I'm a self identifying wine geek. I have two cupboards full of glassware (though only use Zaltos), a drawer full of corkscrews (though use a trusty white Pulltap) and five bursting shelves of wine books (latest editions are Dr. Jamie Goode's Flawless;
Grenache is one of the most widely planted red wine grapes on the planet, explaining its many synonyms: garnacha, garnaxta, alicante, nieddu, cannonau, lladoner and uva di spagna among them. This early budder / late ripener is a heat seeking missile,
When it comes to complex, and possibly perplexing whites, I think of chenin blanc. Chenin blanc is one of the world’s most versatile grapes. Wines from this early-budding, late ripening grape arc from searingly bone dry to sweet nobility and from
It's back to school time, whether you're in a classroom or not. Autumn marks a natural slide back into indoors, books and studies. If you're keen on formally expanding your wine knowledge, there are classes for all levels of professional and amateur wine
They don’t call it the heartbreak grape for nothing. Capricious pinot noir can be intoxicatingly beguiling, or maddeningly disappointing (more oft the latter in unskilled hands). In Wine Grapes, Jancis Robinson describes pinot noir as
Though there is already ample smoke in the air across BC, folks should make the most of the last week of August by getting outside and firing up the grill. Steaks, burgers, veg, kabobs - whatever local foods you're BBQing, there's a local red to match.
Don't call it a comeback, but a coming back. And a welcome one at that. After the heights of Aussie reds, followed by the crash, the red wines of Australia have settled in a very happy place, focusing on place and drinkability rather than brands and power.
Lighter, quaffable, chillable reds pair perfectly with summer. You needn't leave red wines alone when the temperature spikes. You just need to choose your wines differently. Eschew big, wood-driven and tannin-laden reds; they'll make you feel even more
Not that you ever need a reason to drink pink, or fizz, but summer feels particularly apropo. Refreshing, brisk, dry (or close to), these seriously joyous wines are built for sunshine - and food. Though pinot and chardonnay play leading roles, the cast
Merlot and pinot gris are the most planted red and white grapes in BC. This is followed quickly thereafter by chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, gewürztraminer and riesling. Sound familiar? Chances are, if you drink BC wine, these grapes
Poor zinfandel. Though California’s flagship grape certainly has experienced the highest highs, the ingrained legacy of White Zinfandel has tarnished this bold, layered, spiced red. Hailing from Croatia (where it is known as tribidrag), and also
The challenge of pairing wine and food seems to be one that preoccupies and overwhelms many people needlessly. There is only one key rule to remember: eat and drink what you like. Beyond that, there are a few basic guidelines to help. 1. It
Anthony is in Ireland, ensconced in all things green (and, I would hope, Guinness), while I am here in BC this week seeing only pink. I took a break from tasting #alltherosé (yes, ALL) to attend Top Drop Vancouver, and I truly hope you did as well.
Time flies when you're having this much fun. It's hard to believe that Top Drop Vancouver is into its fifth year now, though with the exceptional lineup of wineries and principals, it's obvious that this little festival of craft has become one of
Consistant with the blooming of colourful cherry blossoms across BC is the flush of local rosés. We've tasted through the first flock of 2017's, and more are popping up weekly. So far I've been very impressed with the high quality of the 2017 wines
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