THE ADVOCATE 381
VOL. 79 PART 3 MAY 2021
This visually attractive Provence blend is forty per cent Grenache, twentyfive
per cent Syrah, fifteen per cent Cinsault, fifteen per cent Carignan and
five per cent Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano in Italy). The Coteaux Varois area is at
a higher altitude in the eastern part of Provence at the base of a couple of
mountain ranges (more like high hills) that protect against hotter Mediterranean
maritime influences and boast limestone and calcareous clay soils.
It is a small and relatively recent appellation. This wine has the typical pale
but bright pastel pink Provence rosé colour. On the nose are strawberry,
peach, red apple and floral notes, and on the palate more strawberry, raspberry
and white currant with notes of cranberry and rhubarb. It has a delicate
mouthfeel and a light, tart finish. As with most rosés, it is a
consummate warm-weather apéritif with some casual appetizers, but will
also pair with a variety of foods, from light vegetarian fare to simple grilled
shrimp, poached salmon and ham.
CEDAR CREEK PINOT NOIR 2018
BC VQA Okanagan Valley #567412 $26.99
This is a mid-weight Pinot from estate-grown fruit on the winery’s Home
Block vineyard planted in 1989. On the nose it shows red cherry, red currant
and raspberry fruit, backed with spicy oak and savoury herbs and
tobacco. The bright palate displays more of the same berry/cherry fruit,
with some smoky notes and moderate tannins. Try it with salmon or
chicken on the BBQ with grilled spring/summer vegetables, or a tuna
Niçoise salad.
AMALAYA MALBEC 2019
Salta Valle Calchaquí, Salta, Argentina #168294 $21.99
The vineyards for this lively Malbec are in high desert at 1,800 metres or
more above sea level in the northwestern part of the country. The name is
indigenous for “hope for a miracle”, as legend has it that local farmers in this
high and dry region prayed and made offerings for centuries for a bountiful
harvest. The wine is eighty-five per cent Malbec, ten per cent Tannat and
five per cent Petit Verdot. It garnered platinum and a 97 rating at the
Decanter World Wine Awards in 2020. It has vibrant aromas and flavours.
On the violet-perfumed nose are strawberry, red cherry and plum, and on
the spicy palate more dense fruit including raspberry, blueberry and
jammy plum with notes of vanilla and mocha chocolate and a touch of pencil
lead (yes, there it is again!). It is still quite young and will improve given
a year or two. It is most definitely a food wine that will pair with richer meat
dishes such as ribs, or a hamburger.