SWIMMING through last week's monsoons, you might be forgiven for thinking that spring was a lot more than just a few days away.
But cherry blossoms in bud abound and will soon be in full bloom. And, as sure as the Canucks will tantalize us with at least the first round of the playoffs, rosé en masse will soon start to reappear on local shelves. Except, that's not exactly true, as rosé's return to respectability has ensured it now never really goes away, except when it runs out, which is what used to happen when we were told to quaff it fresh in a "drink pink, don't think" kind of way.
Just to make a point about how dry rosé, well made, can not only age but improve, the fertile minds behind Okanagan Crush Pad are staging a rosé "smackdown" that pits Haywire Gamay Noir Rosé against BS Gamay Noir Rosé. The catch? These were 2010 wines and they're both showing impressively well.
I'll give the nod to Haywire 2010, which sports a keener streak of acidity along with its pretty salmon colour and crisper finish (89 pts). But the BS (Bartier Scholefield) 2010 is equally appealing for its broader palate and more voluptuous style (89 pts).
You can buy them at private wine stores ($18.99) and make your own decision as to which you like best.
Vote at okanagancrushpad. com and you'll be entered in a draw to win a trip to the Okanagan (more at hiredbelly.com).
. . .
The election this week of Argentine cardinal Jorge Bergoglio as Pope Francis has me thinking about a couple of things. The new Pontiff is being celebrated for his humble tastes and ability to connect with common people, but he's also reported to enjoy a glass of wine. And, I suspect, as a former chemist, his palate might be quite well informed.
Even if he discovers it's a little harder to track down his favourite bottle of Malbec or Torrontes in the Vatican, I'm sure he'll find a way.
Pope Francis commented that the cardinals had "gone to the end of the world" to find their new Pope, which immediately had me thinking maybe the following wine would be eminently suitable for toasting the first non-European pontiff in 1,000 years.
- Bodega Fin Del Mundo Special Blend Riserva 2009
Red and black fruits with chocololate and damson on the palate, wrapped in silky, supple tannins, spicy notes and a lengthy close (private stores $33-$35).
Speaking of things vinous and papal, I'd be remiss not to mention Chateauneuf de Pape. If you've ever had the chance to visit the Papal Palace at Avignon, you'll know the still formidable, fortress-like structure was home to the papacy at various times during the 13th and 14th centuries, and even today boasts its very own vineyard within the castle walls.
The Avignon popes very much helped to lay the foundation for today's flourishing industry, although centuries before the big guns arrived, monks were planting vines along the Rhone's banks.
The original castle at Châteauneuf was 18 kilometres to the north, so named because it was the papal summer palace, and offered an escape from far more grandiose and politically charged Avignon. Chateau de la Gardine nestles on the slopes of the town, within view of the castle's ruins. For a worthy splurge, treat yourself to Chateau de la Gardine Chateauneuf de Pape Cuvée Tradition 2010. It features complex aromas of black fruit and spice, followed by rich layers of dark berry fruit and anise in an appealing, grippy, well-structured palate that keeps on going. Think steak and peppercorn sauce (90 pts. BCLS $54.99).
More wallet-conscious worshippers will want to check out Brunel de La Gardine Cotes du Rhone 2010, a distinctly peppery and approachable Grenache Syrah Mouvedre blend that offers good value (at BCLS $18.99 88 pts.).
Tim Pawsey covers food and wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: on Twitter @hiredbelly or email info@ hiredbelly.com.
