Top Wine Picks! - New Autumn Releases

Things are cooling down, the leaves are changing colour, and wineries are releasing new wines that are perfect for the season. From a bunch of new releases I’ve tasted through so far, here are a trio I’m crushin’ on pretty hard - all three available right here at My Wine Canada!

1) Clos du Soleil 2014 Rosé – Okanagan Valley, B.C. - $19.90

The first thing you’ll note about this pink wine, made from Cabernet Sauvignon, is that it’s not overly pink - instead erring towards a light, brick red colour with a kiss of orange at its heart. Rhubarb, red currants and bay leaf on the nose lead to a savoury palate of blood orange, marmalade and the tiniest hint of cocoa on the finish. A rather fascinating bottle, I get a little something extra each time I go back to the glass. Strawberries start tumbling forward, and then lightly-stewed heirloom tomatoes rise to the surface. Wood-fired pizza is ideal, but a store-bought, pre-made version heated up in the oven will do juuust fine! ($19.90, 13% alcohol)

2) JoieFarm 2013 Gamay – Okanagan Valley, B.C. - $24

Red, plummy fruit, white truffle and violet aromatics mingle very well together - dare I say intoxicatingly so? On the palate, plenty of savoury plummy notes, along with soft berry fruit like huckleberry, salmon berry and mulberry. While this is a light-ish red and its flavours are bright and lofty, there’s definitely enough weight to carry dishes that have some richness: duck confit, braised short ribs and so on. I’d love to see more British Columbian wineries play around with the variety - always happy to be a booster of the #GoGamayGo movement! ($24.00, 13.5% alcohol)

3) Okanagan Crush Pad 2014 Narrative Red – Okanagan Valley, B.C. - $19.90

Composed of Gamay and Syrah grapes grown in central and south Okanagan, this wine simply tastes of the place it calls home. Sun-soaked cherry orchards, limestone-rich terrain, strewn wild berries and a dusting of sagebrush combine together pleasingly on both the nose and palate - ideally served with a hint of a chill. No need for effort alongside this light-on-its-feet charmer - just slice up some decent cheese, charcuterie, a little crusty baguette, and you’re on your way! ($19.90, 12.9%)

Kurtis Kolt is a Vancouver-based wine consultant, writer, competition judge and enthusiast. Track him down at KurtisKolt.com, or on Twitter and Instagram @KurtisKolt.