There I was, standing in front of the wine cabinet, trying to find something appropriate to pair with our holiday luncheon, and boom – the Carbeau hit me.  

The Carbeau is made of Maréchal Foch, a French hybrid red grape that loves the predominantly wet and cool weather of the Comox Valley.  The method used to make it in this case – carbonic maceration – ensures a fruity and fresh wine with lighter tannins. 

On the eyes, this Vancouver Island grown and raised stunner is an inky purple with a deep nose of ripened field berries and spice.  The palate takes it further with blackberry, blueberry and plum, on a base of mocha nib, nutmeg and a sprinkle of cardamom.  

All these attributes, plus its delicate alcohol, meant this wine was the perfect companion to our menu of Tourtière and Caesar salad.  It also pairs wonderfully with pizza.  

If you live in BC, you can find Beaufort wines at private liquor stores (like Cascadia), or from the winery itself.