Opened in Osoyoos in 2002, Nk’Mip Cellars is North America’s first Indigenous-owned and operated winery. Of particular interest is Talon, their elegant blended red that won gold at the 2024 National Wine Awards of Canada.
Syrah dominant, but with substantial amounts of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, Talon is full-bodied and intense, with gobs of dark fruit flavours such as blackberry, raspberry and black cherry.
Add in the velvety mouthfeel and very long finish and it’s easily worth $34.50. This is one of the most impressive wines I’ve had in months.
Reliably refreshing, richly flavourful and downright gulpable, Douglas Green’s The Beachhouse Sauvignon Blanc is, at $16, one of South Africa’s most attractive wine bargains.
Quite dry, invigoratingly acidic, yet still appealingly fruity, the light-on-its-feet Beachhouse combines tangy citrus notes with flavours of pear, green apple, melon and passion fruit.
Vibrant and zesty, this crisp easy-drinker is great with salmon or oysters. It’s a fine choice as we head into spring – and you’ll likely want more than just one glass!
Based just outside of Barcelona, Familia Torres is one of Spain’s largest wine producers. And their best-known bottling, currently selling for $21, is Sangre de Toro (“bull’s blood”), a full-bodied and fruit-forward wine made from Garnacha and Cariñena grapes.
Aromatic and darkly coloured, Toro offers a dry and savoury mouthful of blackberry, cherry, and plum that is equally good with beef, poultry or pasta. And come summer, it will be a great barbecue wine.
Nostalgists will doubtless miss the plastic bull that used to dangle from the bottle’s neck.
Although Pinot Noir is one of Chile’s least common varietals, that country certainly knows how to make some notable examples.
One such is the Sibaris Gran Reserva ($23), which is coloured a delicate ruby and is light- to medium-bodied, yet blooms with tangy and bright flavours of cherry, strawberry and cranberry that are grounded with hints of earthiness and minerality.
Complex and appealing, Sibaris has a silky mouthfeel and a delightfully long finish. This went a treat with our pan-seared salmon, but would also be great with veal and poultry.
All prices include tax.
