Category Archives: WHITE

Amphora Viognier-Rousanne, Laughing Stock Vineyards, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2014, 14.2% abv. C$24, 500 ml.

When my certified expert in Italian wine friend called me to share a bottle of a made-in-BC wine using amphorae from Chianti, there was no hesitation on my part. Medium gold with a fleshy peach overtone and deep legs, the grapes … Continue reading

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Domaine Huet, Clos du Bourg, Moelleux, Première Trie, Vouvray AC, Loire, France, 2002, 12.5% abv, US$ 45 (half bottle)

Chenin Blanc is one of the most versatile grapes.  This wine is a botrytised, sweet version from Domaine Huet located in Vouvray, Loire Valley, France. If you actually knew what these grapes look like when picked, you may not want to … Continue reading

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Domaine de Ferrand, Philippe Bravay Vignobles, Châteauneuf du Pape, Orange, France, 2012, 15% abv, bottle #03458, US$54

Here’s a GSM from 5 ha of vines located in the region of La Gardiole and Cabrières near Orange, in the northern part of Châteauneuf du Pape.  The recipe on this wine is 95% Grenache with 2% Syrah, 2% Mourvèdre and a … Continue reading

Posted in Bourboulenc, France, Grenache / Garnacha, Mouvedre, Monastrell, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pergolo, Prosecco DOC, Treviso, Valdobbiadene, Italy, NV, 11% abv, C$13

Breakfast wine is the best stuff.  Here’s a version that is so reasonably priced, you can buy two! Bottled at Mionetto at nelle Cantine di Crocetta del Montello in north eastern Italy, this is a light, bubbly Prosecco made from … Continue reading

Posted in Glera, Italy, Prosecco, Prosecco, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Chardonnay, Louis Jadot, Pouilly-Fuissé AOC, Mâconnais, France, 13% abv.

Pouilly-Fuissé is located in Burgundy’s Mâconnais subregion and Chardonnay is its only grape.  Its wines are usually good deals and cheaper than those from the north of Burgundy.  There, a good tip for when all those wines are swimming in front … Continue reading

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Champagne Gatinois, Aÿ Grand Cru, Brut Tradition, Champagne, France, NV, 12% abv. C$60

Here is a champagne from deep in the Marne in tiny Aÿ, located to the east of Épernay.  This is a 90% Pinot Noir based champagne with 10% Chardonnay, but it’s 100% Grand Cru and grown on the 7.3 ha … Continue reading

Posted in Champagne, Chardonnay, France, OTHER, Pinot Noir | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Pluma, Casa de Vila Verde, Vinho Verde DOC, Portugal, 10.5% abv.

There at the Wines of Portugal – Vancouver tasting table #40 was Ricardo Jorge Pinto Correia, the Director of Casa Santos Lima with a line up of wines to show Vancouver. Friendly, unflappable and enthusiastic about his wares, Ricardo happily explained … Continue reading

Posted in Arinto, Avesso, Loureiro, Treixadura / Trincadero, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Miraval, Rosé, Jolie-Pitt & Perrin, Provence AC, France, 2014, 13% abv. 19.50 GBP / C$29 ++

There’s not much about this famous Brangelina – Perrin brothers product you can’t find on the internet.  A quick search brings up a mere 27,900 links on Google.  It was named on Wine Spectator’s 100 top wines of 2013 as the … Continue reading

Posted in Cinsault, France, Grenache / Garnacha, OTHER, Rolle, ROSE, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Casal Garcia, Vinho Verde DOC, Portugal, 9.5% abv, C$12.75 ++

Young and refreshing – just as promised in Portuguese on the label!  This is cheap and cheerful at its best. Vinho Verde literally means ‘green wine’ but refers to the fact that it’s supposed to be enjoyed young.  Make sure … Continue reading

Posted in Arinto, Azal, Loureiro, Portugal, Treixadura / Trincadero, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

AcÚstic, Garnaxa Blanca, Montsant DO, Spain, 2012, 14% abv. C$27 @ Marquis Wine Cellars

Montsant DO lies literally in a ring around tiny Priorat DOQ just inland on the northeastern shores of Spain, southwest of Barcelona.  Oft ignored as ‘lesser than’ compared to the tinier but mightier DOQ it surrounds, this wine is proof … Continue reading

Posted in OTHER, Spain, WHITE, White Grenache / Garnacha / Garnaxa | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment