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: Cipes Blanc de Blanc, 2012
Winery: Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Kelowna
Why drink it? The kids are back in school or have flown the nest. Time to break out the bubbly you’ve had hidden in the back of the fridge all summer. Blanc de blanc refers to sparkling wine made from just white grapes (champagne has other grapes in the mix), and this is from 100 per cent organic Chardonnay grapes. It’s both refreshing and vibrant, while also expressing the toasty creaminess of a typical oaked chard. The nose is fresh apples and honeycomb, the bubbles are “not too bubbly," to quote a friend, and the flavours are... butter cookie dipped in lemon curd.
Price: $46
Pair with: Sparkling white wine always pairs well with fresh seafood: oysters, steamed mussels in white wine and lemon, ceviche, grilled trout or bass. The creamy element in this bottle would do well with a brunch featuring pastries or egg dishes made with a lot of butter.
Music pairing: Swimming in Champagne, Eric Heatherly
Have a wine to suggest? Email Allison at [email protected].