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PERFECTLY POTABLE: Wines from the Okanagan, Spain and Italy delight

Monday wine columnist Robert Moyes serves up a variety of choices this month
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Robert Moyes

Monday Magazine columnist

The Okanagan’s Jackson Triggs produces tasty, good-value wines and their Reserve Sauvignon Blanc ($15) proves the point nicely.

The fruity bouquet leads into classic flavours of grapefruit and other citrus notes and ends with a satisfyingly long finish. Well-balanced and crisp, with a zippy acidity, this medium-bodied charmer would add sparkle to any afternoon gathering out on the patio. (Make sure to get the Reserve, as their regular SB is made from inferior imported juice.)

El Petit Bonhomme ($17.25) is a ripe red blend from the Jumilla region of southeastern Spain that was rated a “super value” by Vancouver wine maven Anthony Gismondi. An appealing blend of Monastrell, Garnacha and Syrah, this is a supple, nearly full-bodied wine. As well as delectable fruit notes such as raspberry, plum and cherry, there are hints of licorice, cocoa and spice. That, plus a pleasing dash of astringency, marks this as a versatile food wine. Fire up the barbecue!

“This is about the best Rosé I’ve ever tasted,” declared the True Companion, as she had her first sips of the 2017 Cabernet Franc Rosé ($22) from Hester Creek in Oliver. We’re not big Rosé consumers, but it sure was easy to savour this one, from the glowing cranberry colour to its enticing aromas and a concentrated palate of rhubarb and strawberry. Slightly off-dry, this wine would be delightful on its own or served with charcuterie, hard cheeses, or curried dishes.

Even if you don’t have anything special to celebrate, you’ll never regret popping the cork on a nicely chilled bottle of Vaporetto Prosecco Brut ($22). Either at brunch or out on the patio watching summer fade away, you can enjoy a beguilingly fruity nose then treat your palate to Vaporetto’s bright and elegant mix of citrus, peach, and green apple flavours. Just off-dry but balanced by a crisp acidity, this is one frothy delight.

(All prices include tax.)