We are two days away from Valentine’s Day and here are some picks to celebrate the day dedicated for lovers.
Valentines is all about hearts with red being the dominant colour. So it’s not surprising to choose a red wine to enjoy on February 14th. Let me recommend the Chateau Pesquié 2018 Terrasses ($19.99 at BCLS) A cuveé from the southern Rhone in the Ventoux appellation, Terrasses is a blend of 60-per-cent Grenache and 40-per-cent Syrah resulting in a fresh red with plenty of finesse.
The aroma has some floral scents along with red fruit, dried herbs and earthiness. It has a medium body with juicy plums, cherries, and strawberries. There’s a hint of tobacco and spice plus smooth tannins and crisp acidity. And it ends on a ripe plum dry finish.
Enjoy with Peking Duck, Tuna Poke or pulled pork.
My second recommendation is the 2019 Quill Rosé from the family owned Blue Grouse Estate Winery in the beautiful Cowichan Valley south of Duncan. The winery puts a top priority on being biodiverse, progressive and eco-conscious.
Under the leadership of proprietor Paul Brunner, winemaker Bailey Williamson, and vineyard manager Michael Abbot, they produce wines that express their place of origin. As Williamson says, “It is important that we take what our terroir gives us rather than trying to force the terroir to give us what we want.”
The award winning Rosé is made from Gamay from the Cowichan Valley and Pinot Noir from the Cowichan and Okanagan Valleys. It displays a reddish pink colour with a personality of ripe cherries, strawberries, and rhubarb ending on a dry note. The Quill has a tangy acidity that will work well with smoked salmon canapés with cream cheese on brown bread with capers and dill. Rosés are versatile and will work with many other appetizers like charcuterie or main courses like chicken, pork, and veal.
Quill Rosé ($21.99) from Blue Grouse is available at Save-on Foods VQA store at Ironwood.
Once travelling restrictions end, enjoy a trip to Blue Grouse. For local Vancouver Island residents, the Tasting Room hours are Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the end of March. Reservations are recommended.
Also recommended is the 2018 Noble Ridge Vineyards Meritage from Okanagan Falls. Another family owned winery, it’s named for the noble varieties of grapes grown and the ridge that divides the land on which they thrive. But this noble name is more than just a nod to the land. It’s a statement of values and a reminder of the hard work and dedication on which the winery was built by Jim and Leslie D’Andrea and their team.
The Meritage is a blend of mainly Merlot with 33-per-cent Cabernet Sauvignon. The dark garnet red colour is quite eye-catching. Wafting out of the glass is a generous aroma of red and black fruit mixed with licorice, tobacco, black tea and rich topsoil.
On the palate there are rich black cherries and plums, chocolate, a kiss of toasted oak, and minerals. Its richness, complexity, and elegance reminds me of a fine St. Emilion from Bordeaux’s Left Bank. Serve with a rack of lamb or pork chops puttanesca.
A bargain at $21.99. Noble Ridge Meritage is available at the Ironwood VQA Store. Starting today, local Okanagan residents can reserve appointments at Noble Ridge on Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
My final recommendation is a bit of a teaser. Thanks to my daughter Robyn, I discovered a delicious red from Orofino produced in the Simikameen Valley. It’s the Orofino 2018 Meritage Wild Ferment.
The winery’s description of this exuberant wine is very accurate, “Lively, complex, and juicy aromas and flavours jump out of the glass. It was aged in a locally made concrete tank. Soft tannins and a slight spritz contribute to its appeal.”
Unfortunately its so good it sold out. They may make a small amount of the 2019 vintage and release it this spring. Contact the Orofino Winery to get a head’s up on availability.
Happy Valentines!
Eric Hanson is a life-long Richmond resident, retired teacher and wine educator. Eric has also taught wine appreciation courses in Richmond and throughout Metro Vancouver for many years. He continues to be a journalistic ambassador for the enchanting world of wine through his weekly column.
