My Favourite ‘Go To’ Wines

From time to time I am asked ‘what are your favourite wines’? A number of thoughts flash trough my head…including the saying of an old friend of mine George Clare who says “I have never met a wine I didn’t like”, and of course it depends on what type of wine, a red wine, a white wine, a rosé, a sparkling wine or a fortified wine? As far as everyday wine goes, I have a number of ‘go to’ favourites that I will share with you today…Also included is a pick from the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, which features Spain as the regional theme. http://www.playhousewinefest.com/ Coincidentally, Ellen and I are off to Spain on Sunday to hook up with daughter Kelsey, who is at the University of Huelva for the spring semester.

First is a delicious red blend from South Africa…

The Wolftrap, is a blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Viognier and sells for about $15 in British Columbia.  It is a very versatile food wine that goes well with meats and tomato dishes. The 2009 vintage scores an impressive 88/100 from Gismondi on Wine (GOW): www.gismondionwine.com


Next is my recent favourite Pinot Gris from Argentina…

The Bodega Lurton 2009 Pinot Gris has been my ‘go to’ light white wine for some time now. It is fabulous all on it’s own and sell for only $12.50, and scores a respectable 87/100 from GOW.


Ellen’s favourite everyday Chardonnay…

Yellow tail from Australia is a ‘big kick ass’ chard, which is Ellen’s ‘go to’ chardonnay every time. It sells for $11.99.

And the selection from the Vancouver International Playhouse Wine Festival

Beso de Vino Seleccion Syrah/Grenacha 2009, Spain
Price: $13
UPC: 00814095009974
Score: 89/100 (AG); 90/100 Robert Parker
Remarks: This was recommended to me by a Forestry friend, and it took me a while to find it. As it turned out a new shipment arrived the other day in the Chemainus LCB. Thanks Wayne for having great taste and an eye for value. This wine is a lot of fun for $13, from its supple, warm juicy palate to its plum jam, orange, meaty, peppery, chocolate, black cherry, licorice, savoury flavours. Big, bold, warm and fruity. It went well with baked chicken and spaghetti on Ellen's birthday.


Do you have a great everyday favourite…send a photo of the label and I will test it out.

Also, I will be bogging from Spain so check out my blog at: http://winerush.blogspot.com/
Best Regards

Keith