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y Barbara Philip, MW, Portfolio Manager, <strong>BC</strong> <strong>Liquor</strong> <strong>Stores</strong><br />
THE FunDAMEnTALS oF EuroPEAn bLEnDS<br />
British Columbia wine drinkers enjoy a selection of varietal<br />
wines made from Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot<br />
Noir, Malbec and the like. Each grape variety brings a<br />
distinct colour, flavour and structural profile to wines that we’ve<br />
learned to recognize and appreciate. Lately, however, curious<br />
shoppers have been discovering that blended wines can often be<br />
greater than the sum of their parts. In fact, it looks like the next<br />
real trend might not focus on one grape variety, but rather on<br />
wines that are a blend of two, three or more. Terms like GSM<br />
(Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) or Meritage (protected term<br />
for some wines that follow the traditional blending practices of<br />
Bordeaux) are becoming part of the wine enthusiast’s lexicon.<br />
CHâTEau dE La GaRdINE<br />
châteauNeuF-du-PaPe<br />
France $54.99 22889<br />
Small percentages of Syrah and Mourvèdre bring<br />
depth to this Grenache-based wine. it has lovely<br />
earthy aromas mixed with ripe raspberry, plum<br />
and floral notes. The palate is silky and warm.<br />
QuINTa dO CRaSTO dOuRO<br />
RESERVa OLd VINES<br />
Portugal $42.99 489211<br />
between 25 and 30 different varieties are used<br />
to make this opaque, purple wine. The nose is<br />
intense with black cherry, mulberry and floral<br />
aromas. it is huge, ripe and mouth coating on the<br />
palate.<br />
Two thousand years of winemaking history has shown<br />
that many of Europe’s famous vineyards are best represented<br />
by blends. In France’s southern Rhône Valley, for instance, red<br />
wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape are blends of several varieties.<br />
Grenache is a key component, bringing warm alcohol, soft<br />
acidity and flavours of spice and ripe, red fruits. Syrah brings<br />
colour and black fruit, while Mourvèdre offers structure and<br />
depth of flavour. Many other varieties are allowed into southern<br />
Rhône wines. This means each producer decides which mix will<br />
best show off his or her vineyards. Much rarer than the reds, are<br />
the exotic white blends from the Rhône, including such varieties<br />
as Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier.<br />
Formiga de vellut<br />
Spain $30.00 2725<br />
This wine is predominantly old vine Garnacha<br />
with some Cariñena and Syrah. it is full-bodied<br />
and ripe with blueberry, blackberry and spice.<br />
TASTE 41
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