Wine Guy: A tip of the hat for Riesling pioneers in BC

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This week’s column is inspired by Tantalus Vineyards’ recent 2018 Old Vines Riesling crowning as Lieutenant Governor’s Wine of the Year 2021.

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This effectively makes white BCs delicious and invigorating. de facto wine of the year and, unfortunately, a bottle that is already quite exhausted. It is an inspired and worthy choice, an accolade that should encourage greater consideration and tasting of BC Riesling in general.

It could be said that the grape does not receive enough attention in the province. So here’s a little treatise on bringing together the local Riesling value, with a focus on some of the original BC Riesling OG pioneers!

Intrigue Wines 2020 Focus Riesling, BC ($ 20, available through select winery and private wine stores)

As meteoric as the interest in British Columbia wine has seemed in recent decades, it is still a relatively small industry. And this can make for some fun connections. The sole vineyard responsible for the Tantalus Old Vines Riesling variety was planted in 1978. At the time it was controlled by Pinot Reach Cellars, and in 1998 a winemaker named Roger Wong was hired. Wong believed in the potential of the local Riesling so much that he started a Focus Riesling label in the early years. Fast forward to the 2020 vintage and the Focus Riesling legacy lives on through the grapes grown on the Wong Family Vineyard in Oyama, now under the auspices of their Lake Country-based Intrigue Wines. Bottom line: it’s a lean, citrus-tinged, vibrant Riesling with an elegant finish that represents great value.

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Bottom line: A-, A new classic

CedarCreek Estate Winery 2020 Estate Collection Riesling, BC ($ 20.99, available through the winery)

East Kelowna’s CedarCreek was another big award winner at the recent BC Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards. Both their Riesling Estate and Platinum Collection won gold awards, and while the Platinum bottling offers a unique expression of a single block of Riesling vineyards, the well-priced Estate Collection offers an attractive blend of fresh acidity and fruit, with fresh apples. and fruits from the orchard. meeting bright citrus fruits in an attractive juicy white that screams to be paired with food. Think of everything from roast pork to mild-mannered curries.

Bottom line: A-, an all-terrain pairing

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2020 Gehringer Brothers Private Reserve Dry Riesling, BC ($ 15.99, # 347492)

A discussion of classic OGBC Riesling should rightfully include a bottle of Gehringer Brothers. Gehringer Brothers was long established on the historic Golden Mile Bench of the southern Okanagan Valley, and has consistently produced eminently pleasant and fruity wines ever since. Their latest harvest of Private Reserve Dry Riesling, to differentiate themselves from their annual, dry Classic Riesling, maintains the classic orchard fruit and melon aromatic styles with an overall attractive and honeyed texture before a bright and lingering citrus finish. This is another fantastic food wine, think sushi through carnitas tacos.

Bottom line: A-, Great overall value

The whirlpool: Flamenco, Tango and Wine in one Night

As part of the Latin American Heritage Month Festival, Latincouver presents a night of Flamenco, Tango and Wine. The evening, which will take place on October 26 from 7 pm to 10 pm at Performance Works on Granville Island, features performances by Mozaico Flamenco and Argentine Tango Lab, along with food and wine truck offerings. Tickets are $ 25 (plus fees), and a valid BC vaccination card is required to enter. For full details, see eventbrite.ca .