Anthony Gismondi: B.C. wineries could learn from France how to remain relevant and connected

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After that, areas such as Okanagan Falls, the Cowichan Valley, the Similkameen Valley, Lake Country, Naramata, Summerland, East and West Kelowna, Oliver, Osoyoos, and more will take centre stage, and food, wine, and tourism will coalesce into a single cultural experience that transcends time and generations.

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If you are ready to participate, pull up your chair and make sure it faces the street, French style, so you can start observing life rather than retreating from it.

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Weekend wine picks

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Mouton Cadet Blanc Sémillon – Sauvignon Blanc – Muscadelle 2024, Bordeaux, France

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$18.99 I 88/100

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UPC: 878448002616

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This label has been completely revamped over the last five years, leaving me impressed by the current ratio of price and quality. Very few wines deliver the concentration and flavours you get here for the price. The blend is just over 66 per cent Sauvignon Blanc for freshness, just under 32 per cent Sémillon for roundness and fruit, and 2 per cent Muscadelle for lift and refinement. The nose is a refreshing, attractive green/citrus mix with apricot highlights. The acidity is perfect, and the finish is a lovely saline-mineral affair. The ideal aperitif for vegetable maki rolls, oysters, or take it to dinner. Super value.

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Sartarelli Classico Verdicchio 2022, Marche, Italy
$23.99 I 89/100
UPC: 8032919700018
This Verdicchio is an uncomplicated white that opens with classic grassy-green fruit and hawthorn, with citrus and almond notes at the finish. This is a delightful Marche white that was made for West Coast seafood. Fresh and youthful, it is a solid pasta wine, and clams or mussels are the best shellfish to combine with spaghetti and verdicchio. Stock up, as this one is a winner. Fine value, too.

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Chartron et Trébuchet Cremant de Bourgogne Chardonnay Brut 2023, Burgundy, France

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$29.99 I 90/100

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UPC: 3120581442970

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This is a traditional method 100 per cent Chardonnay sparkler offering fine value. The nose is an enticing mix of white flowers, citrus, and green-apple notes, with hints of almonds. On the palate, lemon and apple notes are joined by a strong current of chalky, wet-stone minerality and a creamy, persistent mousse. It offers a lot of sparkling wine for the price and would be a terrific patio aperitif or Sunday brunch bubble.

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Barossa Valley Estate Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2023, Barossa Valley, South Australia

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$24.99 I 90/100

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UPC: 9311347003120

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Barossa Valley is home to this GSM blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre, with Grenache being the dominant varietal. It has been a decade since we last enjoyed this wine, and we’re pleased to say it has evolved into a bright, fruit-forward red with lively red-berry and dark-plum notes, ending with a spicy finish. Think of it as a medium-bodied, soft, juicy wine meant to be enjoyed now, offering great value for everyday drinking. It’s ideal for pairing with savoury dishes around the barbecue or alongside your favourite vegetarian meal. Best enjoyed young, within three to five years of the vintage.

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Famille J-M Cazes Pauillac 2020, Pauillac, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France

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$60 I 90/100

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UPC: 3760020135973

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The J-M Cazes Pauillac is the third-tier label of the renowned Pauillac powerhouse Château Lynch-Bages, designed for earlier drinking. The Cazes family has owned Lynch-Bages for decades, making it well-versed in all things Bordeaux and Pauillac. It is a 74/23/3 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc blend with spicy dark cherry, plum, and blackberry. The palate is tinged with graphite and structured with rich, slightly sticky tannins at this point. It is dry and sophisticated, but that is to be expected for the price. A solid introduction to the style of the famous AOC Pauillac, from a highly regarded vintage. Private wine shops only.