Why make wine sustainable? So we can enjoy it for generations to come. Here are 10 bottles with which to say “cheers” to Mother Earth. —Janet Helou
CedarCreek Estate Winery 2020 Simes Vineyard Natural Pinot Noir
This low-intervention certified-organic single-vineyard pinot noir opens with tantalizing earthy and leafy characters, quickly followed by blackberry, dark cherry and plum notes. The vegetal qualities of this wine make a great pair with grilled meat and mushrooms.
Wakefield Wines Estate Chardonnay 2021
Launching mid-month, this Clare Valley chard has a beautifully cashew creamy texture from well-integrated French oak, but is lusciously fruity with white peach, citrus and fresh melon. Pair with grilled lobster tails or B.C. spot prawns for an eco-friendly indulgence.
Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio 2020
A classic expression of pinot grigio fresh from the Italian Dolomites—crisp, balanced and thoroughly enjoyable. No need to cellar this one; it’s great served chilled, solo or paired, with pâté or shellfish.
Rodney Strong Vineyards Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Sonoma County is known for its elegant and richly structured cabernets and this wine is no exception. Expect dark fruit with notes of cassis, violet, black pepper and a hint of baking spices. A perennial pair with grilled rack of lamb or, frankly, anything on the barbecue.
Stags’ Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
The year 2018 was kind to Napa Valley, with near-perfect growing conditions, so this big, bold and expressive wine is lush with bramble-berry fruits, brown spice, floral notes and bittersweet chocolate. Instant heaven pairing: extra-sharp cheese followed by espresso-rubbed ribeye steak.
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut
Picture ginger-spiced apricot on toasted brioche with shaved almonds, but with a delicately acidic and racy mineral finish. Then take the essence of this timeless champagne and hug it in a new eco-friendly packaging. Pure bliss, and will pair with positively everything.
King Estate Pinot Gris 2018
This biodynamic from Willamette Valley in Oregon is like a good book: un-put-downable. Fresh fruit notes of citrus and bartlett pear, and papaya on the finish. Both this pinot gris and its cousin pinot noir play perfectly with grilled chicken, cured meats and cheeses.
Tantalus Pinot Noir 2020
The iconic Riesling and pinot noir grapes at Tantalus are grown in a serene and biodiverse vineyard; the pinot noir shows a deep garnet colour and has great black stonefruit character with a touch of allspice, violets and strawberry. Serve ever-so-slightly chilled with beef bourguignon or herb-roasted veggies.
Lincourt Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir
The name of this Santa Barbara County winery is a nod to the strong female presence in the Foley Family—namely the owner’s two daughters, Lindsay and Courtney—in packaging that has been reduced for carbon offset. An elegant and beautifully balanced pinot noir, you’ll get black-fruit character as well as savoury spices and dried meat. Pair this with wild game or fatty fish and you won’t regret it.
Davis Bynum Russian River Valley 2018 Pinot Noir
This wine is a journey, showcasing differences in flavour from distinct sites (three, to be exact) in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. The result: a sip that’s rich, balanced and complex. Try it with grilled salmon, Portobello mushrooms and a spinach salad.
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