“Gratitude means realizing that right now, you have more of what really matters, no matter how difficult this moment might be.”
During these unusual and challenging times, it’s tempting to feel down about social isolation, unemployment, uncertainty and a loss of our former routines. Despite this, we can all think of someone or something we are grateful for.
Our immediate family and close friends and colleagues come to mind. Front line health workers, grocery store clerks, teachers, farmers, scientists and government officials are working hard to keep things running and to bring an end to this pandemic.
And to bring a positive note to this situation, there is a new trio of B.C. wines on the market called Gratitude. Gratitude wines are brought to you by the crew at JAK’s private wine stores and the team at Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland.
They actually came up with the name months before the pandemic hit and the name Gratitude resonated with them. Here in B.C., there is a lot to be grateful for, especially the beautiful and pristine province we lived and work in. Today gratitude takes on a new deeper meaning!
There’s a Gratitude Pinot Blanc, a Rosé, and a Red available at their 13 JAK’s Beer Wine Spirits stores in B.C., including the Richmond location at #135-8555 Sea Island Way (778-297-9463). All Gratitude wines are $21.99.
You will find the Gratitude 2019 Pinot Blanc to be a refreshing fruity white. Citrus, pineapple, and banana aromas evolve out of the glass and there’s a tasty grapefruit and orange flavour together with crisp acidity. Perfect for enjoying outdoors with the sunny spring weather we’ve been enjoying.
It also was a very good partner with the Vindaloo Lamb and Chicken Tikka Masala curry dinner I picked up from an Indian restaurant in Steveston. Both my wife and adult daughter were very fond of this Pinot Blanc, as was I.
Gratitude 2019 Rosé has a soft pink-orange colour similar to Provencal rosés. It’s mainly Pinot Noir and Gamay with a hint of Muscat to add a je ne sais quoi perfume note along with a peach and rose petal bouquet. It displays a delicate yet lively flavour of strawberry, rhubarb with a creamy texture.
The third wine is Gratitude 2018 Red, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. It’s a tasty red with aromas of ripe black and red fruit and lively flavours of blackberries and raspberries with a hint of chocolate. Smooth and medium bodied, it’s great to enjoy on the patio while you’re waiting for the barbecue coals to get hot or sipping with your grilled hamburgers or steak.
Each bottle of Gratitude comes with original art by West Coast illustrator, Alex Maertz. On the Pinot Blanc label, she created a whimsical image of a female canoeist paddling on the BC Coast with her dog. The Roséhas a tired hiker resting with forest animals, and the Red has a couple toasting marshmallows over a campfire.
While we wait patiently for our physical freedoms to be returned, enjoy a taste of Gratitude and reflect on what you have to be grateful for, in spite of the pandemic. Be safe and count your blessings!
