Making the case in black & white
By TOM FIRTH
Looking across the many, many cases of wine that litter my office, I’m often looking for themes or common threads to organize my tastings. In the spirit of never quite knowing how April will turn out (we could be shoveling snow or mowing the lawn—maybe even on the same day), this month we look to two of the great wine grapes. Pinot noir and sauvignon blanc, but with a twist—both from British Columbia. What better way to drink local, but also get an early start on spring. Although the Calgary Edition of Chef Meets BC Grape was planned for April 23rd (now postponed to October), now, more than ever, it’s good to buy and support local whenever we can. Please do consider making your beverage selections local ones.
Township 7 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Okanagan Valley
Coming from the Blue Terrace Vineyard, Township’s sauvignon blanc is pretty awesome. Melon and lemons dominate the nose, but finely balanced on the palate with citrus fruits and zesty acids. A very clean, modern style of the grape, perfect for lighter seafood dishes or poultry. CSPC +34355 $20–25
Evolve 2017 Sauvignon Blanc Okanagan Valley
Fresh, summery fruits with melons, gooseberry, and a decidedly mineral quality on the nose and palate. Feels like a touch of sweetness shows up on the palate lending a minor, rock candy/green apple fruit character. Pretty tasty, and an easy wine to enjoy on the deck or patio on a nice day. CSPC +797732 $22–25
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.
Bench 1775 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Naramata Bench
Big lemon and lemon rind aromas on the palate with a minor influence of vanilla. On the palate, that little bit of oak aging has a big influence, cutting back the citrus and lending a little creamy, buttery tone. Pretty agreeable to drink, would handle roasted fowl, or buttery sauces. CSPC +652180 $24–27
Tom is a freelance wine writer, wine consultant, and wine judge. He is the Managing Editor for Culinaire Magazine, and is the Competition Director for the Alberta Beverage Awards. Follow him on twitter @cowtownwine.
38 Culinaire | April 2020
Mt. Boucherie 2017 Pinot Noir Similkameen Valley
We don’t see a lot of wines from the Similkameen Valley— let alone pinot noir, so this was a bit of a treat. Tight fruits, fresh herbs, and a touch of smoky/spicy tobacco lead the nose, while the palate is well balanced with slightly assertive tannins and zippy acids. Would pair best with earthy or protein-rich dishes with a little fat. CSPC +807653 $29–31
