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Wine Guy: Transitional wine classics

The Wine Guy offers up three wines to comfort you this fall

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As the evenings take on a chill, my thoughts are turning to a change in the seasons, not to mention getting reacquainted to my duvet!

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Comfort food paired with classic, comforting wines are transitioning to front of mind, with verbs like roasting and braising finding their way to the forefront of my recipe vocabulary. Admittedly, none of these wines fall under what I would consider the “budget bottles” category, but they all certainly warrant pouring for a special, comforting occasion — whether to mark an event large or small!

Pewsey Vale 2018 Eden Valley Riesling, Australia ($21.99, #617126)

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Let’s be clear, this wine transition does not mean moving completely from white to red. There are plenty of white wines that will warm the tastebuds during the colder months. One shining example is Pewsey Vale’s quintessential Riesling, from the classic cool climate wine country of Eden Valley near Adelaide in South Australia. Year in and out this Riesling offers intense citrus, stone fruit, and mineral tones. It elegantly manages to be both robust and textural, yet zippy and tangy — approachable but taut all the same. This bottle is as comfortable on the table alongside roast pork as it is salt-baked snapper.

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Bottom line: A, The cashmere sweater of wines

Ricasoli Brolio 2017 Chianti Classico, Italy ($27.99, #3962)

It’s hard to deny the beauty of Tuscany during the harvest season. And while experiencing the sights, smells, and sounds in situ is not in the cards this year, I’ll settle for cracking open a bottle of Chianti Classico to enjoy with my local cornucopia. Chock full of black cherry and toasty vanilla aromas, the Brolio CC is bold but never overbearing, melding its rich and fruity profile with underlying herbs and wood spice before a balanced, lengthy finish. This is a wool and leather red, redolent of long walks through the autumn forest, and perfect for serving alongside braised shanks or baked brie.

Bottom line: A-, A wool and leather red

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Fitzpatrick 2016 Fitz Brut, British Columbia ($34.99, #140481)

Sparkling wine is a classic pick any month of the year, with no need to stop celebrating post Labour Day. What’s more, there really is not enough focus on B.C. bubbly. Our province is turning out some top drop sparkling wines, including this Fitz Brut from Peachland’s Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards. It’s produced following the Traditional Method utilized in Champagne, and crafted from the classic Champagne triumvirate of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier — along with a six per cent splash of Pinot Blanc for a B.C. accent! After 24 months sur lie aging, it’s bright, textured, elegant, and simply delicious with braised duck or roast chicken.

Bottom line: A-, Pick-me-up for the tastebuds


The Swirl: Working Man’s Cider Hour

Those of you fortunate enough to find yourself on Gabriola Island during the next few Fridays can check out the “Working Man’s Cider Hour” featuring Gabbie’s Cider at Ravenskill Orchards. Weather permitting, the event is scheduled to take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 11, 25 and Oct. 9 and features “the perfect pairing of homegrown music and homegrown cider.” Only 30 tickets available for each concert ($5 for adults, $2.50 for children 12 and under), visit ravenskill.com for complete details. 

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