Winter White Wines: A Palate-Refreshing Guide for Cold Days
While fashion conventions might suggest storing white pants during winter, the world of gastronomy embraces more flexible rules. There's no need to relegate white wines to the cellar when temperatures drop. In fact, a crisp glass of blanc can serve as a delightful palate pick-me-up on even the dreariest, coldest days. This principle guided recent tastings that brought three exceptional white wines to both the tasting glass and dining table.
Tilia 2024 Chardonnay, Argentina
Price: $16.99 on sale until February 28 (Product #406632)
Crafted from organically grown grapes using sustainable vineyard practices in Argentina's Mendoza region, this Chardonnay delivers satisfaction regardless of weather conditions. The wine presents a bright golden hue in the glass, with initial aromas of lemon and floral notes. A mid-weight Chardonnay, it develops tropical fruit flavors on a bright, zippy foundation before concluding with a fresh finish featuring lingering citrus tones. This straightforward, enjoyable wine pairs beautifully with various meals, from chicken fajitas to cream of mushroom pork chops. Essentially, it's comfort wine designed for comfort food.
Bottom line: B rating - Effectively refreshes the tastebuds.
Cellier Du Pont D'Arc 2024 Ardèche Blanc, France
Price: $18.99 (Product #374442)
Another standout discovery from wine shelves is this Ardèche Blanc from Cellier Du Pont D'Arc. Ardèche represents a large department containing several smaller, designated northern Rhône appellations like Saint Joseph and Cornas, regions typically celebrated for their Syrah-based wines. This Ardèche IGP bottling offers a breezy white blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Grenache Blanc. It features floral, herby, and citrus tones with a bright yet subdued entry that transitions to a smooth style with green notes, finishing fresh.
Bottom line: B rating - Fresh yet mellow character.
Barone di Valforte 2024 Pecorino, Italy
Price: $24.99 (Product #122867)
If something appeals to sheep, it must taste good in a glass, right? The Pecorino grape, a favored white variety in central Italy, gets its name from pecora, Italian for sheep. Legend suggests ancient herders noticed their flocks preferring these early-ripening grapes, though some stories credit sheep herders themselves for enjoying the grapes. Regardless, this vibrant white offers citrus and straw aromas with pleasing texture complemented by orchard fruit, leading to a crisp yet elegant finish. Yes, this bright white pairs excellently with cheese sharing its name.
Bottom line: B+ rating - Also wonderful with mussels or calamari.
The Swirl: BC's Premium Spirits Release
Marking its 20th anniversary, the BC Liquor Distribution Branch's annual Premium Spirit Release launches Saturday, February 7, with select stores opening at 8 a.m. This milestone event features a collection of rare, highly sought-after spirits from across the globe. Highlights include a $108,000 bottle of Bowmore Aston Martin Arc 54, alongside curated whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, China, Taiwan, Canada, and British Columbia. The selection also encompasses tequilas, gins, and rums. For complete details on offerings and participating stores, visit the BC Liquor Stores website.
