Jan 27 2011

summer in january

Category: Wine tasting — winepost @ 3:35 pm

It’s on: white wine night in January. Time to bring some sunshine to my glass and a smile to the faces of my friends. Or so I hope.

Hosting a wine night doesn’t have to be complicated – especially if you don’t really play by the ‘rules’. As you know, I’m all about having fun with wine. That means experimenting and making things easy rather than difficult… and throwing out the rule book.

The easiest way to enjoy a wine night is to stop fretting about the food. (I’m sure foodies everywhere collectively cringed when I say this) It’s true. Nothing spices things up quite like a potluck. Yes, the food pairing element may be a bit whacked, but if you inform guests ahead of time as to what will be served (read: booze), you’ll find your guests are more inventive than you may have given them credit for.

Last wine night I hosted I picked wine by varietal and went a la brown bag style – a blind tasting. This round, we’re throwing it all out the window; the only consistency here is that they’re white wines. The only common denominator is that they’re all BC wines – which means there will be a little something for everyone.

This variety means guests can have fun with foods. I’ve left no instructions, other than to bring something to eat. Some may pair their contribution with a particular wine, others may throw caution to the wind. Whatever happens, it’ll be fun – and that (to me) is what wine nights are all about.

The list for our January White Wine Night includes, in no particular order:

  • Sumac Ridge 2007 Pinnacle
  • Jackson-Triggs ‘Esprit’ 2007 Chardonnay
  • Gehringer Brothers 2009 Pinot Blanc
  • Peller Estates 2009 Pinot Gris
  • St. Hubertus 2008 Pinot Blanc
  • Peller Estates Reserve 2007 Riesling
  • Hijas Bonitas 2008 Casabella
  • Le Vieux Pin 2008 7 Blanc
  • Red Rooster 2009 Reserve Pinot Gris
  • Jackson-Triggs 2007 Sunrock Vineyards Chardonnay
  • (plus a few special guests…TBA)

I have a feeling this will be one unforgettable way to un*wine*d on a Saturday in January. Some of us will be live-tweeting from the night, so feel free to play along – just follow the #bcwine hashtag on Twitter, sometime after 7pm.

Cheers!

~ Jeannette

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Jan 25 2011

fair weather wines

Category: Wine tasting — winepost @ 9:51 pm

Many of my friends experience a cyclical effect with regard to wine consumption and the changing of our oh-so-Canadian seasons. Some cravings are typical, like the want of a bright white wine on a warm summer day or a big red wine on a winter evening. However, one of my pals gets all Riesling in the winter months (I know, she’s odd).

Our psyches seem programmed with expectations this time of year. I find myself wanting to open up that sleeper red from the basement, well ahead of schedule, just to have a sip. Until I have enough funds to purchase my very own enomatic machine, that won’t end well for my cellar.

In the spirit of shaking things up – as I love to do – I figured it was time for a white wine evening. In January. Yep. Why not? I like the images of summer that a pretty white wine can impart – particularly when it’s damn cold outside my window.

Last weekend, my fella and I hopped in our friend’s vintage car (1957 De Soto) and cruised with them across the border to indulge in a fabulous Mexican feast – complete with margaritas (and perhaps a tequila shooter). After making our way home, we popped open the 2009 Pinot Gris from Ex Nihilo. Celebrate that crisp acidity, tropical fruits and refreshing summer quality – we were too full to pair it with food, which would have been a bit more enjoyable. A bright summer wine, nonetheless.

I realize it’s time to celebrate some bright wines in the hopes of combating the January (and February) blahs. Besides – our fridge is full.

Allow me to introduce the January White Wine Night. Scheduled for this coming weekend (and graciously hosted by that dear Riesling-loving friend), it’s bound to bring sunshine to our winter gloom. And we – or at least I – need that.

I’ll post the wine list after taking inventory in the fridge; I’m sure I have a few more ready to consume bottles hanging about in the cellar. Meanwhile, think on what your favourite summer wine is. Then go get it. And drink it. Now. Bring a summer un*wine*d moment to your January.

Cheers!

~ Jeannette

Tags: ,

Jan 06 2011

you win some…

Category: Wine tasting — winepost @ 11:26 pm

It’s the start of a new year. That means an increase in gym memberships, a decrease in fast food sales and the eventual rebound – broken resolutions and a spike in business for said fast food joints. Like the tide, it’s fairly predictable.

One of the things I’m starting to do at the beginning of a new year is to include new things in my life – sort of a shopping hangover from Boxing Day, if you will. Considering my love of BC wine, it’s appropriate to try some I haven’t yet swilled.

My fella and I entertained some friends before our New Year’s Eve celebration of bubbles and fondue (which was fabulous with Toblerone as the chocolate contribution). Fortunately, our fridge (and cellar) is usually stocked with a variety of wines, so I rummaged through the offerings. Something not quite sweet yet not too big…ah, yes. It was time for gewürztraminer.

Pretty and delicate with a hint of spring, the ’09 Gewurztraminer from Pentage is just what the situation called for. Easy to drink on its own, it was a lovely way to glide into an evening filled with brilliant taste sensations.

…and so, we get to the unspoken in the intro.

The next newbie for my taste buds was one I shared during a podcast with the folks at Wine Country BC – I’m an occasional guest, perhaps for entertainment value as I’m not known for my extensive wine vocab. My contribution: a 2008 Pinot Gris from Thornhaven. Coincidentally, the podcast was about cork vs screw cap and this bottle was a Stelvin (brand of screw cap).

I have to admit that this particular example wasn’t to my taste. I don’t think it’s indicative of what BC (especially the Okanagan) can do with pinot gris; most are fresh and light, conjuring images of sun showers and warm summer evenings. This was what I call a wedding wine – something vague in your glass that you set down on a table and don’t worry about leaving behind. I’d like to try another vintage and varietal, or two, before passing judgement.

It’s a whole new year, and we’ve got a whole bunch of great BC wine to try. What new to you wine will you be tasting? Let us know what you un*wine*d with. After all, you don’t want me to think I’m drinking alone. I may develop a twitch, and that could make me spill my wine.

Cheers! ~ Jeannette

Tags: , , ,