This weeks City Cellar is going to take you off the beaten path by asking you to try one of these bottles that us wine guys love to geek out over for their value, quality and outright weirdness. The wine world offers so many journeys, opportunities and experiences that too often a whole flock of great ones fly under the radar. Were gonna leave the Merlots, Chardonnays and all of their familiar brethren behind, venturing into what I hope will be uncharted territory for most.
Cos 2010 Frappato | Sicily | $32.99 | BC Liquor Stores
A very juicy and herbaceous biodynamic red made from the Frappato grape, which youd be hard pressed to find beyond Sicilys shores. Quite plummy with sweet bing cherry notes and a light dusting of fresh dill, thyme and anise. At first sip you may think its pretty simple and quaffable, but almost like those Magic Eye posters of the late-90s, if you look a little closer youll be surprised at how much depth there is. This cult-favourite, critical darling works best in place of a Gamay or Pinot Noir with things like poultry, duck or salmon.
Chateau Musar 1999 White | Bekaa Valley, Lebanon | $35-ish | Private Wine Stores
Growing at 1200 metres above sea level on Mount Lebanon, the Obaideh and Merwah grapes that go into this blend are most similar to Chardonnay and Semillon respectively. Of course, I have no experience with either one on its own, so Im just gonna take their word for it. Organically grown and then fermented in oak for nine months, the wine ends up tasting like a crazy combination of a heavily-oaked Chardonnay, a briney Fino Sherry and a classic scrumpy apple cider. The crazy thing is that it works. Id venture to say if you like at least two out of those three things, youll like this wine. Promise me three things though; ensure its not too chilled (it shows off more character this way,) drink it out of the biggest wine glasses you own (same reason) and give it at least three sips before you reach your verdict. As a fun bonus for all that extra effort, it pairs well with everything from fish to steak.
Alliance Loire Les Legeriens Rose dAnjou | Loire Valley, France | $14.95 | BC Liquor Stores
Steadfast and focussed, Im continuing on with my gospel of drinking pink wine in the winter (We drink whites during these months, dont we?) they can be some of the best food wines for your table. Made from the Grolleau grape and tasting like red Jolly Ranchers, this thirst-quenching delight comes out of the western reaches of Frances Loire Valley, where pat茅, charcuterie and saltier seafood provide a good match. A light peppery character and nice acidity keeps it from being too cloying, just be sure to keep the bottle nicely chilled.
Follow along my own wine journey at KurtisKolt.com
