Darren’s Spring Picks
Lionel Osmin & Cie ‘Villa Chambre D’Amour’ Gros Manseng & Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Exotically scented, papaya, jackfruit, and finger limes. There is a playful florality that rounds out the aromatic on this wine. Light bodied with a tension between its pleasing residual sugar and acidity. Bursting on the palate with citrus and tropical fruit this wine is a perfect accompaniment to spicy dishes, light shell fish, or just a warm beach and a blanket. Summer, here we come!
Tenuta Niscosia ‘Contrada Monte Gorna’ ‘Etna Rosso’ DOC 2019
Blending Nerello Mascalese with Nerello Cappuccio this wine is grown on the slopes of the largest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna. Hailing from the Island of Sicily this red wine has similarities to Pinot Noir but displays a different aroma set. On the nose there is dried herbs, mint and freshly cut grass with a light touch of red fruit. On the palate the wine light bodied with pleasing texture and flavors of red currant as well as cranberry finishing with a light fennel aroma.
Casisano Colombaiolo Riserva Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015
Seductive nose of raspberry, oak and baking spice. On the palate raspberry combines with liquorice and cinnamon notes which is all kept alluring with a fantastic acidity and tannic structure that coats the mouth. This show stopper can pair with all manner of heavy rich meat. Lamb, Roast Beef, Game, or strong cheeses will all pair beautifully with this wine.
Le Vieux Pin 2021 Petit Rouge, Black Sage Bench, Oliver, B.C.
A versatile red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is an herbaceous combination of red fruit, plums and cherry, with green pepper and graphite adding to its complexity. On the palate it is medium bodied with mature medium tannic structure and great concentration of flavour that is lengthy in its finish.
Le Vieux Pin 2021 Petit Blanc Black Sage Bench, Oliver, B.C.
Gooseberry, apricot, and citrus fruit round out this beautifully aromatic offering from Le Vieux Pin. Fruit from several different vineyard holdings go into this white. The blend is Sauvignon Blanc blended with Pinot Gris, Marsanne and Roussanne. On the palate the mouth feel is creamy, viscous medium bodied with bright acidity, apricot and floral flavors that celebrate your tastebuds. A gorgeous expression of the potential of our dry white blends in the Okanagon Valley.
Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico Tenuta Perano is produced in the hills of Gaiole in Chianti, from vineyards located at 500 metres above sea level. A beautifully perfumed Chianti Classico with notes of plum, cherry, spiced cedar, and liquorice. On the palate this Chianti is medium-bodied with mature tannic structure. Wood spice and a touch of balsamic round out the lengthy finish.
Loredan Gaspirini Asolo DOC, Cabernet Sauvignon
Black currant, liquorice and a touch of green pepper all evolve in the glass while a subtle wood spice note lingers in the background. On the palate this wine is full bodied and richly fruited but tamed with ample tannic structure and acidity to lift the flavours.
Arnaldo Caprai, Collepiano, Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG
Darkly fruited in the glass. Plums and earthy blueberry with a light smoke or graphite note adding complexity. As this wine opens it displays more brooding dark fruit along with a pleasant cinnimon note. The palate is full bodied with ample tannic structure and flavors of plum, raison, sage, & cinnimon. This is an intense wine with ample complexity that is best with full flavored red meats and hearty dishes.
Blue Lobster Tropical Punch
Blue Lobster offers a variety of flavours thoughtfully prepared with Maritime summers in mind. New to the line up is Blue Lobster “Tropical Fruit” a vodka-based cooler with lip smacking flavours of passion fruit an guava with hints of citrus, pineapple and coconut lifted with a light sparkle. No extra sugars added keeps this beverage refreshing and fun with just the right amount of flavour. Prepare to make this one of your constant beach companions!
Topo Chico Variety Pack
Topo Chico started as a mineral water beverage brand in the U.S., mainly selling in Southern California, Texas and Mexico. The variety pack includes 4 exciting flavours: Strawberry Guava, Lemon Lime, Pineapple and Mango, all packed with flavour but only coming in at 2 grams of sugar per 100mls. Made using fermented cane sugar and flavoured with real fruit juices, Topo Chico is also gluten free. This 12 pack is perfect for cottage patios and campfires.