B.C.’s Gray Monk Estate Winery planted the first Pinot Gris vines in the province over 30 years ago, so it’s probably not surprising that Gray Monk’s version of what has become B.C.’s best-selling white varietal is a standout.
Delicately coloured and presenting seductive aromas, the smooth and just-off-dry 2023 vintage offers the palate a zesty array of citrus hints and orchard fruit flavours such as pear, peach and melon. Rich and supple, this is ideal with everything from spicy crab cakes to quiche or roast chicken. You won’t regret paying $24.
Chile produces a lot of well-made Cabernet Sauvignon, so even their entry-level offerings can be of interest. Modestly priced at $14, Frontera is medium bodied and fruit forward, with flavours of blackberry, plum, cherry, cassis and a touch of chocolate and pepper.
Soft in the mouth and finishing a bit sweet, this pleasant little quaffer is good value at this price point. Frontera is big enough to stand up to hearty stews or a spicy pasta dish.
Nestled against the Pyrenees Mountains in northeastern Spain, Bodegas Borsao has been a source of premium Garnacha (a.k.a. Grenache) for over a half century.
The Borsao Garnacha Selección 2021 is a smooth and full-bodied red that is deeply coloured and offers primary flavours of cherry, blackberry and plum alongside notes of chocolate and caramel. Finishing dry, this spicy and nuanced wine gets further complexity through the addition of 15 per cent Tempranillo. It's fairly priced at $18.50.
Big and bold yet smooth as silk, the Carnivor Zinfandel ($23) is a lushly aromatic fruit bomb: flavours of blackberry, plum and cassis glide over the palate, after which hints of baking spices and mocha seal the deal during the long finish.
Hailing from Modesto, California, home to global wine and spirits behemoth E. & J. Gallo, the (perversely misspelled) Carnivor has that delightful Zin brambliness combined with a juicy freshness. This good-value wine is great with barbecue, ribs or steak.
All prices include tax.
