Winter Wines
It’s been one heck of a year for BC wine growers and producers. From fires to floods, droughts to windstorms, Mother Nature has been chaotic to say the least.
That hasn’t stopped BC’s steadfast wineries. In fact, they released some fabulous vintages just in time for the winter wine season. It’s not only reds that are turning heads this season—whites and rosés are still high on wish lists for the holiday season. Here is a small list of some of my favourites.
Viognier is a great wine to pair with pastas with creamy sauces, as well as seafood. There’s a hint of peach or apricot to this wine, and a smidge of ginger. I love the creamy softness of a good Viognier any time, but there’s something about sipping it on its own in front of a roaring fire that makes the colder months more bearable for this sun-lover.
BC Shiraz/Syrah is known the world over as a winner. With deep red fruit flavours like blackberry and plum, it pairs well with darn near everything, but especially dark chocolate. A hint of black pepper adds a certain warmth to it as you sip and ponder what fun you’ll get into when the snow flies.
Dessert wines are my usual go-to after a long day with the dark night arriving before the workday is done. BC has a plethora of dessert wines to suit almost every palate. They come in red and white, and some could even pass for a rosé. Whichever you choose, they are all delicious! Serve yours after a tasty meal or sip it on its own as you stare up at the clear, cold, starry night.
Icewines (not to be confused with dessert wines) got their start back in the 1700s in Germany. In order to be a true icewine (not a fortified dessert wine) the grapes must freeze on the vine for at least six hours at a sustained temperature of at -8°C or lower. The result is a sweet wine that begs to be sipped and savoured.
Sparkling wines are great for celebrating the holidays. BC is fast becoming known for its great bubbly, and more and more wineries are creating fabulous vintages awash in effervescence. I can honestly say I’ve never tasted a BC sparkling wine that didn’t make me smile.
There’s something magical about winter wine touring in the snow. Many BC wineries are open for tasting during the winter months. This gives you a great opportunity to find your favourite winter wine to enjoy for the rest of the season.
As always, go with a designated driver, or find a wine tour company that provides tours year-round. Whichever you choose, know that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of unique winter wines just waiting for you to discover.