As a wine enthusiast, I am always looking for new and interesting wines.
Most wines that are now sold are of good quality, but drinking Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Sauvignon over and over again can get a bit monotonous.
Having said that, many people do not want to spend their hard-earned money on wines they know nothing about and that they might not enjoy. I was fortunate recently to taste some very unique wines at a portfolio tasting of a wine agent who represents small producers.
These wines will never become household names, but I am glad our B.C. Liquor Stores offer these wines as variety and choice keeps things interesting and vibrant for consumers.
Here are some unique wines that I have enjoyed tasting that are available at select B.C. Liquor Store locations:
Bodega Los Bermejos 2023 Lanzorote Malvasia Volcanica ($35.99)
Bodega Los Bermejos is located on the island of Lanzarote, one of the seven Canary Islands.
The grape type used in this white wine is Malvasia Volcanica, which is planted in a crater carved into the volcanic soil to better condense moisture from dew.
The wine is light gold with a green tint and will give you floral aromas with citrus and mineral notes.
It has crisp acidity on the palate, nuances of dried herbs and an oily weightiness that makes it a great pairing with light appetizers, shellfish, seafood and cheeses.
Kir-Yianni 2021 Kali Riza Vielles Vignes Amyndeon Xinomavro ($33.99)
One issue unique wines have with consumers is unfamiliarity.
Consumers tend to buy wines made from grape varietals that are common and easy to pronounce.
This is a Greek wine from the wine region of Amyndeon. The grape varietal used to produce this wine is Xinomavro, which is sometimes compared to Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo grape varietals.
You will get a ruby red-coloured wine with strawberry and truffles on the nose and black fruit and black pepper on the palate.
Chiara Condella 2022 Predappio ($28.99)
Many wine drinkers are familiar with Sangiovese-based wines from the Chianti region, but how about a wine from the Emilia-Romagna using the same grape varietal?
The vineyards producing this wine are in the town of Predappio. You will get bright acidity with red cherry, spice and minerality on the aftertaste.
The wine has good body and weight with earthy, dusty tannins.
Casale Del Giglio 2022 Lazio Cesanese ($25.99)
This wine is produced from the Cesanese grape varietal, which is primarily grown in the Lazio region of Italy.
To me, this wine seems like a heavier, spicier version of a Pomerol wine. It has dark fruit, blackcurrants and huge tannins.
There are also violets with some black pepper on the palate. Perfect pairing for your heavier meat dishes.
Domaine Capelanel 2017 Cahors Amphut Malbec ($42.99)
Malbec is not only grown in Argentina but also in the Cahors region of France.
This wine is aged two-thirds in amphorae and one-third in 500-litre barrels for 12 months before release.
You will get blackberries, black tea, and mulberries with spice notes on the aftertaste.
So the next time you are at B.C. Liquor Stores, instead of buying wines that you always drink, try something different and purchase one of my suggestions.
For more detailed notes on these and other unique wines, see my video here.
Until next time, happy drinking!
Tony Kwan is a Richmond News columnist. Lawyer by day, and a food and wine lover by night. Kwan is an epicurean who writes about wine, food and enjoying all that life has to offer.
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