Wine Guy: A toast to year’s end

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Is it time to toast goodbye to 2022 or cheer in 2023? Suppose it depends on the year you’ve had, though there’s no reason both can’t be celebrated.

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Every year has its ups and downs, challenges and opportunities — yet through it all one constant remains, the end of December and its sentimental sparkling wine send-off. Sure it’s stereotypical and yes it’s expected, but ’tis the season after all. So here are three top-shelf, local bubblies up for the task.

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Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars N/V Gold Label Brut, British Columbia (from $27.90, available through the winery and select private wine stores)

A tried-and-true B.C. bubbly, Blue Mountain can truly and fairly claim O.G. status. A fixture in the Okanagan Falls region since 1971, from the start Blue Mountain has steadfastly gone about crafting honest, delicious, and distinct wines. This includes an enviable sparkling wine program, the foundation of which is their Gold Label Brut. Made from estate grown and hand-harvested Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (62/38 split), the grapes are fermented separately then blended for traditional method, secondary fermentation in bottle and sur lie aging for 24 months. It’s elegant yet crisp, showing citrus and biscuit, and dollar-for-dollar a top local fizz.

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Bottom line: A, Classic B.C. sparkler

Red Rooster Winery N/V Sparkling Rosé, British Columbia (from $30, available through the winery and select private wine stores)

That said, there’s certainly room for more B.C. bubbles, especially when it’s a fun and unique bottle like Red Rooster’s new Sparkling Rosé. Another traditional method bubbly, unusually for B.C. it’s predominantly Malbec with a few percent Pinot Noir. Pouring a lovely salmon pink colour, this zesty sparkler sees all stainless aging and retains bright red fruit, an undertone of savoury spiciness, and a zippy stance overall. An engaging fruitiness persists right though a lip-smacking finish, making this bright bottle of bubbles a fine companion for an evening of canapés, or even a platter of take out BBQ for some celebratory fun.

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Bottom line: A-, Vibrant and enticing

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery 2020 seven stars Rigel, British Columbia (from $36.97, available through the winery and select private wine stores)

Township 7 is another local winery that has long championed sparkling wine and continues to make big strides in the bubbles game. Their series of sparkling wine is dubbed “seven stars,” and since the winery’s first sparkling release some two decades ago the collection has grown into a number of small lot, traditional method cuvées. All bottles are named after stars, including Rigel, the blue supergiant star — one of the brightest in the galaxy. Made from 100 per cent Riesling — a single block called Fool’s Gold Vineyard in North Oliver — this is an engaging  sparkler showcasing a great combination of citrus and stone fruit that manages to meld crisp acidity with nice texture and a creamy mid palate. 

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Bottom line: A-, Ready for oysters

The Swirl: New Year’s toast IRL

Of course, if you prefer to get out about town to ring in the New Year, there are a myriad of options. For a wine-centric experience and party check out the New Year’s Eve Experience at Bar Susu (209 E 6th Ave, Vancouver), which runs from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. and features wine, snacks, a DJ, and fun. Tickets are $125 (inconclusive of tax and gratuity) and available at thisisbarsusu.com. 

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