Stormy Wines

Electric. Tense. Nervy. Linear. Dark. Complex. These wine descriptors are of a stormy nature and, with the end of fall promising torrential rains and thunderous bolts, sipping dark-and-stormy wines seems to fit the bill. Did you know there is a word for the smell of earthy, wet pavement after a drought’s first rain? Petrichor, and it is a working wine descriptor. "Wet stone" and "flint" are common descriptors for Chablis, while "electric" can accurately depict the acidity of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. And don’t forget the deep, dark reds: brooding, and powerful. In the remarkable manner that wine can transport you, here are a few that will take you right into the eye of the storm. —Laura Starr

tawse limestone ridge riesling "spark". The name doesn’t disappoint. A citrus zip of electric acidity is the backbone for this Ontario gem of bubbly wine. Cosy up to a fire and sip with a fresh bowl of salty, buttery popcorn. tawsewinery.ca

bodega catena zapata "white stones" adrianna vineyards chardonnay. From Argentina, an exceptional Chardonnay with remarkable tension between the austere and stony minerality, the rich, ripe fruit and the salty finish. A perfect storm. catenawines.com

coronica gran teran. Coming to market soon, this Croatian wine is inky and dark but has a silver lining. Mineral-driven acidity and unpredictably fresh fruit juxtapose its deep and smoky tone, and the salty notes of the near-off Adriatic sea tease you back for more. coronica.eu

vanessa vineyard right bank. A formidable Bordeaux-blend from our very own B.C. backyard. This merlot-dominant blend boasts ripe cherries and rich chocolate, with a metallic nip of graphite—like that flash of lightning after you’ve heard the thunder. vanessavineyard.com