We sipped, we swirled, we savoured: all to bring you the Top 10 Wine discoveries from Cornucopia 2014.
Domaine Perret Jongiiaux: While learning of more obscure French wines we discovered this beauty from Savoie, complete with romantic label. Never heard of the varietal “Jacquere?” A perfect excuse to try a bottle.
$19 at BCLD, www.bcliquorstores.com
Burring Owl Sauvignon Blanc: There’s a reason this is their best-selling wine: approachable, lively, and a perfect pairing with oysters, sushi, or ahi tuna. Bring on the seafood crudo. $22, winery direct at www.bovwine.ca
Meyer Family Vineyards Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir: A fabulous discovery from Okanagan Falls, the 2012 could not ask for a better dining companion than wild B.C. salmon. $25, winery direct at www.mfvwines.com
Moon Curser Vineyards Contraband Syrah: There’s tremendous value in this peppery Syrah, redolent of violet and the sagebrush of its Okanagan terroir. Stock up. $25 at BCLD, www.bcliquorstores.com
Haywire Free Form: This just-released Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc blend from Summerland, B.C., is complex and botanical, smelling of fresh-cut white flowers. That it’s made naturally makes you feel less guilty about that third glass. $29.90, winery direct at http://okanagancrushpad.com
Seresin Leah Pinot Noir: This biodynamically grown Pinot from Marlborough, New Zealand, blew us away with its honesty and authenticity. It’s clearly a labour of love from the vineyard’s owner, Michael Seresin, cinematographer for Angela’s Ashes and Harry Potter.
$40 at BCLD, www.bcliquorstores.com
Mathieu and Camille Lapierre Morgon: This ready-to-drink natural Gamay by a brother-sister French winemaking team tastes of the terroir: rock, granite, graphite. Pair it with fowl like turkey or pheasant for a celebratory dinner. $40 at BCLD, www.bcliquorstores.com
Domaine Drouhin “Laurene” Pinot Noir 2010: Araxi restaurant paired this elegant example of Pinot with confit of pheasant ravioli, and we couldn’t agree more. It had us at “Williamette Valley.” $50 at BCLD, www.bcliquorstores.com
Marcarini “Brunate” Barolo DOCG, 2009: If your stock portfolio underperformed this quarter, try investing instead in this red, whose assertive character (incense, balsamic) is certain to grow bigger over time. This is roast tenderloin wine. $60 at BCLD, www.bcliquorstores.com
Champagne Baron-Fuenté Brut Grand Millesime 2006: A true French Champagne for an entry-level price, this bubbly has creamy, yeasty notes of sourdough bread. A perfect holiday aperitif, or to ring in 2015. $59 at BCLD, www.bcliquorstores.com
Cheers! —Sarah Bancroft
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