Wine Guy: Three wines — in three colours — ready for everyday enjoyment

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There’s no overarching theme this week. Simply a mixed trio of bottles in various colours that have recently found their way into the tasting glass, all ready for everyday enjoyment.

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Actually, there’s the theme. Taking a moment to note and appreciate myriad shades of wine, whether the wine’s colour came from the grapes, the winemaking process, aging or a combination thereof.

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Astrolabe 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand

($26.99, No. 138503)

Another week, another Sauvignon Blanc — it’s just been pairing so well with spring.

Thanks to the grape’s thin skin and the tendency in most wine regions to forgo oak in the winery, Sauvignon Blanc is often one of the palest-hued wines. But the straw colour of Astrolabe’s Sauvignon Blanc, for example, belies the wine’s explosion of aromas and flavour.

Extroverted notes of tropical fruit and lemon lead into a wonderfully textural and complex mid-palate. The finish is lengthy and fruity, but also expressive of mineral and citrus.

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Bring on the kebabs (pork, chicken, or prawn) or even a nice cheese plate to start the night.

Bottom line: A-, perfect patio partner

Liquidity 2023 Rosé of Pinot Noir, B.C.

($30, available through the winery and select private wine stores)

Rosé undoubtedly provides some of the more captivating shades of wine.

From onion skin to salmon, sunset blush to deep neon pink, rosé’s hues are truly remarkable. The final colour depends on the grapes used and the winemaking style, notably including the length of skin contact with red grapes.

Liquidity’s new vintage Rosé is made from Pinot Noir grown in Okanagan Falls and Oliver specifically for rosé production. It hews to the paler, peachy pink side of the rosé spectrum thanks to gentle whole cluster pressing and minimal skin contact.

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Aromas of citrus and orchard fruit kickoff this bright, fresh and juicy rosé.

Bottom line: B+, pair with grilled salmon

Pointer 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile

($13.99, No. 355862)

Cabernet Sauvignon is typically known for presenting deeper shades of red. Well, red is actually not a very good description — Cab Sauv tends to show deep ruby to almost crimson garnet.

The grape’s thick skin certainly helps add pigment, along with leisurely maceration. The new-to-market Pointer Cabernet Sauvignon hails from Chile’s Central Valley and pours a deep, rich ruby.

It’s pretty classic and straightforward: ripe, dark fruits like plum and cassis shine in a fruit-forward style overall. Medium-bodied, it stays plush through a balanced and smooth, if simple, finish.

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It’s an easygoing, robust red ready to take on burgers or a pot of chili. 

Bottom line: B-, fetching ruby shade

The Swirl: Okanagan Spring Wine Festival

The next edition of the Okanagan Wine Festivals is set to launch across three weekends in June.

Running from June 2 to 23, the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival features the Taste Series taking place at venues throughout the Okanagan Valley (kicking off June 2 with the Naramata Bench).

There is also the B.C. Top 50 Grand Tasting on June 7 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.

For complete details and tickets head to www.thewinefestivals.com.

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