What a challenging period we are coming through and still no real end in sight. I can think of no better time than now to support our fine winemaking industry in British Columbia. International travel will not be a part of our summer plans, and many of us may not even stray as far as the BC Interior, but as Calgarians, we do have excellent access to exceptional wines from the Okanagan Valley.
I recently had a fantastic experience with an order from Quails’ Gate. Friends recommended the 2019 Lucy’s Block Rosé. Having owned a beautiful Bassett Hound named Lucy, it seemed like it was meant to be. A light-coloured wine with just a whisper of salmon pink and a crisp refreshing flavour that finishes long, like a summer day. It is made with Pinot Noir and a touch of Pinot Meunier which adds a rustic earthiness to the blend. This is the perfect patio wine.
As I continued my online shopping spree, I scrolled down the list to find the 2017 Richard’s Block Pinot Noir. First a wine named for my precious pooch and now a wine that shares my name. Well, close enough, as I would refuse to buy a wine from Dick’s Block. Anyway, this wine shows the great potential for making higher end Burgundian-style Pinot in the Kelowna area. Why not pull this one out with a meal of sautéed duck with wild mushrooms?
Other unique wines on the menu included the 2017 Rosemary’s Block Chardonnay, the 2017 Boswell Syrah, and the 2016 Connemara. I decided to try the online experience, and to my delight, they had a free shipping offer. I expected shipping to be sluggish, given the craziness of April, but the wines arrived on my doorstep in 48 hours. Well done, Quails’ Gate!
