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: B.M.V. Riesling, 2017
Winery: Quails’ Gate, West Kelowna
Why drink it? It’s not often (or perhaps ever), that an age-worthy Riesling comes along in the Okanagan, but this barrel-fermented version can be enjoyed now or in a couple of years. Beautiful aromas of peach blossoms and the scent of a fresh rain storm on warm asphalt will remind you of a Germanic Riesling, and the off-dry style is balanced with sharp green apple and lime zest. Those flavours mingle with Okanagan stone fruits, “zippy” acidity that leads to a lengthy finish and a rich mouthfeel, thanks to the barrel treatment. Unique, and sure to elicit an, “oh, that’s different," comment or two.
Price: $30
Pair with: An accidental snack of salted cashews and sunflower seeds worked well, but if you’re not rushing out the door, steelhead trout with a side of basmati rice or another mildly-spiced dish will be delightful, as will a course of soft cheeses as a finale to dinner.
Music pairing: Forever in Blue Jeans, Neil Diamond
Have a wine to suggest? Email Allison at [email protected].