With the recent warm sunny weather, it’s time for some quenching rosébubbly and a barbecue red to put you in a summer mood. First up, a Gioiosa et Amorosa Rosata Spumante ($16.99) from the Veneto region of Italy. Spumante means foaming in Italian, which is appropriate because it’s a sparkling wine.
The Moretti Polegato family have been making wine for three generations and chose the name Gioiosameaning joyous to reflect the fresh and fruity character of their bubbly.
Made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc grapes, the Gioiosa takes its name from an ancient local saying, “marca gioiosa et amorosa,” meaning “march with joy and love.” Its friendly fizz is designed for joyous occasions and for sharing with friends and relaxed foods
The Gioiosa’s orange-pink appearance is enchanting, and the aromas of raspberry, cranberry strawberry are appealing. The berry flavour with the creamy texture of the bubbles and the refreshing acidity combine to make you imagine you are drinking strawberries and cream, with a tantalizing dry finish. It is joyous or should I say, Gioiosa! Available at Liberty Wine Merchants and Coal Harbour Liquor Store.
Want to know what one of the top 100 wines of 2016 was? It’s the Gérard Bertrand 2014 Corbières. Actually it ranked 55th and it is readily available and is only $19.95 in government stores.
Corbières is an AOC wine appellation along the Mediterranean in France, the largest AOC in the Languedoc-Roussillon region responsible for almost half the wines there. This area once had a reputation for making plonk or as the French say, “vin ordinaire.” But now things have dramatically improved and the Gérard Bertrand is a “vin extraordinaire!”
Dry reds from that region have more in common with Spanish Catalan reds than with French. Both regions have lots of Grenache but in France they are supplemented by Syrah and Mourvèdre.
The Grenache contributes fullness and flavours of blackcurrants and rich spices. Their tannins mellow with age revealing delicious garrique, spicy notes and peppery fragrances.
Syrah produces wines that are deep in colour, rich in flavour. It’s generally fruity with blackberry, blueberry and raspberry flavours and floral and spicy notes such as violets, pepper, and licorice.
The Mourvèdre has a strong personality, that has lots of tannin and allows the wine to age. With blackberry flavours and hints of garrique and bay leaves, it is transformed with aging into complex flavours such as leather, fruity jam and wild game.
And if you want further proof to convince you to try the Bértrand Corbières, here is what the Wine Spectator said, “Full-bodied and powerful, with decadent layers of raspberry compote, kirsch and red plum notes that are met with savory details of herb and cured meat. Offers a tangy, hot stone–accented finish. Drink now through 2025. 18,000 cases made.”
Eric Hanson is a retired Richmond science teacher and an active wine educator.
