Wine Guy: Graduate wine studies to expand your knowledge

Article content

Building on last week’s them of back to wine school, we continue to explore a few ways to further expand wine appreciation and knowledge. Think of this as a quick take on graduate wine studies: once the basic premise of complete wine sensory evaluation has been mastered, it’s time to move onto applying these steps to the diverse world of wine grapes and styles, from classic to eclectic. 

La Chablisienne 2022 Chablis La Pierrelée, France

($43.99, #359844)

As with many forms of learning, it makes sense to explore the classics to form foundational knowledge. When it comes to white wine — and Chardonnay in particular — Burgundy’s Chablis region is certainly seen as a classic reference point. Which admittedly means it comes with a price tag. But why not gather a group, pool resources, and organize a get-together? Tasting wine with friends is a great way to learn, and the newest vintage of La Pierrelée from this venerable Chablis co-operative provides a great Chardonnay baseline: wonderful texture with citrus and floral tones, good balance complemented by acidity, and an elegant finish.

Bottom line: B, Pairs great with seafood.

Teixeiró 2023 Granito Vinho Verde, Portugal

($13.99 on sale until Sept.27, #243571)

Then again, another great way to acquire wine appreciation, particularly when on a budget, is to learn from lesser known or under appreciated wine grapes and regions. Might make it harder to benchmark, but truly one of wine’s most amazing aspects is its diversity. Portugal offers a wealth of both intriguing wine regions and unique grapes to explore, and one fun example is Vinho Verde. Teixeiró’s Granito VV is a great starting point — plus at fourteen bucks simply a great value. Made from Alvarinho, Avesso, and Loureiro grapes, it combines funky fresh floral and citrus with juicy texture and a fresh, mineral-toned finish.

Bottom line: B+, Super sunset partner.

Quails’ Gate 2022 Old Vines Foch, B.C.

($29.99, #639625)

There’s a lot to learn from B.C. wines While our local wine region may not have the lengthy history of France or Portugal, a little research reveals some interesting, more esoteric bottles. For example, there was a time when most grapes planted in B.C. were hardy hybrids. This includes Marechal Foch. However, most vineyards were subsequently replanted to more quality-associated vitis vinifera vines. But not all, as Quails’ Gate reminds us with their Old Vines Foch made from an Osoyoos vineyard first planted in 1978. Pouring a dense purple black, dark fruit meets baking spice in this fulsome yet slightly rugged red.

Bottom line: B, Unlocks cult B.C. wine status.

The Swirl: 2022 Bordeaux Release 

Ready to really take the wine learning (and collection) to the next level? B.C. Liquor stores’ 2022 Bordeaux Release takes place Saturday, Sept. 27. Marking the 40th anniversary of this celebrated — and anticipated — event, on Release Day participating stores will open at 8 a.m., with complimentary tastings and product consultants on site to help guide selections. For a full list of participating stores and a brochure of the Bordeaux wines that will be available head to bcliquorstores.com/promotion/bordeaux-release.