Wine Guy: Spring sipping calls for Sauv Blanc and some rustic reds

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The time is ripe for white pants and Sauvignon Blanc.

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But let’s also not forget to bring out the rustic reds as we fire up the grills again.

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Of course, it’s spot prawn season and there’s nothing like a bottle of Riesling sipped alongside the freshest of seafood.

In short, springtime brings myriad wine and food-pairing opportunities. So embrace the season with this diverse array of wine options:

Havoc & Harmony 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand

($16.99 on sale until June 1, No. 590117)

The memo was missed, but apparently May 3 was International Sauvignon Blanc Day. Better late than never, right?

And anyways, the warmer turn in the weather this last week or so has really been screaming Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, to be specific — there’s just something patio-comforting about sipping this outsized, aromatic white as the sun shines.

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H&H offers up the classics: engaging cut grass, citrus and tropical fruit aromatics with a zesty entry and good overall texture rounding out to a fruity, balanced finish. It’s deliciously comforting and lip-smacking freshness wrapped up into a very enjoyable wine style. 

Bottom line: B, patio plus one.

Mula Velha 2021 Vinho Tinto, Portugal

($14.99, No. 498978)

Spent a few hours gearing up the grill the other day, and now it’s time to crank up the BTUs.

But what wine to serve? One easy choice is a rustic red. No need to go too plush or polished when smoke and char are on the menu, and Mula Velha’s red blend parries burgers or a mixed grill plate beautifully.

A classic Portuguese medley of Touriga Nacional, Aragonez and Casteláo grapes, this shiny purple black pour brings lush dark fruit and herbs in an overall soft and fruity style. Grittiness builds toward a medium-bodied finish in this easygoing, everyday red.

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Bottom line: B-, everyday grilling partner.

Apāra 2022 Riesling, B.C.

(from $28, available through the winery and select private wine stores)

A fresh yet off-dry Riesling served in May — as the birds start to sing — is indeed a beautiful thing. Paired with some seared scallops or a plateful of steamed or grilled spot prawns, it becomes a memorable spring fling.

Right on time, cue this new B.C. bottle. Apāra, a “proudly BIPOC & LGBTQIA2S+ owned” winery, recently released their inaugural offerings, which includes this 2022 Riesling.

The wine is actually 87 per cent Riesling and 13 per cent Pinot Blanc, with only 280 cases produced.

Made from organically grown and wild-fermented grapes, the aromas are classic Riesling — citrus, stone fruit and petrichor — and the body is balanced and textural with subtle acidity.

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Bottom line: B+, bring on the seafood.

The Swirl: Kamloops Wine & Beverage Festival

The Kamloops Wine & Beverage Festival returns for its 26th year on May 30 to June 1. The festival kicks off with Cheese the Day on May 30, featuring Canadian cheese ambassador David Beaudoin providing cheese alongside wine and cider pairings.

The Grand Tasting Day takes place June 1 (tickets are available for both the 2 to 4 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. sessions), with nearly 40 vendors filling the Columbo Lodge to showcase B.C. beverages and food — along with entertainment, door prizes and a silent auction in support of the Rotary Club of Kamloops West.

For complete details head to kamloopswinefestival.ca/.

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