Making The Case

for solid, good value, white wines

By TOM FIRTH

This month, white wines have been on my mind. While there is a wonderful world of great red wines out there, often they get all the glory while the variety of white wines are overshadowed by simple, crushable pinot gris and the like. This month, there are more than a few wonderful, well-priced chardonnays, which are perfect for these beautiful, frosty-brown sort of days. You know, it’s probably going to snow once or twice in April, being Alberta and all, so it’s a great month to start thinking about the warmer weather on the way, patio dining, or even chilling on the deck watching the snow melt. This month’s wines focus a little more on well-known grapes from solid, reputable producers with an emphasis on good value.

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.

Calliope 2018 Figure 8 British Columbia

Mostly pinot gris and viognier – both varietals that thrive in the Okanagan, this blend is all about checking off the right boxes for a warm weather sipper. All the bright fruit of the pinot gris with the peach and power of good viognier, wrapped up in a silky, fresh palate that will do very well paired with lighter seafood dishes, poultry, or even some chips on the deck. It’s a party pleaser. CSPC +333880 $18-21

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.

Jim Barry 2019 Watervale Riesling Clare Valley, Australia

Australia might not spring to mind when it comes to riesling, but a number of appellations “down under” are wellsuited to this incredible variety. Rather dry on the palate with a good blend of tart apple and lime fruits with a clean, zesty mineral laden finish. Pretty damned good for any day of the week. CSPC +814597 $24-28

Santa Julia 2020 Pinot Grigio Mendoza, Argentina

A wonderful quaffer of a pinot grigio, and one accented by zesty, prominent citrus flavours. It’s got a little more of the brightness and structure that some French pinot gris or some Canadian examples might have over one from Argentina, but it’s exceptional value and should be on hand for when the need arises, especially on a summery evening. CSPC +749041 $15-18

Bartier Brothers 2019 Semillon Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Semillon is such a wonderful grape, and one that stands alone (without sauvignon blanc as in white Bordeaux) so well. Lemon and lanolin lead off the nose with a strong mineral presence and just a pinch of tropical fruit. On the palate dry, with excellent mouthfeel and a deep citrus character. Damn good, it’s calling out for roasted poultry, freshwater fish, or salty snacks. CSPC +244137 About $24-26

Hillside Estates 2019 Gewürztraminer Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Absolutely stunning on the nose with quince and lychee fruits and a decidedly summery floral bouquet. Quite dry, but certainly not bone-dry, this is a rich and expressive bottle of BC gewürztraminer that would be just at home on the deck or patio as it would over the dinner table with sushi, salads, or fresh fruit. CSPC +505206 $20-24

Bartier Brothers 2019 Gewürztraminer Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Done well, gewürztraminer is all about spice and bright tropical fruits, and never flabby on the palate. Beautiful and intense on the nose with a pinch of sweetness on the palate, but expertly balanced by the zesty acids. This wine will be a lovely match with some Asian inspired fusion cuisine, or lighter seafood dishes. CSPC +877373 About $24-26

Zuccardi 2020 “Q” Chardonnay Uco Valley, Argentina

Argentinian wine is so much more than just malbec, and it warms my heart when other grapes show off what else this wine producing country is capable of. A crisp and rather juicy chardonnay with a smidge of buttery or vanilla bean flavours. A crowd-pleasing style of chardonnay that would match up nicely with grilled seafood or some pork kebabs. CSPC +842785 About $23-26

William Hill 2018 Chardonnay North Coast, California

This was a rather new bottle to me that I hadn’t tried before, and it certainly stands out from the others on this page. Creamy, yet tart with denser fruit presence on the palate but also a stronger oak character steering the profile away from vanilla and moving into toasty, biscuity flavours. Comes together nicely at all stages, but I’d lean towards pairing this with stronger flavoured foods. CSPC +775809 $21-24

Imagery 2018 Sauvignon Blanc California

A zesty and clean sauvignon blanc with lemon, gooseberry and quince aromas. On the palate, the profile is a little less citrus driven, but still crisp and tropical. A rather smash-able sauvignon blanc, well suited to a warm evening and a little nosh like summer salads, or finger foods. CSPC +822511 $22-26

Louis Latour Bourgogne Chardonnay Burgundy, France

There are perhaps some arguments that the whites of Burgundy in France are still the highest expression of chardonnay, and in many cases, the Burgundian style is the perfect balance of fruit and oak for the grape. Latour here is exceptionally well priced with good tropical fruits and a fair bit of oak lending creaminess and toasted, almost nutty notes to the finish. Lovely juice. CSPC +55533 $24-27

Noble Ridge 2019 “Noble” Stony Knoll Chardonnay, Okanagan Falls British Columbia

A rather new offering from BC’s Noble Ridge, the “Noble” wines are presenting wonderful value and some of that OK Falls terroir. Aptly described as having a “hint of oak” which allows the brighter, tropical fruits to shine through on the nose and palate with just a touch of creaminess. This wine has tremendous versatility at the table too. CSPC +769514 $26-28

Yalumba 2019 The Y Series Viognier South Australia

One of my favourite white grapes, viognier is a never a wallflower, but often the wine in the centre of the room with a heck of a story to tell. Peaches and nectarines lead off on the nose with intense floral tones and a lot of lime zest. The palate is dry and brassy with abundant fruit and a mild oily texture. Big and wonderful, it will complement all manner of fruit dishes or poultry. CSPC +624502 $18-21

Mer Soleil 2018 Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Once, Mer Soleil was almost impossible to keep in stock, as fans of big, buttery chardonnay love this benchmark example. Many consumers have since moved on to other grapes, but Mer Soleil is still a paradigm of the oak-driven style. Creamy tropical fruits of pineapple and banana with pear and apple fruits and abundant oak flavours, this will pair with roasted poultry, steaks, and even lobster tails. CSPC +453142 $39-42