MAKING THE CASE
Autumn is on its way By TOM FIRTH
September just might be my favourite month in Calgary. It’s rarely too hot during the day, but the chilly mornings and late evenings keep the insects from being too much bother, It is still nice enough for shorts during the day and outdoor recreation, but in the wee hours, it’s nice to have the patio heater or fire pit going, and enjoy a glass or two. For many, back to school brings a sense of normalcy, or at least a reason to head off to bed at a normal hour, but it’s a good opportunity to have some nice meals outdoors while the sun is still shining. This month, I’ve tried to cover a wide range of local and international bottles with some that evoke summer, and some that might help us prepare for the winter months. This month as well, we have a few non-alcoholic wines for those that might be foregoing a tipple, but still longing for something a little different. Find these wines by searching the CSPC code at Liquorconnect.com; your local liquor store can also use this code to order it for you. Prices are approximate.
La Doncella 2018 Rosado La Mancha, Spain
An almost bone-dry rosé hailing from La Mancha with cool, tasty flavours of generous fruits and mild herbaciousness. A blend of tempranillo, syrah, and merlot really work well here showing off a richer, more flavourful palate that is just at home on a back deck or with some salty snacks of the crunchy kind. Bloody good tipple for a hot day. CSPC +779200 about $20-22
Loxton Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine, Australia
There are a great many reasons why someone might opt for a non-alcoholic wine, and it’s wonderful to have more choices than ever before. Loxton’s sparkling wine is a little softer on the nose, letting delicious apple fruits and a touch of biscuit show through. The palate is all about fresh pressed apples, in a light, fresh expression that does lack a little of the body that alcohol can bring, but very refreshing. CSPC +900980 About $8-10
Tantalus 2020 Rosé, Okanagan Valley British Columbia
Tantalus might be deservedly well known for their incredible rieslings, but their rosé is noteworthy too. Made with pinot noir and pinot meunier, this summer-evoking rosé brings out the zesty orange and berry fruits that sing with the acids in this lovely, dry wine for these last warm days. CSPC +740513 $30-34
Tom is a freelance wine writer, wine consultant, and wine judge. He is the Managing Editor for Culinaire Magazine, and the Competition Director for the Alberta Beverage Awards. Follow him on twitter @cowtownwine, email tom@culinairemagazine.ca.
38 Culinaire | September 2021
Black Hills 2019 Nota Bene, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
As this iconic Okanagan Valley wine reaches the significant milestone of its 21st vintage, it is also a snapshot of the maturation of Canada’s premium wines. Merlot dominant for only the third time with cabernet sauvignon accounting for about a third of the blend and cabernet franc, and finally a touch of petit verdot to round things out, in some ways, this is a softer, more refined expression that should cellar with grace. CSPC +708073 $63-67
