Wine Guy: May (wine) flowers

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It’s become instinctual.

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Each year, the blossoms start to appear, and the urge to stop and smell the flowers takes over. This leads to a concurrent, wine-related compulsion for aromatics in the wineglass. Which leads to reaching for floral-imbued bottles.

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So take a moment this week to stop and smell the roses (or at least the blossoms), and maybe even savour a sip of one of these flower-power wines: 

Moraine 2023 Gewürztraminer, B.C.

($21.99, No. 63776)

It’s a handy coincidence that the April and May period coincides with the release of the first wines of the season — typically aromatic white wines from the previous year’s vintage.

Case in point, Penticton-based Moraine Winery recently released their latest Gewürztraminer. You would be hard-pressed to find another grape that so enthusiastically captures the floral vibes, and in this regard this bottle doesn’t disappoint. Engaging aromas of white flowers, pear and lychee jump out of the glass in this soft and supple, golden-hued white.

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It’s quite robust overall and would work wonderfully with pulled pork or braised chicken dishes.

Bottom line: B+, fun white ready for spring.

M. Chapoutier 2022 Bíla-Haut Blanc, France

($19.99, No. 175042)

While there’s no denying the beauty of the local cherry, plum and other blossoms lining local parks and streets, there’s certainly something to be said for olfactory escapism.

A whiff of Bíla-Haut Blanc, which hails from the southern French reaches of Côtes du Roussillon, can’t help but transport you to the hardscrabble, rugged and handsome dry rolling hills of the region.

Captivating aromas of citrus, hay and flowers mark this more savoury-toned white. It’s robust yet vibrant, quite lip-smacking and textural before a bright, citrusy finish.

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Pairing-wise, it’s time to look to the first seafood of the season — think halibut or spring salmon.

Bottom line: A-, vibrant and aromatic.

Alpataco 2021 Pinot Noir, Chile

($22.99, No. 46017)

Not just white wines smell of flowers. From Gamay to Grenache, even Malbec, red wines can bring floral vibes. Pinot Noir as well is known to bring both a figurative and literal bouquet, particularly when sourced from cooler climate areas, such as this bottle.

Made from hand-picked Pinot Noir grapes grown in Chile’s Neuquén Valley in northern Patagonia, the cooler climate lends itself to more acidity and extroverted aromatics.

In this case, this blowsy red wafts a fun combo of ripe berry, herbs and rose petal — with a plush entry leading into a vibrant mid-palate.

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A plusher Pinot overall, it goes great with burgers.

Bottom line: B, juicy springtime red. 

The Swirl: Gambero Rosso Wine Tasting

It’s here again. The 2024 Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Vancouver Wine Tasting takes place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3, at the Sutton Place Hotel, 845 Burrard St., Vancouver.

Co-hosted by the Consulate General of Italy, the event features more than 100 premium wines from top Italian wineries, with many winery principals in attendance alongside delectable Italian cuisine.

Tickets are $149 per person. For complete details and to purchase head to iccbc.com/events.

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