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: Tempest (red blend), 2013
Winery: Lake Breeze, Naramata
Why drink it? A classic Bordeaux blend — or Meritage, as we say here — this is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Merlot. A blend such as this lives up to its name, with a complex mélange of wild blackberries, blueberries, star anise, and notes of vanilla from the French oak treatment. And that’s just after a swirl and sniff. So much more to explore for the taste buds. Dark chocolate, cacao nibs, touches of pepper… a rich, ripe, full bodied wine with notable tannins and a memorable finish, like the sudden departure of a fall thunderstorm.
Price: $50
Pair with: A homemade chilli with a storm of meats; think Italian sausage mixed in with good beef, and a spice blend that isn’t too hot, or a vegetarian stew of slow-roasted fall veggies with plenty of garlic, bold mushrooms, and colourful grilled peppers.
Music pairing: After the Storm, Mumford & Sons
Have a wine to suggest? Email Allison at [email protected].