Wine Guy: Reflecting on 3 memorable picks from 2023

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Happy New Year — and before focusing on the year ahead, let’s pause to reflect on the year that was.

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It might seem antithetical; after all shouldn’t the requisite introspection take place before the year is done, to make way for resolutions and trends ahead? The reality is that it took getting through the holidays to really suss things out. So here are three memorable 2023 picks that will gladly get revisited in the new year, and importantly all bottles are still readily available. 

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Cono Sur Bicicleta Reserva 2022 Viognier, Chile ($12.99, #566836)

Top perennial value bottle. Back in June I bequeathed this cheery white the tagline: “Sunshine in a bottle.” Nothing except the weather has changed, so here’s the review in verbatim: “This has long been an easy go-to, value pick ready to take on any sunset or picnic. Back in the day it sold for $10, but while it’s now up to $13 it still ably pleases the senses for a decent price. This is an extroverted and aromatic Viognier, wafting tropical fruit and flower petals with a fruity yet punchy stance overall, underpinned by evident acidity. Decent texture and a follow-through fruity and cheerful finish ensure this is a crowd-pleasing white.

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Bottom line: B+, Still pairs with chicken tenders or take-out Thai

Fontanafredda 2018 Serralunga d’Alba Barolo, Italy ($49.99, #99424)

Top splurge or cellar stocker. Though a review of this bottle wasn’t published in 2023, this gutsy red proved a showstopper over the holiday season. Made from organically grown Nebbiolo grapes, it offers classic Barolo underpinnings, pouring a dusty ruby and drafting aromas of dried cherry, herbs, leather, and earth. The heady and beguiling mix of fruity and savoury continues into a juicy entry met by a core of elegant tannin and toasty oak before a lingering, elegant, and surprisingly fresh finish. Great paired with pork roast or prime rib for this weekend’s dinner, or shuttle away in the cellar for a few years — three to five — for  maturation. 

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Bottom line: A, Structured elegance

Villa Conchi Brut Selección Cava, Spain ($20.99, #192765)

Top all year-round bubbly. For justification, let’s rewind to March 2023: “Cava remains the Swiss Army knife of sparkling wines — extremely versatile and ready to take on any occasion. This is in large part thanks to bottles like Villa Conchi’s Brut Selección. Made in the traditional method with classic Cava grapes of Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada (albeit with 10 per cent Chardonnay blended in), it carries a price tag friendly enough to pour with weekend brunch or large-crowd canapés. Thanks to an array of fun citrus, herbs, and earthy aromas flanked by a sharp entry and mellow mid-palate, this bottle makes for an easy everyday food partner.

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Bottom line: B+, Monday-Sunday sparkler

The Swirl: Okanagan Winter Wine Festival

The inaugural Okanagan Winter Wine Festival, a.k.a, Winter SIPS, will run over two January weekends throughout the Okanagan Valley. On Jan. 20 and 21 the Wine Winterfest will be centred in Oliver at the District Wine Village, with an evening tasting also taking place from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20 at the Pentincton Trade and Convention Centre. On Saturday, Jan. 27 Winter SIPS heads north to Kelowna for a 2-4 p.m. tasting at Revelry Food+Music Hub. Complete details and ticket information can be found at thewinefestivals.com/.

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