Wine Guy: Three degrees of comfort reds

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For a moment it felt like spring had sprung. Oh, foolish foibles of favourable forecasts; winter rose up again with a wintry smackdown to remind that the next season doesn’t officially arrive until mid-March. Point taken, it’s not quite time to put away those comforting reds. So here is a trio of various styles and shades, all ready to help ward off winter’s lingering chills.

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El Petit Bonhomme 2022 Tinto, Spain

($18.99, #169383)

Nothing like taking a trip to the vineyards of southern Spain to find some bottled sunshine. In this case the region of Jumilla, and specifically a fleshy blend of organically grown Monastrel, Garnacha, and Syrah. These grapes thrive in the sun and heat, and stylistically The Little Guy is unabashedly fruit forward and sumptuous. Ripe dark fruit interplays with herbs and a little black pepper before a plush, round finish. In terms of comfort level, this is the wine equivalent of a Super Puff jacket. Full on comfort, ideally paired with an equally comforting dish like stew or coq au vin.

Bottom line: B+, Plush on the tastebuds. 

Nederburg Wines 2020 The Winemasters Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa

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($16.49 #111526)

Cabernet Sauvignon is a comfort wine stalwart. When in doubt on a cold night, whether next to a roaring fire or set alongside a heaving dinner table, it’s an easy comfort pick. As one example, check out Nederburg’s The Winemasters Cabernet Sauvignon. Hailing from the Western Cape wine lands, this venerable South African winery has more than 200 years of wine history. The Winemasters Cab Sauv offers classic aromas of dark fruit  — black currant and blackberry — and vanilla in a smooth, fruit-forward style aiming to please crowds. It’s robust and sturdy, a straight-up red ready to take on pots of chili as well as winter storms.

Bottom line: B-, Wool on the tastebuds.

Solvero Wines 2020 Pinot Noir, B.C.

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($35, available through the winery and select private wine stores)

When it comes to comfort, thick and heavy is not necessarily best. Consider the luxurious comfort of cashmere and you get a sense of the contextual comfort of Pinot Noir. Never the most full-bodied of wines, elegant Pinot can nevertheless bring immense comfort and satisfaction. Relative Okanagan newcomer Solvero Wines has a comforting Pinot Noir with an interesting story. The winery grows its Pinot grapes in the Garnet Valley, in the hills northwest of Summerland. The vineyard checks in at nearby 600 metres in elevation, making it one of the nighest in B.C. The wine is quite aromatic and perfumed — leaner and more finessed overall — with red fruit and an elegant kiss to finish.

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Bottom line: A-, Cashmere on the tastebuds.

The Swirl: Foolish Wine Pairings

Looking for a fun wine tasting? Foolish Wines is set to host their Foolish Pairings event from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 10 at the Penticton campus of Okanagan College, 583 Duncan Ave.West, Penticton). Billed as “not your typical wine and cheese,” the tasting features unique snack pairings alongside bottles from Foolish Wines. There’s also a silent auction, as proceeds from Foolish Pairings go directly to OSNS Child & Youth Development Centre. Tickets are $50. 

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