When trying new wines over the last few weeks, I started to take note of how often I said something to the effect of What a perfect wine for this rainy weather! I dont know if its because theres been a slew of seasonally appropriate wines actually being put in front of me or if its just been so rainy lately that almost anything seems a fit.
Either way, here are a few bottles that are perfect for when youve shaken out the umbrella, hung up your coat and answered your couchs call, and the only thing you need to accomplish is signing into your Netflix account.
A dark and chewy red blend of Monastrell, Tempranillo, Syrah, Garnacha with a pinch of Cabernet and Merlot for good measure. Plenty of black and purple fruit, a little tobacco and some savoury herbs with a warmth akin to being swaddled in a thick, wooly blanket by a crackling fire while raindrops pelt away at your window. Juicy with just the right amount of grippy tannins. If you order in pizza, load it up with spicy toppings.
Predominantly Syrah rounded out with a generous splash of Grenache, this is like walking into a cigar store while chewing on red Twizzlers. A bit of a softer style, the Saint-Esprit is pretty easy to slug back but a little attention to the details provides a bakers rack of spices; cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and so on. If youre feeling a little peckish, go for curry.
My God, have Hester Creeks wines come a long way in the last few years. This Cabernet Franc not only proves that an old dog can certainly learn new tricks, but that the grape variety is a force to be reckoned with right here in our own backyard. Dark red fruit and roasted red bell peppers lead the way, but then some lovely pepper and toasted gingerbread notes carry the back end. Theres some classic Okanagan sage-y elements and a good dose of minerality to boot! A good decanting certainly would go a long way; this wine needs a little elbow room and those subtler notes will rise to the surface if you keep swirling whats in your glass. Slice up some charcuterie, sizzle a little sausage and tuck in.
My East Van Wine Academy returns to The Waldorf Hotel this Tuesday, February 7 at 6:30 pm when Ill be battling my good pal, wine scribe James Nevison of Had A Glass fame. A stand-up, casual affair where we present eight wines apiece tournament-style, then your tasting and voting determine the top Under $20 white and red in the market. A great way to learn many regions and varietals that are off the beaten path, and find a slew of new favourites along the way!
Its $40, a fun night out and you can get all the details at .
And while that Netflix movie is downloading, drop by .
