I love spring because it means the new releases are here! There are new varietals and new vintages of old favourites waiting to be revealed.
One of my favourite parts of spring, aside from the lack of snow and the end of long dark days, is tasting the latest offerings of my favourite wines. White, sparkling, and the ever-popular rosé wines are out there, waiting for you to discover or rediscover them. The anticipation of will it or won’t it be like last year’s? dangles like the proverbial carrot for wine lovers.
British Columbia has an abundance of great rosés that differ from winery to winery. When you find one you love, it’s a good bet the next year’s vintage will be just as good, and possibly better. To be quite honest, I have yet to taste a rosé that’s disappointed me.
With colours ranging from light blush to an inviting pink, rosés are sure to please. For those of you new to the wonderful world of wine, rosé wines are made by crushing the grapes, skin on, and leaving the skins in for a few hours. That’s what gives the wine its beautiful blush or pink hue. They can lean towards dry or sweet. Most of these pretty pink wines are fresh and fruity with hints of melon, cherries and raspberry. If you lean towards a drier wine, look for one made with a Pinot Noir or Syrah.
Then there’s the anticipation of the new releases of white wines. I do so love a good, robust red in the fall and winter; however, come spring and summer, I want a light and cheerful white to enjoy while relaxing on the deck. I suggest you imagine yourself somewhere inviting outdoors when you taste this year’s offerings. It amazes me how a wine can taste so different when enjoyed on a patio in the fresh air and sunshine.
Then there are the sparkling wines. Every year I am reminded how delicious our BC sparkling wines are. While many think sparkling wines are for winter and holiday celebrations, they are great year-round. They are fabulous on their own as a patio sipper and go great with pretty much everything from cheese to shellfish and salmon, and veggies and mushrooms to desserts. And don’t forget—sparkling wines range from the whitest of whites to the pinkest of rosés, and each has its own unique flavour palate.
While you are out there supporting our BC wineries, make sure you taste some of their reds too. You never know when a well-bodied and balanced red might be needed in the coming months.
Happy tasting, everyone!