Ah, the lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer. More daylight, more sunshine and more outdoor activities! What's not to like? To add even more sunshine to your summer enjoyment, here are three local wines that are worthy of a pour.
From Naramata's Joie Farms I recommend the 2013 Noble Blend ($24). It is a pun on owner Heidi Noble's family name and the style of wine.. In Alsace a blend like the Joie is called Edelzwicker, which literally means, "Noble Blend."
Noble Blend is a mix of half a dozen aromatic grapes, the majority being Gewurztraminer and Riesling. When B.C. winegrowers started to plant quality grapes, they chose varieties from Alsace, like Gewurz and Riesling Here is the perfect wine for a patio lunch or an aperitif while you wait for the barbecue coals to get hot. I enjoyed the enchanting perfume of lychee and rose petal and the succulent flavours of Granny Smith apples, pears, peaches, and apricots. Basically it's an off-dry Okanagan fruit basket in a glass with refreshing acidity to make you smack your lips.
Also from the Naramata Bench is the elegant Church and State 201 Chardonnay Gravelbourg ($25). It's from the top flight Coyote Bowl Series of wines and all the grapes are handpicked from the Gravelbourg Vineyard. Such a vineyard designation is an indication of high quality fruit and wine. The 2012 Chard ($27) which has recently been released just won a Silver Medal at the prestigious Decanter Wine Awards..
Aged in French oak and lying on the lees for 10 months, the Chardonnay has a complex bouquet of toasted coconut, burnt almond, cream and butter. On the palate
you will enjoy a rich texture of coconut, apple pie, and peach along with savoury minerality. After you swallow, expect a long tasty finish of lemon zest, honey and butterscotch. Here is a stylish wine for grilled lobster or prawns with garlic butter.
Finally, lets take a view from Kelowna with The View 2012 Fossil Fuel ($16). Not sure why it has the name but it does contain a small percentage of tasty Baco Noir, a pioneer grape that was abundant in the days when the B.C. wine industry was in it's infancy.
The label boasts, "Like a great date, Fossil Fuel is bold, approachable, and won't break the bank." Here's a label that tells the truth. This red is bold in a delicious way! The bouquet and flavour have a great combination of dark red fruits, licorice, and smokiness that is typical of the main ingredient, Pinotage.
Pinotage is usually grown in South Africa but Jennifer Molgat's version is a great transplant. It is juicy with smooth tannins so it's approachable even for those who think they don't like red wine. And there is a zing to the finish thanks to the crisp acidity that concludes on a high note.
The Fossil Fuel is definitely a wine for the barbecue. I think grilled sockeye salmon over alder coals would be perfect. Red and refreshing. I would chill The View in the fridge for half an hour before opening.
If you enjoy this smooth and flavourable red, try it's richer big brother, The View Pinotage Reserve for $24.
All of today's wines are available from the winery and in many private stores, including VQA shops such as Sip Wines that sells BC wines at winery prices.
Eric Hansen is a local retired teacher and wine educator.
