September should be another sunny warm dry month and today we have a trio of wines that will be great with this forecast.
My first recommendation is the 2021 Bordertown Rosé ($23; 90 points, Outstanding) from the Okanagan. As the name suggests it’s from a border town, Osoyoos. And the winery is among the top 25 wineries in Canada and in the top 10 Wineries in BC, according to the number of medals earned in this year’s 2022 Wine Align National Wine Awards of Canada.
It’s produced from Cabernet Franc, the flagship grape from this young winery, which began operations in 2009. Proprietor Mohan Gill has 38% of his vineyards planted in Cab Franc, which is now BC’s fourth most planted red varietal.
The rosé reveals an orange pink colour with a generous aroma of red fruit, melon, and citrus. There are delicious flavours of strawberries, watermelon, and lemon zest to enjoy with a balanced medium body and medium acidity, which finishes with a dash of white pepper and a dry fruity finish.
Rosés are all-around crowd pleasers any time of year, especially when the weather is warm and sunny and patios are still in use. Try pairing with melon and prosciutto, pizza, salad nicoise, or chicken.
Next it’s off to northern Portugal, the Minho province to review Vinho Verde. That means, “green wine” but really translates as “young wine.” The 2021 Quinta da Lixa Escolha Vinho Verde ($17.99; 88 points, Very Good) is a refreshing light white produced from three indigenous grapes on the Escolha estate: Alvarinho, Loureiro, and Trajadura. With a pale lemon appearance, there is a floral citrus and tree fruit nose.
On the palate enjoy flavours of lemonade, lime zest, and yellow apples with crisp acidity and a gentle effervescence ending on a dry finish.
The Quinta da Lixa is meant for fish tacos, ceviche, and Portuguese Vinho Verde Mussels.
And you can pair the Vinho Verde with Mexican food or anything with lime juice and cilantro.
Now it’s off to the Piedmont region of northern Italy for a 2019 Batasiolo Barbera d’Alba ($12.99 on sale $4 off; 88 points, Very Good). Beni di Batasiolo is the largest family-owned wine producer in Piedmont.
Barbera accounts for about 55% of the wine produced in that region. It’s the wine of the working people and is therefore planted into slightly less desirable locations. Fortunately, Barbera is a tough grape and is flexible in adapting to different terroirs. Although it is less respected than Nebbiolo, which is used in Barolo and Barbaresco, Barbera has lots of dedicated patrons.
The wine was fermented in stainless steel and aged in Slovenian oak and stainless steel.
The Batasiolo Barbera d’Alba displays a ruby red colour with violet tinges and a strawberry cherry, and blackberry aroma with a touch of earthiness, leather and tobacco.
Because it has a longer hang time on the vines, it develops rich flavours to the wine. Rich but light-bodied. It’s dark coloured yet has notes of fruits that are found in light wines. Definitely a juicy wine! On the palate there is dried fruit with gentle tannins and high acidity and a tangy finish.
Because of the high acidity, pair it with some rich fatty foods and dark meats like duck, pork, or lamb. It’s a bargain at $13 and it’s versatile with food as well as being enjoyable as a sipper.
All three recommendations are available at all three of Richmond’s BC Liquor Stores.
