Winter whites

In cold weather, wine drinkers tend to gravitate to red wines to enjoy with heartier dishes on the winter menu.

Big, bold reds are maybe not top of mind in the summer heat, but that said, white wines deserve a sip in sub-zero temperatures.

There are a number of options to explore (beyond sparkling wine, which is delightful anytime), such as these.

Dry Riesling:

Choose a drier style of this varietal, instead of the more common semi-sweet options. The floral notes on the nose will still be there, but perhaps with some diesel notes.

It might be bone dry on the palate, but enjoyably refreshing with seafood or vegetarian fare. Suggestions:

• Quails’ Gate Dry Riesling
• Nk’Mip
• Tantalus.

Oaked Chardonnay:

Unoaked is fine too, but you may want a bigger, buttery “chardie” to enjoy, balanced with toasty notes, alongside a creamy risotto, grilled salmon, or chicken pot pie Suggestions:

• Just about any bottle from Little Engine
• Le Vieux Pin Equinoxe
• MacIntyre Astra.

Pinot Gris

Food friendly and easy drinking, ask for a richer version with some nice body. You may find quiet a variance in colour, some may have a slight pinkish hue. Refreshing citrus notes and acidity, usually unoaked, but give an oaked version a try next to an unoaked.

Suggestions:

• Township 7
• Blue Mountain
• Haywire Switchback.

Marsanne / Roussanne / Viognier:

You’ll find these three grapes on their own, or in a blend of two or all three. The blends are most intriguing and bold enough to satisfy someone who only drinks red.

Marsanne is often has pear and spice notes. Roussanne brings in herbal aromatics. Viognier, a backbone of body. Suggestions:

• Pentâge Roussanne-Marsanne Viognier
• Road 13 Roussanne,
• Intersection Marsanne
• Summerhill Tan Vineyard Viognier.

Dessert:

Icewine or late harvest, when it’s time for après-ski, binging on shortbread, or you’ve got a selection of strong cheeses to contrast the sweetness of these wines (think bleu cheese, gorgonzola, or very sharp cheddar), bring on a luscious bottle.

Suggestions:

• Stag’s Hollow Vidal
• CedarCreek Riesling,
• Bench 1775 Sunrise.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Through Dec. 29, various locations: The wineries of Great Okanagan Estates are holding as variety of events from charcuterie pairings to a holiday feast.

Dec. 6-8, Keremeos/Cawston: Members of the Similkameen Independent Winegrowers Light Up with a variety of open house activities.

Dec. 7, Okanagan Falls: Get creative at Noble Ridge with a Sip and Dip Water Marbling Workshop.

Dec. 7-8, Salmon Arm: Ovino Winery hosts a Christmas Open House.

Dec. 7-8, Naramata: Maple Leaf Spirits hosts its annual Christmas Open House, with guest First Things First Okanagan and Maison Mulnati.

Dec. 8, Naramata: Head up to Chute Lake Lodge for Light Up the Lodge.

Dec. 9- 10, Oliver: Enjoy Seasonal Pairings at Backyard Vineyards, and learn the elements of food and wine pairing.

Dec. 14- 15, Naramata: Visit Da Silva Vineyards for tastings by donation in support of the SPCA.

Dec. 14- 15, Penticton and Langley: Both of the Township 7 winery locations host open houses.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.