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PERFECTLY POTABLE: Spanish blends make delightful pairing partners

Monday wine columnist Robert Moyes looks home and abroad for good vintages
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Monday Magazine wine columnist Robert Moyes

By Robert Moyes

Monday Magazine columnist

Hailing from the Montsant wine region in the Catalan area of northeastern Spain, the Celler de Capcanes Mas Donis Negre ($21) is a mouthful in more ways than one.

Described as “jubilant” by one high-spirited critic, this blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha (a.k.a. Grenache) is a gorgeous little wine, soft in the mouth and very delicious thanks to a core of cherry and plum fruit that is lifted with hints of cocoa and vanilla and a lick of licorice. Yum!

Moving westwards to Spain’s Navarra region takes us to the walled medieval town of Olite … and a tasty, bargain-priced red named Pagos de Araiz Joven ($15). Made mostly from Tempranillo augmented with splashes of Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is youthful wine redolent of red fruit such as plum and raspberry. On the sharp side, have it with cured meats and stews. (Available at Spinnakers, Cask & Keg, and Cascadia at Eagle Creek.)

Rated one of B.C.’s best small producers of premium VQA wines, Wild Goose Winery was established in Okanagan Falls and is best known for its aromatic whites (which win a lot of awards). Their 2017 Pinot Gris ($21) boasts a seductive peach-pear bouquet, while the palate offers melon, orange peel, and sweet spices. Balanced, mouth-filling, and held together with crisply refreshing acidity, try this with pork, roast chicken or seafood. A charmer all the way.

For almost a century the De Bortoli family has been making notable Aussie wines. Their Woodfired Heathcote Shiraz ($22) has been cask-aged for six months and offers aromas of dark fruits and vanilla, leading to lush flavours of plum and blackberry and cherry that are complemented by chocolate and spice notes. Smooth and medium bodied, the bold and tasty Heathcote is great for barbecue (or pizza, as the “Woodfired” name implies). There is moderate cellaring potential.

(All prices include tax)



editor@mondaymag.com

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