Join our wine writer, Allison Markin, every week for a wine review complete with food and music pairings. Featuring Okanagan and Canadian wines, with an occasional international bottle, Castanet celebrates the bottles of our Valley and the diversity of the Canadian wine industry and influences from around the world. For current availability and pricing, consult the winery. Unless indicated, international selections are generally available at government liquor stores or private wine shops.
Wine: Meritage (red blend), 2013
Winery: Vanessa Vineyard, Cawston
Why drink it? More attention should be paid to wines coming from the Similkameen, like this gorgeous blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Meritage is our answer to the Bordeaux blend, but with respect to our Okanagan terroir. This bottle exhibits a mildly wild mix of mocha, sage, and the scent of granite after a rainstorm on the nose, with an elegance on the palate that is also somewhat... untamed. Liquorice, dark cherry, espresso bean, and dust tannins lead to a long finish. Pour this into the glass of someone who insists French wines can’t be beat, and prove them wrong.
Price: $40
Pair with: The default choice is a really good steak, untouched by sauces but lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. A hearty lamb dish, or a ragout (with or without meat) with roasted tomatoes and spices, or a pasta dish with a red-wine infused sauce and shaved Manchego cheese.
Music pairing: The Look of Love by Dusty Springfield
Have a wine to suggest? Email Allison at [email protected].