At MONTECRISTO, our contributors have written about wines from B.C. and around the world this year, about the UBC Wine Library, hybrid grapes, organic farming, and a remarkable Chilean vintage. To top it off this season, we asked Barbara Philip, wine buyer for BCLC and the first Canadian woman to be named a wine master, to recommend her favourite bottles for the wine lover in your life.
Los Bermejos Listán Negro, Canary Islands, Spain
This Lanzarote red is crunchy, quaffable, and unique.
Istine Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
Exciting and new-to-market Chianti Classico with lovely morello cherry fruit, sweet herbs, and minerals.
Township 7 Polaris Sparkling, Okanagan Valley, Canada
Some of the most exciting wines coming out of anywhere right now are the traditional method sparklers from B.C. The Polaris has a good balance between yeasty-toastiness and crisp fruit.
Melnikon Sveti Vrac Keratsuda 2019, Kresna Canyon, Bulgaria
Savoury, wild, and delicious orange wine from an indigenous Bulgarian variety.
Blue Mountain Reserve Pinot Noir 2019, Okanagan Falls, Canada
Blue Mountain is known for high-quality and focused wines, but the 2019 reds take it to the next level. The Pinot Noir Reserve is serious wine with both depth and freshness. It will be even more delicious after five to eight years in the cellar.
Domaine Thibert Père et Fils Pouilly-Fuissé 2018, Burgundy, France
Rich and taut at the same time. Baked apple, stony minerality and toast make this a great roast chicken match.
La Grange Tiphaine Côt Vieilles Vignes Touraine Amboise 2018, Loire Valley, France
Precise and pure malbec from somewhere you might forget to look for it.
Doyard Champagne Cuvée Vendémiaire Brut, Champagne, France
This grower Champagne is new to the B.C. market. I love the precision and depth on the nose and the exceptional length.
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