Author: A Layman's Wine Musings

British Columbia’s Movers and Shakers for 2024

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

As the end of the year rolls around I think back to the year that was and which wineries left me with an impressionable mark.    My list varies in length from year to year as I like to focus on achievements rather than listing a specific number of wineries. Although B.C. wineries have had a very traumatic year, they continued to release some fantastic wines. The strength of B.C. wineries runs deep as they were awarded the majority of the awards at both the National Wine Awards and the All Canadian Wine Awards.

Here is my list of the wineries that have performed extremely well this past year. The wineries are presented in alphabetical order.

Black Hills Estate Winery

Black Hills last appeared on my list in 2022. This year they were fourth overall at the National Wine Awards.

Black Hills wine team is led by Ross Wise, one of only ten Masters of Wine in Canada. He has over 20 years of experience having worked in British Columbia, Ontario, and New Zealand, with an extensive background in organic and regenerative viticulture. 

Black Hills has practiced organic farming since 2020, incorporating regenerative viticulture practices. By working with nature and promoting biodiversity, they strive towards a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Their approach is based on traditional, time-honoured winemaking techniques that favour patience over efficiency. The fruit is hand-harvested and slowly fermented using native yeasts to build complexity.

Black Hills approach to winemaking is defined by careful craftsmanship and a deep respect for nature. They blend traditional winemaking methods with modern technology.

Their 2024 award winning wines include:

  • Black Hills 2022 Bona Fide
  • Black Hills 2022 Ipso Facto
  • Black Hills 2022 Addendum
  • Black Hills 2022 Syrah
  • Black Hills 2022 Roussanne

Corcelettes Estate Winery

Corcelettes appeared on my Movers and Shakers list for the first time last year. This year they were the sixth place small winery at the National Wine Awards. They credit their success to their commitment to farming their vineyards in the most balanced and sustainable way possible.

The estate contains nearly 160 acres, with 30 planted acres of mostly Bordeaux varietal grapes, Syrah and Pinot Noir. The vineyards are located in the Similkameen Valley.

Their 2024 winning wines include:

  • Corcelettes 2021 Syrah
  • Corcelettes 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown
  • Corcelettes 2021 Malbec Micro Lot Series Estate Vineyard
  • Corcelettes 2020 Talus
  • Corcelettes 2021 Chardonnay

Lake Breeze Vineyards

Lake Breeze previously appeared on my list in 2020. This year they placed ninth overall at this year’s National Wine Awards. They were also the fourth place small winery.

Lake Breeze is located on the Naramata Bench on Lake Okanagan. The MacIntyre family purchased the property in 2001. Since then, Lake Breeze has become one of the most beautiful wineries in British Columbia. They practice careful and meticulous viticultural practices. They endeavor to take the natural expression of the grape and transfer it to the bottle with minimal intervention.

The vineyard consists of a 14 acre parcel originally named Rock Oven Vineyards. The first vines on the property were planted in 1985, making them some of the oldest on the Naramata Bench.

Their list of 2024 award winning wines include:

  • Lake Breeze 2020 Cellar Series Mistral
  • Lake Breeze 2022 Roussanne Viognier
  • Lake Breeze 2023 Riesling
  • Lake Breeze 2023 Ehrenfelser
  • Lake Breeze 2020 Cellar Series Alizé Roussanne

Meyer Family Vineyards

Meyer Family Vineyards was awarded second overall at this year’s National Wine Awards.

They follow the traditional French Burgundian style of wine making focusing on small case lots of varietals best suited and expressive of their unique place of origin. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the varietals produced. The grapes are hand harvested and hand crafted.

Meyer Family Vineyards has been in operation in the Okanagan Valley since 2006.

Their award-winning wines for 2024 include:

  • Meyer 2022 Chardonnay McLean Creek Road Vineyard
  • Meyer 2022 B Field Blend McLean Creek Road Vineyard
  • Meyer 2022 Old Block Pinot Noir McLean Creek Vineyard
  • Meyer 2020 Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard
  • Meyer 2022 Micro Cuvee Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard

Nostalgia Wines

Nostalgia Wines placed seventh this year at the National Wine Awards and was also the third-place small winery. They are located on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver.

Vintner Gina Fernandes Harfman is the fourth generation family farmer. She has created a small lot lineup of excellent quality wines.

The 2024 list of award-winning wines includes:

  • Nostalgia Wines 2020 Malbec Petit Verdot
  • Nostalgia Wines 2020 Merlot
  • Nostalgia Wines 2020 Meritage
  • Nostalgia Wines 2022 Rockabilly Red
  • Nostalgia Wines 2022 Chardonnay

Quails’ Gate Estate Winery

Quail’s Gate consistently performs well at the various Canadian wine awards. This year they placed sixth overall at the National Wine Awards.

They are a fourth-generation Okanagan farming family. The winery was founded in 1989. They remain committed to ensuring that the founding family principles and values are maintained throughout the winery. Through dedicated research and ground-breaking innovation, they have assembled a collection of wines that consistently exceed expectations in quality, character and flavour.

Quail’s Gate has 160 acres of vineyards which contain some of the most mature vinifera plantings in the country. They have been leaders in the development of Canadian viticulture practices.

Quails’ Gate Estate is certified by Sustainable Winegrowing BC, a made-in-BC program that leads the way in sustainable winegrowing practices and sets a standard for the province and the rest of the country.

Quails’ Gates 2024 award winning wines includes:

  • Quails’ Gate 2021 Rosemary’s Block Chardonnay
  • Quails’ Gate 2021 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay
  • Quails’ Gate 2022 Clone 49 Riesling
  • Quails’ Gate 2022 Clone 220 Chenin Blanc
  • Quails’ Gate 2023 Clone 49 Riesling

SpearHead Winery

SpearHead has been part of the Movers and Shakers list continually since 2022. This year they were named Winery of the Year and Small Winery of the Year at the National Wine Awards. In addition to the twin honours this year, they also had unprecedented success in an individual category (Pinot Noir), winning a total of seven medals for their Pinots, including three platinum, one gold, three silvers and a bronze. In total they earned a total of twelve medals.

Spearhead Winery is located on the benchlands of Southeast Kelowna. Their focus is on premium quality wine which they produce from grapes grown on the estate vineyard and from selected Okanagan Valley vineyards. The hand harvested grapes are sorted at the winery and fermented in small lots. They grow Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling grapes. 

Their 2024 award winning wines include:

  • SpearHead 2022 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir
  • SpearHead 2022 Club Consensus Pinot Noir
  • SpearHead 2022 Saddle Block Pinot Noir
  • SpearHead 2021 Golden Retreat Pinot Noir
  • SpearHead 2021 Club Consensus Pinot Noir

Final Thoughts

Although these are the seven wineries I have featured, there are plenty of other fantastic British Columbia wineries. The devastation resulting from the environmental disasters of the past couple years have taken its toll on many of the wineries. I hope that all of the B.C. wineries will be able to recover from these disasters and continue to excel in producing the top-quality wines that we have come to enjoy over the years.

The list of award-winning wines includes only a sampling from each winery in order to provide you with an idea of the noteworthy wines each winery produces. It is not an all-inclusive list.

Sláinte mhaith

Sweetness Levels in Sparkling Wine

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

With many people cruising wine store shelves this time of year looking for a bottle of bubbly to celebrate the season with, it is a good time to examine how to identify the various types sparkling wine or Champagnie. There is no doubt about it; the sweetness classification system for sparkling wines is confusing. There are seven standard sweetness categories. Those are brut nature or brut zero, extra brut, brut, extra sec, sec, demi sec and doux. Each class indicates slight differences in aromas and flavour.

Photo credit: coravin.com

The sweetness level is determined by the dosage or liqueur d’expedition, which is a mixture of sugar and wine. It is used to top off the amount of wine in the bottle after riddling has taken place. Riddling occurs when the winemaker removes the dead yeast cells (referred to as the lees) from the neck of the bottle.

The dosage mix may contain anywhere between 500 and 700 grams of sugar per litre of sparkling wine. The precise ratio of sweetener-to-wine varies according to the producers’ desires and region the wine is produced in. Some producers use a sweeter liqueur d’expedition, while others choose not to sweeten their wines at all.

The classification system was designed a hundred years ago by the French to identify the sugar levels in Champagne. This is part of the laws that govern the production of Champagne. The laws have been modified countless times over the years.

The seven levels from dryest to sweetest are:

Brut Zero/Brut Nature

These wines are the driest, containing less than three grams of sugar per litre. These wines may also be referred to as “sauvage” or “zero dosage”.  They contain only natural residual sugar with no dosage added to the bottle.

Spanish Cava and Corpinnat producers may refer to these wines as “brut nature”, where in Germany the term “naturherb” may be used.

Extra Brut

In Champagne as well as Spanish Cava and Corpinnat, “extra brut”, or in Germany “extra herb”, is used to describe the second driest level of sweetness. These wines contain less than six grams of residual sugar.

Brut

“Brut” is the most common style of Champagne. To be labeled a brut wine, it must contain less than 12 grams per litre of sugar. This is a broad range and technically includes both “brut nature” and “extra brut”, so this category can vary widely in sweetness levels.

This term is also used to describe Spanish Cava and Corpinnat. In Germany the style may be referred to as “herb.”

Extra Sec/Extra Dry

“Extra Sec” or “Extra Dry” wines are slightly sweeter than “brut”. They contain between 12 and 17 grams of sugar per litre.  In Spain, the style is referred to as “extra seco” and in both Germany and Australia the term “trocken” is used.

Sec

“Sec” wines contain sugar levels between 17 and 32 grams per litre. These wines are considered to be ‘medium dry’ or ‘off-dry.’

Demi-Sec

Wines labeled “demi-sec” or Spanish “semi seco” contain between 32 and 50 grams of sugar per litre. Fun fact, this is equivalent to the amount of sugar in a typical gin and tonic.

Doux

This is the sweetest style of sparkling wine with the highest sugar content, usually over 50 grams per litre. Doux wines are very rare.

Sláinte mhaith

Corkscrews

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

The characteristic of the ideal corkscrew varies depending on who you ask. There is no right or wrong type of corkscrew to use. The best one is the one that you are most comfortable with and successful using.  I think everyone has occasionally struggled to open a bottle of wine that has had an uncooperative cork, making it seem near impossible to free the contents from its glass prison. The trick is to find the type of corkscrew that maximizes your chances of successfully opening your wine seamlessly, without a broken cork, spilled wine or sloppily cut foil.

The most classic corkscrew option is the waiter’s style wine key corkscrew. It is simple enough to use with some practice. Learning how to best utilize the double hinge can be a little tricky, but once mastered it is generally the most cost affective and versatile option.

The winged style corkscrew is larger than the waiter’s style but offers similar ease of use. The screw is sharp and penetrates both natural and synthetic cork easily and the winged arms make it a favourite for many. While the functionality is high, it is a bit bulky for small, crowded kitchen drawers or well-stocked home bar carts. Because of its ergonomic grip and design that doesn’t require a ton of force to operate, it’s a good option for anyone who has joint issues, arthritis, or generally struggles to open a bottle of wine. This style often doesn’t include a foil cutter.

The vertical lever-style corkscrew works well overall as a wine opener. It removes the cork quickly, easily, and with minimal physical effort. Simply position the non-stick screw above the cork, and in two easy motions and one pump of the lever, the corkscrew releases and removes the cork.

If you desire something requiring the least amount of effort, an electric corkscrew is the best choice. These are available from a variety of vendors in a reasonable price range. They are the perfect tool for those who prefer high-tech kitchen gadgets or and anyone with mobility or strength limitations. Just make sure that you have the bottle placed on a level surface. Electric wine openers are effortless to hold and will seamlessly remove the cork with a push of a button. It’s also useful for opening older cellared bottles of wine with troublesome corks.

Depending on the manufacturer there may be some variation in the appearance of each of these types of corkscrews. Price points can also differ depending on the producer and materials used.

Here are some final thoughts to consider when purchasing your next corkscrew.

If you need to open bottles quickly, you will be slowed down if the opener doesn’t have a foil cutter. While many corkscrews have built-in options, there are numerous that don’t.

Corkscrews come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small and compact enough to carry in your pocket while others are much bulkier and more cumbersome to store.

The price may be a factor in your purchasing decision. For most everyday wine-drinking purposes, you can find a reliable and easy-to-use corkscrew for under $30.

Sláinte mhaith

The Ten Best

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / 1 Comment

I am always seeing articles about ‘TheTen Best this’ or a list of ‘The Best that’. When I read those articles I am always left with the question, “What makes these ones the best? To me beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Whether it be whisky or wine, I have tasted some that I love and others that are so-so, or even worse, that I detest. Just because someone tells you this one is fantastic doesn’t mean that you will agree. Does this mean you are less learned than the author or lacking in your ability to recognize great flavour? Absolutely not. After all, what makes the author’s opinions any better than our own? Nothing.

Another thing I find interesting is that often many of the selections found on these lists are not available in Canada and many are not even accessible to order via the internet. Thus, the information becomes basically useless. It would be like searching for a unicorn.

Lastly, the price point on some of these choices is out of reach for many as prices may reach well into four digits to obtain a bottle of the golden nectar. In my opinion, a steep price doesn’t automatically equate to it being a fantastic wine or whisky. It only means that it is expensive. A high price is better equated to the economic and production factors associated with making the wine or spirit.

To me these articles provide mere opinions and are nothing more than casual reading entertainment. I find it interesting to compare these lists to see whether there are any that I have tried. Of those that I have tasted, I compare the writer’s opinion to my own. If there is agreement, then I am more interested in what the writer has to say since there is then a stronger likelihood that we have similar tastes.

Sláinte mhaith

Holiday Gift Giving

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment
Photo credit: chatelaine.com

Looking for ideas on what wine or whisky to give this year?  Here are some of my favourite suggestions that should be available at your local liquor store or online.

FOR THE WINE FANS

Under $20

Fantini Sangiovese $11.45 CDN – Expressive ripe fruit, supple tannins, and well-balanced acidity contribute to an inviting and versatile wine, making it an easy choice any night of the week. Serve it alongside braised meat dishes or with tomato-based pasta dishes.

This is a wine my wife discovered while browsing the aisles of our local liquor store and it is now our go-to house wine.

Famille Perrin Réserve Côtes du Rhône $16.95 CDN – With floral, red plum, chocolate and spice notes, this wine goes well with Mediterranean-style pizza or hearty lamb stew.

France’s Côtes du Rhône region is one of my personal favourites.

Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling $19.95 CDN – Vibrant, with honey, fresh fig, herbs and citrus, this wine consistently delivers the fine, pure mineral for which both great Riesling and Ontario are so renowned. It may be cellared for up to 5 years and will be superb with lightly grilled or smoked fish.

This has been one of my standards when guests come over or to pair with barbecued fish.

Under $50

Fontanafredda Barolo DOCG $34.95 CDN – With aromas and flavours of red fruit, floral tones, berry, plum and a touch of licorice, this wine is extra-dry with balanced acidity, firm tannins and fruit flavours that linger on the finish. Barolo pairs well with game meats and mushroom risotto.

Barolo is my favourite type of Italian wine and to find one with a price tag under $50 is uncommon.

Famille Perrin Les Sinards Châteauneuf-du-Pape $43.95 CDN – Perrin is among the finest producers in the southern Rhône. Some grapes for this rich, age-worthy red come from their legendary Château de Beaucastel estate. Drink over the next decade with roast duck, roast lamb or grilled game meats.

I have been intrigued by Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine ever since a close friend brought me a bottle from the French district quite a few years ago. After visiting there myself earlier this year and sampling the wines I am even more smitten with them. To find a bottle for less than $50 is a true find.

For That Special Someone

Mazzetti Grappa di Nebbiolo da Barolo in Decanter $199.95 CDN – Crafted from the pomace of Nebbiolo from Barolo, Italy, this is pure quality and elegance. The decanter and stylish gift box make it as breathtaking on the outside as it is on the inside. It is the perfect gift for any grappa enthusiast.

FOR THE WHISKY DRINKERS

Under $50

Jameson Irish Whiskey $39.95 CDN – Jameson Irish Whiskey is a versatile, smooth blend of pot still and fine grain whiskeys. Bright, pale amber with subtle aromas of white flower, nectarine, ripe pear and clove. Mellow and approachable on the palate, with spicy vanilla, wildflower honey and ginger flavours.

This is a great introduction for anyone who is being introduced to the world of whisky. It was one of my initial favourites.

Under $100

Bowmore 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky $65.95 CDN – This Islay whisky expresses the essence of Bowmore with rich amber colour; subtle notes of citrus and honey with typical peaty smokiness; the flavours are sweet and delicious with heather and honey; a soft peat smoke note lingers on a long and mellow finish.

My initiation to Bowmore 12 was at a friend’s cottage. It provides a wonderful Islay experience at a better price point than many of its competitors.

Green Spot Irish Whiskey $89.95 CDN – This single pot still whiskey from Ireland uses malted and unmalted barley to give it a unique spiciness. Clove, apricot and oak toast aromas evolve to flavours of cedar, clove, apple and ginger. The long finish echoes spicy notes of clove, nutmeg, and ginger.

This is my go-to Irish Whiskey and I try to always have some on my bar shelf.

Under $200

Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky $174.95 CDN – Considered by many to be the benchmark for Islay malts, this classic pours a golden amber colour and wafts from your glass with intense smoky peat and iodine. The palate is full flavour, rich and smooth with peat, figs, dates and vanilla followed by an enduring smoky and dry finish.

I was introduced to Lagavulin 16 by my wife’s uncle during a trip to the distillery several years ago. Even though he was a descendant of the original owners of the Laphroaig distillery he wanted me to try Lagavulin, his favourite whisky. I tried it and it has been a staple on my bar ever since.

The Glenlivet French Oak Reserve 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky $114.95 CDN – The unique use of French Oak increases the intensity of the whisky, resulting in a richer and creamier finish along with a distinctive spiciness. Deep golden in colour, expect aromas and flavours of crème brûlée, sweet apple, gentle smokiness and peat alongside of lavender notes followed by a rich and complex finish.

This is another whisky that I like to always have on hand as one of my regular Scotch whisky choices.

For That Special Someone

The Glenlivet 18Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky $214.95 CDN – Distiller Alan Winchester takes this malt through a combination of cask types, including both first and second-fill American oak (for tropical fruitiness) and ex-sherry oak (for spiciness). The result is this golden-coloured dram with rich spicy aromas, toasty grain, vanilla and almond flavours and a long smooth finish.

This whisky I save for special occasions or when I want to treat myself.

Sláinte mhaith

Pair Wine with Soup

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

With summer now behind us, it is once again time to focus on winter comfort foods, such as soup. That started me thinking about the possible pairings of wine with soup. If I am having a bowl of soup on its own, accompanying it with a glass of wine isn’t appealing to me. Why serve a hot liquid with a cold liquid?

Photo credit: lafatacellars.com

However, if the soup is being served as part of a multi course meal at home or in a restaurant, a glass of wine may have more appeal. In general, when picking a wine to go with soup, consider the consistency and main flavours. If you break down your soup’s ingredients and view them as you would a pasta sauce, the task may become less intimidating.

Overall, creamy soups pair well with a wine that contains a fair amount of acidity, whether that be red or white wine. Then look at the dominant flavours of the soup. Savory vegetables generally pair well with a fruit-forward wine. Ginger goes well with an aromatic white wine like Gewürztraminer. Spicy soups pair well with wines having a lower level of alcohol.

Lastly, consider the protein. Light vegetarian or chicken-based soups often pair well with white wine while red meats pair best with medium to full-bodied red wine.

Very thin soups, such as French consommé go well with a dry sherry or dry Madeira. Tomato consommé pairs well with a French Sauvignon while broths flavoured with fish sauce, coriander and lime will be complimented by an Austrian Grüner Veltliner or dry German Riesling.

Creamy vegetable soups generally go well with dry Italian whites such as Pinot Grigio or Soave or a French Pinot Blanc. Fennel and cauliflower soups pair with a white Burgundy or lightly oaked Chardonnay, white Bordeaux, Viognier or Chenin Blanc.

Mushroom soup will go well with a lightly oaked Chardonnay. A darker soup with  more earthy varieties of mushrooms such as portabella or cremini, will match well with a Pinot Noir.

Chicken soup will go with a lightly oaked Chardonnay. A Thai style soup made with coconut milk will go with a Riesling or Verdelho. Chicken and dumplings will pair well with a lightly oaked Chardonnay or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.

Classic Provençal fish soup with flavours of garlic, tomato and saffron pairs well with a very dry, crisp white like a Picpoul de Pinet or a strong dry Rosé. Rich crab or lobster bisques match well with white Burgundy or a Chardonnay, while clam chowder goes well with a well-oaked Chardonnay. Corn chowder, on the other hand, goes along side a dry German Riesling.

Sweet vegetable soups, such as butternut squash and pumpkin, fair well with Chardonnay, Viognier or Gewürztraminer.

Tomato soups made from fresh tomatoes go well with a crisp white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or an Albariño. A chilled sherry could be used as well. However, if the soup has a richer, roast or cooked tomato flavour or is mixed with roast peppers, a medium bodied Italian or southern French red or a young Rioja will work well.

French onion soup is traditionally served with French Beaujolais, Beaujolais Nouveau or a white Burgundy.

Chunky, rustic soups with beans, such as minestrone or lentil soup match well with medium bodied reds like Côtes du Rhône, a young Syrah or a Sangiovese. Chickpea soup pairs with a Chianti Classico.

Beef or lamb stew will be well complimented with a Cabernet or Shiraz. If you prefer a white wine instead, Gewürztraminer is a good choice.

Beef and barley soup matches well with a bold red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Franc.

Cold soups go well with light, crisp dry whites such as Albariño. Gazpacho can be paired with an unoaked white Rioja, Rueda or a Fino Sherry.

There are no hard and fast rules for pairing wine with foods. However, there are some wines that will enhance your soup better than others. Don’t be afraid to experiment with some of these suggestions but don’t be afraid to try your own.

Sláinte mhaith

2024: A Year to Remember in British Columbia

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

It would be an understatement to simply say that Mother Nature has been unkind to the B.C. wine industry this year. In January the extreme cold caused devastating damage to the vast majority of the grapevines in both the Okanagan and Similkameen Valley. It is estimated that 90% of this year’s grape crops were lost and 15% of the vines were destroyed.

Further devastation resulted because of the hot dry summer consisting of heatwaves and wildfires. The good news is that because of the heat, the remaining grapes ripened quickly, resulting in an early harvest with smaller but more concentrated fruit.

Lifelong workers in B.C.’s wine industry cannot recall a year that has been as devastating as this one. The provincial government has established a 26 million dollar vine replant program with an additional 92 million dollars to be paid through the Production Insurance and AgriStability program.

B.C.’s wine industry generates approximately 3.75 billion dollars annually for the province and employs more than 14,000 full-time workers. There are about 350 licensed grape wine wineries in the province that receive nearly 1.2 million visitors annually.

In order to help the wine industry recover from the lost grape harvest, the province is permitting the impacted wineries to import grapes and grape juice in order to produce the 2024 vintage. However, the imported products will not be eligible to carry the B.C. Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) label. Without these unprecedented concessions, many wineries would face potential financial ruin resulting in cuts to thousands of direct and indirect jobs, including the loss of highly specialized wine makers and cellar masters whose expertise is essential to the industry.

So, what will all this mean for the wine drinker when comes to the 2024 vintage of BC wines? Because of the intense heat and early ripening of those grapes that did survive, they will provide very concentrated and flavourful wines. However, given the scarcity of the wines that will carry the VQA designation, you can expect the price of the 2024 vintage to be higher than most years.

You can also rest assured that the wines that will be created from imported grapes will meet the established standards of the winery producing them. After all, their hard established reputations are at stake here and no one is willing to jeopardize that. British Columbia’s talented winemakers will deliver great results.

Sláinte mhaith

Wine & Chinese Food

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

Pairing wine with Chinese food can seem overwhelmingly difficult due to the wide range of flavours; everything from spicy to sweet, tangy, salty and bitter. An example of this is an authentic Chinese feast that will consist of dishes with distinct ingredients and clashing flavours.

Photo credit: tuscaloosanews.com

To accommodate such a dinner a well-rounded wine is optimal. Refreshing sparkling wines such as a chilled Champagne, Cava or Prosecco are well suited, as well as aromatic whites with a touch of residual sugar, such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Foods with red-braised seasoning pair well with fruity red wines such as Pinot Noir, Italian Nerello, Mascalese or Barbera.

If you are headed to your local westernized eat-in or take-out Chinese restaurant here are some wine suggestions to go along with your food selections.

Generally, dishes that are salty or fried will pair well with a wine with high acidity. Foods with a sweet and sour elements go well together with fruit forward wines. If having food with stronger flavours, such as a dark sauces, duck or pork, a sweeter Spätlese wine works well for balance.

Cantonese Dim Sum offers a wide assortment of food choices in small portions. The most common selections include steamed dumplings, spring rolls, scallops, streamed fish and soy-seasoned meats. Since these foods have relatively mild, savoury flavours Champagne is always a good choice, as well as a young Chablis, a white Burgundy or a German Riesling.

Gruner Veltliner pairs well with mild vegetable-filled spring rolls or egg rolls.

Steamed barbecued pork buns will go well with an off-dry Riesling, Moscato d’Asti or Gamay.

Light red wines such as Gamay, Pinot Noir or Baco Noir will go well with braised pork bellies.

Beef and broccoli, as well as lo mein pair well with a French Syrah.

Orange chicken or lemon chicken goes well with a French Chenin Blanc.

Vegetable Chow Mein is a classic stir-fried noodle dish with onions, peppers, mushrooms, ginger and garlic along with a rice vinegar and soy sauce. It pairs well with Muscat or Moscato, which is an aromatic wine. A German Riesling or French Chablis are also good options.

Crispy duck and pancakes served with hoisin sauce pairs well with Pinot Noir, Gamay, Merlot or even Spätlese Riesling.

Traditional Peking Duck will be well complimented by a French Burgundy or a Pinot Noir.

General Tao’s Chicken is a spicy, deep-fried, aromatic, sweet and sour chicken dish that goes well with an aromatic white wine such as Gewürztraminer or Torrontes, or a fruity Rosé.

Szechuwan-style foods pair well with a variety of wines. Chilled sparkling wine, whether it be Prosecco, Asti or Brut Champagne go well, but also aromatic white wines, or even sweeter wines, such as an Auslese Riesling or Sauternes. A fruity Rosé or off-dry Riesling also works well. Even reds, such as Gamay or Pinot Noir make good pairing partners.

Pork ribs marinated in a sweet and smoky sauce made of soy, hoisin, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, ginger and chili will pair well with Grenache. The flavour intensity of strawberries and plums, leather, dried herbs and blood oranges make these wines pair well with tangy Chinese spareribs.

Kung Pao Chicken is a sweet, sour and spicy dish. It is flavoured with chili, garlic, soy sauce, peanuts, vinegar and sugar. A French Pinot Gris compliments this well.

Enjoy exploring the world of wine with these Asian food specialties.

Sláinte mhaith

Pairing Potato Chips with Wine

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / 1 Comment
Photo credit: localwineschool.com

You may have seen the ads suggesting that you snack on a bag of potato chips while indulging in a glass of wine. I initially found the thought laughable but then later came across an article published by Wine Enthusiast suggesting that wine and potato chip pairings are actually a thing. Investigating further I found some statistics suggesting that 50% of Canadians eat potato chips while watching TV and that 61% of Canadians have a glass of wine with their snacks at least once or twice a month.

Potato chips pair well with wine because of the salt and fat content of the chips. Following the basic principles for pairing food flavours with wine, the following combinations complement each other:

  • Original classic flavour chips with Champagne or other sparkling wine. The sparkling wine is great at offsetting the salt and fat of the potato chips.
  • Barbeque flavoured chips with Pinot Noir or Zinfandel wine. The chips have a sweet coating that goes well with one of these fruity, crisp reds. These same wines go well with ribs brushed with real BBQ sauce.
  • Salt and vinegar chips with Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The sharp and tangy vinegar on the chips needs to be balanced with a fresh bright wine.
  • Sour cream and onion chips with oaked Chardonnay. The sharp, tangy chips pair well with this buttery white wine as the tropical fruit flavours and acidity contrast with the saltiness of the chips.
  • Lime and black pepper flavoured chips with Sauvignon Blanc. The crisp bright tropical notes of the wine are a good balance for the lime and black pepper flavour of the chips.
  • Balsamic vinegar and onion flavour chips with Merlot. The Merlot offsets the tangy sweetness of the chips.

There are a variety of other flavours of chips available in the marketplace, but this will provide the basic idea for pairing your favourite potato chips with wine.

Sláinte mhaith

Peruvian Wine

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

It seems that many people are not aware that Peru produces a variety of quality wines. In fact, it is the oldest wine producing country in South America, ahead of the more familiar wine nations of Chile and Argentina.

Photo credit: heinens.com

Because of the early Spanish settlers, Peru has a strong Spanish influence. During the 16th century Spanish conquistadors planted grape varieties that came from the Canary Islands. The 17th and 18th centuries were the golden age of wine production with Peruvian wine being sold throughout South America.

Unfortunately, during the 19th century viticulture suffered as a result of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and phylloxera, an insect pest of grapevines worldwide. There were also economic restrictions imposed by Spain resulting in growers refocusing and producing crops other than grapes.

Those vineyards that remained changed their focus from wine making to producing pisco. Pisco is a pale yellowish to amber coloured spirit. It is produced by distilling fermented grape juice into a high proof spirit. Alternatively, grapes were used to make Borgoña, which is a sweet wine made from Isabella hybrid grapes.

Today Peruvian winemakers are once again focused on producing fine wine. They have modernized their wineries and repurposed their vineyards with the help of international consultants.

Producers are following one of two different paths. One is to grow European grape varieties, notably Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Tannat, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The other choice is to raise heritage grapes that have historically been used to make pisco. These include Quebranta, Mollar, Negra Criolla, Torontel, Muscatel Negro del Perú, Albilla and Italia. Some of these have been around since viticulture first began in South America, while others were bred there.

Production of wines from heritage grapes is a way to differentiate Peruvian wines from the other South American counties. On the other hand, there is plenty of potential to produce unique expressions using international varieties such as Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet and Muscat.

Whether you select a Peruvian wine made with heritage grapes or European varieties, the taste experience is well worth the effort to find one of these treasures along your wine store shelves.

Sláinte mhaith