Aug 15, 2011
Well it has been a rather unusual summer but I like to consider myself an optimist; and although as I write this, it is only 12 degrees Celsius outside in the middle of July, I look forward to the coming warm days of summer. Not that we need an excuse, but once the warm days are upon us, we shall have the perfect opportunity to enjoy some cool white wines. Now, cool can mean temperature in the sense of cool and refreshing white wines; but it also can mean wines of unique and interesting character and in this article we can examine a few wines to which both uses of ‘cool’ can apply!
Bodegas Aruspide ‘Trio’ Blanco – a Spanish number from Castilla la Mancha, it is an appropriately named blend of three grapes. Chardonnay, Verdelho, and Airen, (which happens to be the most widely planted white wine grape in the world although most people have never heard of it). This is a country wine, medium bodied and un-oaked with a slightly rustic edge to it that offers up citrus peel, dried orchard fruit, and a subtle nutty spicy note with crisp acidity. Suitable for enjoying by the glass, but a great match for an afternoon tapenade platter.
Montresor Bianco del Nago – an interesting expression of classic Venetian white wine grape Garganega; a variety most often found blended into the wines of Soave. Although it’s a little difficult to pronounce, it is easy to drink thanks to its inviting, slightly candied floral notes, and flavours of lemon zest, melon, and pear fruit. It is an un-oaked, mid-weight white with a very pleasing hint of richness in the mouthfeel, followed by a crisp, dry finish. Produced with a commitment to organic sustainable farming it makes an excellent match to seafood, shellfish, weisswurst, or a seasonal salad.
Inca Torrontes-Chardonnay – an unusual Argentine blend that puts it all together and makes a terrific wine. You could say that Torrontes is the unofficial white wine grape of Argentina; fruity and aromatic and bearing a slight resemblance to Gewurztraminer, but when paired with approximately 20% Chardonnay you get a juicy summer white loaded with aromatics and flavours of mandarin orange, apple, stone fruits and slight spice. Also un-oaked, this is a light bodied, juicy white perfect for patio sipping or washing down a spicy dynamite roll, or a picnic at the beach.
So when the warm weather gets here, (I’ve got my fingers crossed), reach for a ‘cool white’ and enjoy the sunshine.
Cheers!
Jul 13, 2011
As I write this amidst our unseasonably cool and wet weather; the Vancouver Canucks are up 3 games to 2 versus the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup final which has proven to be an all-out battle with both teams fighting tooth and nail for victory;. But I find myself thinking, “…win or lose, there’s always wine!”. Wine has many attractive qualities, but one of the most wonderful is its ability to bring a smile to the lips of the imbiber. Wine can take on such delightful characteristics they just make you happy – like the smell of flowers in spring, or the taste of the season’s first cherries. So whether you need to lift your spirits, drown your sorrows, or celebrate The Cup, here a few wines to smile about!
Black Widow Estate Winery ‘Oasis’ – an incredible blend by Dick Lancaster from his estate vineyard on the Naramata Bench. A judicious mixture of Pinot Gris, Sylvaner and Gewurztraminer that unloads huge perfumey aromatics and sweet ripe flavours of orchard blossoms, peaches, apricots and melon. Long and luscious, perfect for summer sunsets.
Arrowleaf Winery ‘Snow Tropics’ – an appropriately named wine from producers who were longtime grape suppliers to Gray Monk. A cool climate wine made from the Vidal grape that delivers layers of seductive citrus and tropical fruit on the nose, with a slightly off-dry and juicy palate that refreshes and leaves you wanting another glass.
Joie Farm ‘Noble Blend’ – another Naramata knockout, produced by Heidi Noble and Michael Dinn. The Noble Blend is exactly that, a blend of the classic white grapes of Alsace made in an Edelzwicker style. Intense aromatics, and rich palate bring forth floral citrus, pink grapefruit, stone fruits and pears. A delicious drinker and a fantastic food partner.
Red Diamond Merlot – it’s a bit of a hidden treasure from WashingtonState. A very approachable, fruit-driven wine that offers classic black cherry character with subtle sweet floral spice notes and hints of caramel and candied fruit. Softly structured, with balanced acidity it’s a perfect drink-anytime picnic red.
So if you’re in need of a smile or just something delicious, give these a try – they promise to deliver a happy grin at the very least!
Enjoy!
Michael Kompass
Jun 14, 2011
We’re super excited to introduce our latest project – WINE TASTING at The Blackcomb Liquor Store! Since we’re located in Beautiful British Columbia, we thought a BC Wine focus would be appropriate so we’re calling the tastings:
THE BOUNTY OF BC!
Whether you are visiting Whistler for a few days, a few weeks, or live in-resort, we cordially invite you to come taste six different British Columbia wines. Click here for more information and we look forward to seeing you soon!
To book a Bounty of BC Wine Tasting please EMAIL US.
Cheers!
Jun 1, 2011
Spring has Sprung in Whistler – at least we hope it has!
Time for our SPRING NEWSLETTER – you can view a copy here.
Read about the great NEW ARRIVALS as well as some exciting product COMING SOON.
Introducing WINE TASTING EVENTS at the Blackcomb Liquor Store! Starting on June 16, 2011 – bring some friends by to do our BOUNTY OF BC WINE TASTING. Thursday, Friday and Saturday @ 1 PM. Only $69/person, and discounts for groups of five or more. For more information give us a call! (604 932 9795).
See you soon!
Cheers!
Apr 4, 2011
As you may have heard from me before, I continue to uphold the idea that balance is the key to truly great wine. One thing that can tilt the scales either for better or worse, is the use of oak; it can contribute a great deal to the body, flavour, and maturation of wine. The use of oak in wine is a very old concept, but remains to this day a very contentious subject, sparking a love – hate relationship with many wine drinkers. Some wines are vinified in oak either vats or barrels, some wines are matured in oak either older (used) or new barrels or vats of varying sizes, some wines are both vinified and matured in oak. Sometimes the addition of oak chips or staves is used to instill some of the characteristics of oak without the $500+ per barrel cost.
Yet there are a myriad number of wines produced without the use of oak barrels, or barriques, or vats, or anything wood-like. Produced in stainless steel, glass-lined, or concrete tanks, and matured in bottle instead of barrel. These wines can offer just as much character, intensity, and pleasure as their oak-clad cousins but they tend to do so in a racier way, focusing on fruit character and the inherent structural components to keep things ‘lean and mean’. German Rieslings, New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, Italian Pinot Grigios, and classic Chablis; there are too many to count but here are a few favourites.
Lagaria Pinot Grigio
A light bodied and refreshing dry white wine that has aromas of golden apple, lemon zest, and delicate floral notes. The palate has juicy acidity and crisp fruit character with a clean finish. This wine pairs well with kalamari, creamy pasta, or a little garlic sausage.
Churton Sauvignon Blanc
A sharp, modern-style Sauvignon Blanc from a family operated estate. Filled with aromas of tropical citrus and peppery, grassy herbaceous notes. The palate is medium-full and offers ripe gooseberry, tangy citrus, and mouth watering acidity. It makes a great match for shell fish, light seafood, or a hunk of Chevre.
Nero del Nago Corvina
A clean mid-weight red with a nose offering hints of cherry, subtle spice and a sweet leathery hint. The palate is medium bodied, with balanced structure and mouth filling flavours of red and black fruits with a trace of earth and herbs. A wine for lasagna, pork sausage, or roast duck breast.
Von Buhl ‘Armand’ Riesling
This lovely German number has an alluring aroma of floral stone fruit, citrus, and a slight stony minerality. The juicy palate offers more of the same in fruit character, (just a touch off-dry), laced with appley notes and racy acidity that pairs with almost everything from schnitzel to fondue to a sunny afternoon.
Enjoy!
Michael Kompass
Michael is a local sommelier who operates the Blackcomb Liquor Store and Vintage Advice Consultants, and heads the Blackcomb Wine Appreciation Club since 2001.
