For Canada’s 150th birthday this year, Castanet is featuring an Okanagan wine each week, celebrating the bottles of our Valley and the diversity of the Canadian wine industry, including suggested food pairings and Canadian music artist to listen to while enjoying a glass. For current availability, consult the winery.
Wine: Ehrenfelser, 2015
Winery: Gray Monk, Lake Country
Why drink it? A somewhat uncommon grape in the Okanagan that’s increasingly getting attention, it’s worth seeking out of you want to expand your white wine drinking horizons to something austere (a bonafide wine geek term) and with a nice floral lift. Ehrenfelser is a rare German varietal, a cross between Riesling and Silvaner, with a nose of honey, spring blossoms, and a bit of citrus peel. On the taste buds, expect tropical fruit a lush mouthfeel with a crisp and refreshing finish. Medium sweetness, well-balanced, this one from one of BC’s pioneer wineries is a good intro.
Price: $18
Pair with: Soft, mild cheeses next to a few dried apricots and almonds, creamy desserts – think custards or flan if you’re fancy – or with a seafood bisque loaded with cream. This wine can also pair well with some spicy sauces, or a tropical fruit salad on a hot day.
Classic cancon music pairing: Come on Over, Shania Twain