All posts in Wine Picks

THREE OF MY FAVOURITE $20 SPARKLERS – ALL TOGETHER
Couldn’t believe it when I saw a grouping of three of my favourite budget-priced sparkling wines in the Vintages catalogue. When Major Hugh Frazer found his magical site in the Okanagan Valley a century ago, his response to the world was  ‘See Ya Later’. A few glasses of the crisp and yummy SYL sparkling might prompt you to also get in the carefree, abandonment mood! Mumm Sparkling Rosé offers the austere/elegance of Champagne at half the price. Perfect for the summer’s special events. Graham Beck’s sparkling is a wonderful combination of classy and crowd-pleasing drinkability. Aperitif, party-starter, or anytime drink.

SEE YA LATER RANCH Brut Sparkling , VQA Okanagan Valley 271049 $20.95
MUMM NAPA Sparkling Rosé, California 205641 $29.95
GRAHAM BECK Brut Sparkling, South Africa 593483 $18.95

Great Wine+Situation Experiences #4
LOCAL PINOT BECOMES A WOODSY ITALIAN
Local Pinots often decide they want to be Italian, taking on the character of reds from the Piedmont region. Pelee’s Pinot always reminds me of Barbera and now this ‘old vines’ of Charmes has taken on the woodsy personality of Barolo. Earthy, log cabin feeling. Could take a minute to get your head around it, but hang in and it will take you back in time when wines had more mystery to them. Have with bread and cheese – late afternoon.

CHATEAU DES CHARMES 07 Pinot Noir ‘Old Vines’ VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 256834 Vintages $18.95