Wine Pick of the Week
The best best-value bottles to drink, right now
By DJ Kearney published Dec 17, 2009
The best best-value bottles to drink, right now
August 19, 2010
GATAO VINHO VERDE
$11
This light and lemony wine is the essence of summer. From northern Portugal (and named for a cat) this lithe white blends four characterful Iberian grapes in a dry, delicate, minerally, citrusy, grapey glass of chilled pleasure. Light in alcohol and easy on the wallet.
Find more best-value light white wines
August 12, 2010
RIGAMAROLE ROSÉ 2008
$15
B.C. +618785
Soak up the colours and flavours of the Chinatown festival at your fav Chinese local or take-out, and sip this juicy rosé. Fruity wines are the best accompaniments to exotic flavours and chili-heat, and B.C.’s own Rigamarole rosé packs bouncy red berry fruit, herbal notes into a crimson-hued wine with a clean, dry finish.
Find more best-value rosé wines
August 5, 2010
St. Hallett Poacher's Blend 2009
$14
Australian music is the commemorative focus of MusicFest (Aug. 6-15th) so it's sensible to slake your summer thirst with this charming white blend from down undah! Mouth-filling tropical fruit (mostly semillon, sauvignon blanc and a spike of riesling), crunchy acid and a creamy finish will keep your billy boiling to the tune of the didgeridoo.
Find more best-value medium white wines
July 29, 2010
Mionetto Il Prosecco
$18
As they say in Italy, ‘Prosecco is a lifestyle.' A sunny summer weekend begs for a super-chilled glass of Mionetto's gently sparkling wine that is nicely dry and softly fruity. Peaches are in the markets now and it's easy to mix a big batch of the original Bellini - fresh white peach juice and icy prosecco.
Find more best-value sparkling wines
July 22, 2010
Nk'Mip Pinot Noir 2007
$20
Two reasons to enjoy local hero Nk'Mip Pinot Noir this weekend - Cirque du Soleil is in town, and it's salmon-on-the grill time. The pinot noir grape is a true contortionist, shape-shifting circus character. Nk'Mip pinot is a high-wire act of cherries and earth with a gloss of sweet oak. Grill the salmon, drink the wine, skytrain to the circus.
Find more best-value medium red wines
June 24, 2010
ROAD 13 HONEST JOHN'S ROSÉ 2008
$17
B.C. +357327 (Private Wine Stores)
It's officially summer and nothing's better on a hot day than a crisp, cold rosé. This one is a B.C. Pinot Noir with a dash of Syrah. The Syrah adds colour and a spicy note to the juicy flavours of the Pinot. Fire up the BBQ and pair with a roasted chicken.
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April 29, 2010
SANDHILL SMALL LOTS BARBERA 2006
$29.99
Winemaker Howard Soon has been trying for years to get the Okanagan to realize the potential of Barbera. This year's offering—only 432 cases—is the best yet, showcasing the grape's jammy character and long lingering finish.
Find more best-value red wines
April 15, 2010
LAURENZ UND SOPHIE SINGING GRUNER VELTLINER 2008
$21.99
This super adaptable, aptly named, drink-anytime white is perfect with mushroom risotto or linguine vongole. Terrific value, with classic lime and mineral notes.
Find more best-value medium white wines
April 8, 2010
SPINELLI MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2007
$9.99
There are good buys, and there are utterly ridiculous good buys. Make a note: when you have that ‘all I want is a good honest gutsy go-to serve it up anytime red' craving, this is exactly what you are after. Funky, rustic, jammy - pizza wine par excellence.
Find more best-value light red wines
April 1, 2010
ROAD 13 OLD VINES CHENIN BLANC 2008
$18.99
Very serious Golden Mile Bench white that should be declared a national treasure: the vines are over 40 years old, and therefore candidates for the oldest vinifera vines in BC. Steely, uncompromising. Lemony, minerally, vibrant, and sheer perfection with fresh Kumamoto oysters.
