In case you’ve never met the girls, we have to explain that this column isn’t as sexist as it sounds, and that some of these girls are actually boys. The other thing you need to know is that they aren’t sommeliers, just regular wine-loving people who really only care if it’s yummy.
They’re discovering that beyond being an obvious choice for parties and special occasions, bubblies are ideal for cheering yourself up on a Wednesday evening when it’s been raining too much. And for enjoying while cuddling up with someone nice, to watch old movies on a Saturday afternoon.
Champagne production is, of course, restricted to the Champagne region of France, but BC does make some fine bubblies. Most sparkling wines are made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, and the Okanagan has an excellent climate for both. Here are a few standouts, all Okanagan VQA, so no worries about imposters masquerading as BC wines.
Summerhill Organic Cipes Rose Pinot Noir
Ooh la la! This one is special: bright in the glass and luxurious on the tongue. Imagine all the berry gorgeousness you’d expect from a pinot noir, chilled, and with a dramatic sparkle and fizz. Love the pale red colour—and that it’s organic. (Summerhill makes more organic wine than the rest of the Canadian wine industry combined, and they have three sparklers in their portfolio.) www.summerhill.bc.ca
See Ya Later Ranch SYL Brut
A fizzy, complex, fruity-yet-dry explosion that froths beautifully out of the bottle. Very drinkable on its own, and especially nice for breakfast with warm croissants and jam. Christmas morning or New Year’s Day, before your Polar Bear Swim? Or, as the girls are thinking, instead of your Polar Bear Swim? www.sylranch.com
Sumac Ridge Tribute
This was created to celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympics, and the cynics in our midst are quick to wrinkle their noses at such an idea. Well, wrinkle if you must, but don’t turn your nose up at Tribute; this is a fantastic wine. Don’t expect a dainty little ice dancer; this has all the powerful, focused grace of a speed skater out of the gate. It’s crisp and dry and somehow wintry, with just a little fruit on the palate—quite like that famous French bubbly. (Steller’s Jay is another extremely satisfying sparkler from Sumac Ridge, with no Olympic connection.) www.sumacridge.com
