This week well continue where we left off last week, with holiday wine recommendations from Vancouver sommeliers whove made appearances in this column over the last year. The question was simple: Whether entertaining friends or family, whats a perfect wine for the season?
Joseph Burrier Reserve 2007 Pouilly Vinzelles | Burgundy, France | $29.92 | BC Liquor Stores
Kyle Gartlan-Close of Salt Tasting Room gave me two recommendations, equally stellar in their own separate ways: When I think of the holidays and celebration in general, my inner wine-geek goes to Burgundy! The Burrier Pouilly Vinzelles delivers the balanced elegance and richness that makes great white Burgundy without breaking the bank. This Chardonnay is super creamy with interesting honeyed lemon on the mid-palate, great baked apple roundness and nice acid on the finish. Perfect Christmas Eve wine for in front of the fire watching White Christmas!
Canta Perdices 2008 Tempranillo |
Ribera del Duero, Spain | $15.99 |
BC Liquor Stores
My second offering, says Gartlan-Close, would be this tasty gem of a Tempranillo. Robust plum, baking spice and some nice savoury earthy notes. This wine punches well above its $16 price tag, perfect for drinking with Christmas rum pudding!
Real de Aragon NV Cava | Penedès, Spain | $13.99 |
BC Liquor Stores
Treve Ring, who heads up Edible Canadas wine program says, Just having this pretty bottle around makes people merry, but wait until they drink it! Tremendous value for this sparkler - dry, tart green apple, toasted nuts, lemon and a flood of mouthwatering acidity carried by plentiful bubbles to a lingering finish. Perfect for brunch, tree trimming, small plates and celebrations. The best part? Its a perfect price to pick up by the case!
Petalos 2009 by Alvaro Palacios | Bierzo, Spain | $29.99 | BC Liquor Stores
Jay Whiteley, who currently heads up the wine program at Hawksworth, opted to go a little left field for a wine that is nothing like Uncle Bob; maybe more like cousin Zed. Unique, fresh and friendly, its a trailblazer of a wine made from the obscure grape variety Mencia by a man with more energy than a child on Christmas morning. The bright red fruit flavours make it a perfect match with any dinner and its just as good with leftover sandwiches. He adds that its easy to consume a lot, making any awkward moment with family much more enjoyable!
Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco | Veneto, Italy | $22.99 | BC Liquor Stores
Blue Water Café wine director Andrea Vescovi had bubbles on the mind for his selection as well. At $22.99, this great valued sparkler comes from a family widely considered to be one of the best Prosecco producers in the Valdobbiadene region. I love this bubble so much; I usually keep two or three bottles chilled during the holidays!
Pichierri 2007 Tradizione del Nonno Primitivo di Manduria | Puglia, Italy | $29.99 | BC Liquor Stores
Neil Ingram of Boneta in Gastown gives a cheeky nod to this Primitivo, the Italian grape considered to be the Old World grandfather of the Zinfandel variety. Its a young Sophia Loren in an elf dress made of port-soaked fruitcake, and if thats not holiday cheer then what is? Itll take you from tree-trimming to turkey and its got the kick of a mule for Yuletide stress to boot. Worth every penny.
To find out more about whats happening in the wine world, visit my website, KurtisKolt.com, which includes updates on the East Van Wine Academy. You can also follow me on Twitter @KurtisKolt.
