Wine Guy: Canada Day calls for B.C. wines — plus a beer from Ontario

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In honour of Canada Day, it’s easy to guess where this week’s three picks come from. Actually, the hard part is finding wines from other provinces widely available in B.C. Of course, we’re lucky with the abundance of local options available. But for those occasions when looking to toast the nation it’s a shame how difficult it is to find bottles of wine from Ontario, Quebec, or Nova Scotia. Thus the focus is on two toast-worthy, patio ready B.C. wines plus a can of beer from Ontario — which are generally easier to procure.

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Free Form 2019 Blanc de Blancs, B.C.

($42, available through the winery and select private wine stores)

Go for a classic toast with a bottle of bub. As the name alludes, Free Form — a line of wines from Summerland’s Okanagan Crush Pad — is born of organic grapes using native yeasts and no additives with minimal winemaker intervention. Their latest Blanc de Blanc is made entirely from a single vineyard of Chardonnay, following the traditional method in a concrete egg. The wine is disgorged after 42 months with zero dosage, and the result a robust, rich sparkler with bracing acidity and engaging aromatics of lemon and toast, mineral and brioche. The finish is lengthy and laser-like with freshness and intensity.

Bottom line: A, Pair with brunch or poached halibut.

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Mission Hill Family Estate 2023 Reserve Rosé, B.C.

($25.99, available through the winery and select private wine stores)

With any luck your Canada Day plans will lead you outside, and when it comes to pairing with a picnic or other al fresco dining events it’s tough to beat Rosé. The 2023 vintage of B.C. Rosés are fresh on shelves, including Mission Hill’s latest Reserve Rosé. Produced with 100 per cent organic Pinot Noir grapes, it pours a pretty peachy-pink in the glass. Aromas of flowers, red berry, and citrus abound introducing a juicy entry and medium-bodied texture. The wine’s richness concludes with a fresh and tangy finish, and overall this is a very food-versatile Rosé. Think grilled salmon or any kind of kebabs. 

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Bottom line: A-, Elegant yet easy to get into.

Bellwoods Brewery Ratclops IPA, Ontario

($8.89 for 473mL can, available at select private liquor stores)

Finally, another patio-savvy pick. But this time it’s brewed and in a can, and has travelled all the way from Ontario. Toronto’s Bellwood Brewery, to be specific, whose cans have begun showing up in a number of shops around the Lower Mainland. Their Ratclops is a hazy, northeast style IPA. It leans heavy into the juicy, tropical style — with lots of fruity and citrus aromas in a smooth, lower-carbonation style. It’s juicy as expected, but lends a leaner touch overall complemented by a balanced, fruity finish. Bring on the patios and backyard gatherings, preferably paired with burgers or pies direct from the pizza oven.

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Bottom line: B, Hazy and juicy.

The Swirl: Canada Day Wine Dinners

Don’t feel like cooking for Canada Day? Check out a Canada Day dinner at a local winery to take away the prep and cleaning. For example, Naramata Bench’s Laughing Stock Vineyards is planning quite the celebratory dinner with canapés and a four-course meal prepared by chef Shawn Cheer — joined by wines selected and discussed by winemaker Sandy Leier. The views will be amazing all evening long, then the night caps off with a fireworks show over Okanagan Lake. Tickets are $130 and available at laughingstock.ca/product/Canada-Day-Dinner-Ticket. 

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