around the world, underscoring that this really is a globally themed event.
While the emphasis will be, as it should, on Italy’s vast array of predominantly red varieties, the festival taste selection included a number of intriguing old world whites, which also merit attention.
In fact, if there’s one thing to keep in mind when deciding which events to book, or what to taste at the wine festival, it should be to expand your wine horizons; to reach out and try something different that you might not have tasted before.
For full details on events and to book (many are already selling out), go to: VanWineFest.ca.
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Here are three whites (all of which fly in the face of their more red-wine inclined places of origin) well worth tracking down (before, during or after the festival) that will broaden your palate and maybe re-shape the way you approach your everyday white wine choices.
Paolo Conterno Langhe Arneis a Val 2014
Truly unique, this floral-toned, crisp, white drop (Arneis is the variety) is not what you’d expect from Piedmont but it rewards with floral notes on top followed by fruity notes with well-balanced acidity, and a clean, refreshing palate with stony hints to a precise finish (91 points). Think oysters and more oysters. Find it at Taste Italia, Feb. 27.
Tsantali Santorini Assyrtiko 2015
If it’s all Greek to you, don’t worry: Tsantali is the producer; Santorini the place it’s from and Assyrtiko is the grape (one of the oldest known); and indigenous to Santorini’s volcanic surroundings and soils, which is just what comes through in its mineral and citrus-toned palate. Crisp and very dry, it’s a shoo-in for our local shellfish, from oysters to mussels and more (90 points). Find it in the Acura Tasting Room, Feb 25-27.
Famille Perrin Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2014
Yes, it’s a rare-ish breed, a white Chateauneuf de Pape from just seven organically grown hectares on the rocky sandstone and alluvial terrain of the former riverbed of the Rhone.
Part of this blend of Roussanne (80 per cent), Grenache Blanc and five per cent other whites, including Bourbelanc, sees limited time in oak, which adds depth and complexity. Some creamy hints on top with floral and orchard notes, followed by stonefruit and quiet vanilla hints on the beautifully balanced and textured palate (91 points).
This week’s pick:
Vina Leyda Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2014
Classic, textbook Sauvignon Blanc from the pioneer of this maritime-influenced, up-and-coming Chilean region with a dollop of gooseberry on top, followed by juicy acidity, citrus, and a touch of herbaceousness with clean flavours and good length (90 points, BCLS) on limited time offer $11.99. Find it at Cool Climate, Cool View, Feb. 27.
Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications. He can be reached via email at [email protected].
