MAKING THE CASE
Back to Local By TOM FIRTH
A
year in transition, 2020 has become in part, a year to reevaluate many of our habits and activities. Was this the year you got in shape? Spent less time shopping and more time with friends and family (in a responsible fashion of course)? Maybe you resolved to direct more of your discretionary dollars to businesses in your community. While Alberta doesn’t have a suitable climate for growing grapes, many high quality wines are made across Canada, and if we can’t get our wine fix locally, supporting the True North Strong and Free with your wine dollars makes good sense. 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.
Foreign Affair 2015 Apologetic Red Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
An Ontario cabernet franc made with slightly dried grapes (the appassimento method) akin to the famous wine of Italy – amarone – sure, sign me up. Deeply coloured with a slightly russet tone, aromas have some raisin characters with brambly, cherry jelly fruits. Flavours are rich and slightly sweet with good balance throughout. A little weird, but very tasty. CSPC +809500 $65-70
Mission Hill 2019 Reserve Rosé Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Sourced from fruit around Osoyoos and Oliver, this rosé will help cool you down on the deck or patio. Quite dry but not bone dry, it shows cotton candy and raspberry with mild herb and mint leaf characters. Pretty smashable, it works with lighter or grilled fish, poultry, or salty snacks. CSPC +814460 About $16-19
Black Hills 2018 Nota Bene, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
20 years of Nota Bene… I’ve been fortunate enough to taste every vintage; not only is it an excellent barometer of quality in the Okanagan, but it’s also a treat to enjoy. This year’s release seems a little “quieter” than many of the previous releases, perhaps a little softer too, but on the back palate, a core of pure steel emerges with tightly wound tannins, deep, earthy notes and floral tones that should evolve so well over the years – as always. Perhaps one of my favourite vintages of Nota Bene so far. CSPC +708073 $67-70
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 | September 2020
Foreign Affair 2016 The Conspiracy Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
A classic Bordeaux blend of mostly cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon, showing slightly cooler climate expressions with tar and cedar, spice and cherry aromas. In the mouth, big and almost chewy tannins are well supported by plenty of fruit and weight. Easily pairs with classic barbecue fare or perhaps braised brisket or pulled pork sandwiches. CSPC +769631 Around $20-23
