Showcasing an eclectic selection of distinctive imported wines available at private or BC liquor stores, the five star rating system stresses value for price.
Bodega Septima
2009 Septimo Dia Chardonnay
Mendoza, Argentina
$18.99
Septima winery is associated with codorniu, makers of cava bubbly in Spain. Rich and creamy, poised chardonnay shows apple, pineapple, apricot and cantaloupe with notes of butterscotch and toasty oak, refreshed by crisp acidity. Pair with grilled tuna.
Flat Roof Manor
2012 Pinot Grigio
Western Cape, South Africa
1/2 $12.99
Made from grapes raised on the Uitkyk Estate in Stellenbosch, this easy going Pinot Gris features Spritzig in the glass, followed by lively flavours of pineapple, pear, apricot and melon with notes of lemon zest and almond. Enjoy this Pinot Grigio cold with a crunchy salad.
Villa Maria
2012 Private Bin Pinot Gris
East Coast, New Zealand
$16.99
From fruit grown in Marlborough, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay, delectable Pinot Gris projects soft, juicy flavours of apple, pear, pineapple and melon with notes of coconut and honeysuckle cleansed by zesty acidity. Calls for barbecued roast pork or spareribs.
Stoneleigh
2012 Latitude Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, New Zealand
$21.99
Crafted from riper fruit grown in ancient riverbed known as the golden mile, poignant, textured Sauvignon Blanc delivers vibrant grass, grapefruit, gooseberry, star fruit, mineral, vanilla, and mouth-watering acidity. Try with Cantonese crab or lobster.
Dominique Piron
2010 Domaine De Combiaty Brouilly
Beaujolais, France
$22.99
More than just a friendly, fruity beaujolais, lovely brouilly shows good depth of flavour and character. The grapy palate suggests violets, cherry, blueberry, black licorice, tomato leaf and mint, supported by fine tannins. Serve with poultry, sausages and charcuterie.
Mud House
2010 Pinot Noir
Central Otago, New Zealand
$22.99
Most marginal of New Zealand’s appellations, central otago boasts a cool, alpine climate. Elegant pinot noir combines bright cherry and cranberry fruit, notes of barnyard, beetroot and baking spices, and sweet, soothing tannins. Enjoy with bacon-wrapped pork.
Graham Beck
2010 The Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Western Cape, South Africa
1/2 $19.99
Sourced from the Robertson Estate in the Breede River valley which encompasses a wildlife reserve, complex cabernet sauvignon delivers richly-structured cassis, plum, blueberry, dark chocolate, black pepper, mint and cedar.
Bodegas Caro Aruma
2010 Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina
1/2 $19.99
Arising from a partnership of the lafite rothschilds and the catena family, caro in the heart of Mendoza has produced powerfully-built Malbec with elegant flavours suggesting blackcurrant, cherry, plum, leather, licorice and smoked game. Try with braised venison.
Cantina Valpantena
2011 “Torre Del Falasco” Valpolicella Ripasso
Verona, Italy
$18
The best young Valpolicella in casks with lees previously used for amarone adds colour, concentration and complexity. Velvety ripasso features dried cherry, fig, coffee bean and smoke with a hint of bitter almond. Try with meat lasagna.
