Wine Guy: Falling for Reds

Article content

With the calendar officially proclaiming the arrival of fall, I thought it was time to wholeheartedly embrace leaves turning multi-hued, woolen jackets, and red wine. So are the ways the seasons change.

Article content

So, in an interest to ensure that all taste buds are pampered as the thermometer begins its long descent, here’s a look at three hearty reds ready to add value to wine, at a trio of different price points.

Finca Los Primos 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentina ($ 9.99 on sale until Oct. 2, # 74245)

Finca Los Primos is one of those easy wine options to find every day. Whether it’s Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon, you’ll get a hearty red made from San Rafael fruits ready to pair with comforting midweek meals, all at an affordable price. The Cab Sauv is on sale right now, providing dark fruit complemented by vanilla and roasted spices in a juicy and accessible medium weight overall red. This bottle makes an easy pairing companion, whether it’s a pot of chili, pasta with red sauce, a pasta dish, or even a stormy night on the menu.

Article content

Bottom line: B, solid value

Red Rooster 2019 Cabernet Merlot Winery, British Columbia ($ 19.99, # 45906)

It’s a new look for Naramata Bench’s Red Rooster Winery, with labels offering a more contemporary take with images that highlight the terroir, viticulture, and winemaking that goes into each bottle. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon (51.6%, 35.1% and 13.3% respectively), to be precise, originating from the southern Okanagan and Similkameen, the wine throws aromas of black fruits, leather, herbs, and toasted oak. It is quite smooth and friendly, with subtle tannins showing before a dry and slightly spicy finish. Time to bring in hearty, earthy dishes, for example, grilled lamb chops or sausage, chard, and white bean casserole.

Article content

Bottom line: B, approachable but friendly

Chiara Condello 2018 Romagna Sangiovese Predappio, Italy ($ 27.99, # 7664)

This daring red is 100% Sangiovese from three vineyards in the Predappio commune of Emilia-Romagna. It’s quite a different location, to be sure, but this aligns well with winemaker and winemaker Chiara Condello’s clear vision of making wine that expresses the unique high potential of her land. This means a less is more philosophy: organic farming, spontaneous fermentation, open-top fermenters, and aging in oversized Slavonian oak and neutral barrels. The result is robust yet elegant, with a luscious dark cherry paired with floral and herbal notes, and firm acidity throughout. Food-wise, this wine calls for a herbed pork roast or roasted mushroom risotto.

Article content

Bottom line: B +, agile but fierce

The Swirl: Biermeister Dinner at CRAFT English Bay

Oktoberfest is right around the corner, and if you’re looking to outsource the greetings, consider visiting the next Biermeister dinner hosted by CRAFT Beer Market English Bay (1795 Beach Avenue, Vancouver). The dinner, which will take place on Wednesday, October 6 with a welcome beer at 6 pm and the first course at 6:30 pm, includes four courses of Oktoberfest food paired with European and German beers inspired by the season, along with with tasting notes and stories from the Executive Chef and beer ambassadors, plus a take-home gift from Erdinger Weissbrau. Tickets are $ 70 (plus tax and tip) per person, with a minimum table size of two and a maximum of six. For complete details, go to craftbeermarket.ca/english-bay.