It's still January, too soon to overlook those New Year's resolutions, right? Just in case a little more sipping motivation is required, here's a reminder that one of 2016's wine resolutions is to enjoy more wine made from grapes you can't pronounce. So if you're feeling a little shy in the wine aisle, or simply already falling back on the tried and true, here are three bottles to get you righted on the resolution track.
Painted Wolf The Den 2012 Pinotage, South Africa ($14.49, #545244)
Pinot what? No it's not Pinot Noir, it's the crossbred cousin! Pinotage is a red wine grape that was created in South Africa by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault, and for the most part Pinotage is still relegated to its homeland. Historically Pinotage—thanks to its forthright aromas and flavours—has either found loyal fans or committed enemies. However Painted Wolf's Pinotage is here to crest the divide by ditching the grape's gritty savouriness for a polished stance. The Den still has guts (lots of dark fruit, not to mention a mouth-puckering herbiness to finish), but it also has a juicy and plush entry. Serve this red up with fajitas or lamb palak.
Bottom line: B "A punter's Pinotage."
Ormarine 2014 Picpoul de Pinet, France ($14.79, #124834)
Piquepoul (or Picpoul) is billed as "the great white wine from Languedoc," and indeed there are many endearing qualities in this ancient grape. Brisk but balanced, this frisky white is redolent with herbs and lemon, its supple start transitioning to a fresh finish. Enjoy with fish pie or salmon Wellington, or simply savour a glass on its own—ideally alongside some lingering rays of wintertime sunshine.
Bottom line: B+ Crisp and unique."
Pietradolce 2014 Etna Rosso, Italy ($25.49, #520585)
Finally, it's off to the Italian isle of Sicily for a rugged red made from the indigenous Nerello Mascalese grape. Don't let this wine's lighter garnet colour fool you, this is a serious, intense sipper. Bold flavours of cherry and herbs meet grippy, firm tannins and abundant acidity in this gutsy yet poised bottle made from grapes grown in vineyards 800 meters above the sea on temperamental Mount Etna's Northern slopes. A bone dry finish concludes the tasting, angling this red as a prime partner for braised ribs.
Bottom line: A- "Bold but balanced."
The Swirl: Taste BC 2016
Get ready, the province's largest wine tasting returns Thursday, January 28th. Taking place from 4:30–7:30PM at the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel (999 Canada Place), Taste BC again presents a lively experience of B.C.'s finest wine, beer, and spirits served up with tasty fare from top local restaurants. All this is accompanied by live music, door, prizes, and a silent auction, not to mention the event is a fundraiser for B.C. Children's Hospital. Tickets are $49.99 and available at all Liberty Wine Merchants locations, for complete details go to https://tastebc.wordpress.com.
Contact James:
@hadaglass
Source: Wine Guy – Unsung wine heroes
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