Top Wine Picks for the New Year
How are those New Year’s resolutions coming along?
Even though we’re already a couple weeks into January, I’m going to recommend you add one more resolution for the year. Let 2017 be the year when you get out of any wine rut you may find yourself in. If you’re getting tired of having the same old Chardonnay or Merlot week after week, head outside of that comfort zone to try new varieties, or wine from a region that may be new to you. Here, a quintet of off-the-beaten path gems that you can order right here at My Wine Canada, and they’ll be on your doorstep in no time.
Moon Curser 2015 Contraband Series Arneis – Okanagan Valley, B.C.
Chris and Beata Tolley play with a myriad of rare grape varieties that we’re not used to seeing on B.C. wine labels. Case in point, this Arneis, which is a white indigenous variety from Northern Italy. Expect a crisp and flinty style with lemon peel, lime leaf, grapefruit pith and plenty of charm.
Unsworth Vineyards 2014 Allegro – Vancouver Island, B.C.
This aromatic, slightly off-dry white is composed of two varieties which aren’t exactly household names. Petit Milo brings tropical fruit like papaya and guava, while Sauvignette features Asian pear and light honey notes. Together, they bring a cheery basket of fruit to the table, perfect with curries or other dishes which may carry a touch of heat.
Sperling Vineyards 2014 Vin Gris of Pinot Noir – Okanagan Valley, B.C.
This one’s so fun! Basically, we have a red grape (Pinot Noir) that has been made in the style of a white wine, with hardly any skin contact. The result is an elegant wine full of red plums, baked apple, a slice of brioche and just a wee pinch of nutmeg.
Benjamin Bridge 2014 Nova 7 – Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia
An East Coast wine well-suited for East Coast seafood, the Nova 7 is a blend of various Muscat varieties offering notes of lychee, green table grapes and fresh Bosc pear. At only seven percent alcohol, you can drink this one by the pint!
Elephant Island Orchard Wines N/V Stellaport – Okanagan Valley, B.C.
This Port-style wine is made from Stella cherries vinified from vintages 2001 through 2013, with a good lashing of French oak keeping things rich and toasty. Layers of dark cherries, stewed blueberries and notes of Balsamic make it a home-run with dark chocolate and strong cheeses.
Click on any of the bottles below to read more information and buy!
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.
