Tasted: A White Winter

By / Wine + Drinks / January 9th, 2015 / 3

No, we are not referring to all that white stuff on our front lawns…

Although most wine drinkers tend to favour a big glass of red during the colder, winter months, we would like to open your palate to the possibility of enjoying a white winter.

White wines that are higher in alcohol, fuller bodied and/or display unctuous honey and spice characteristics can be as satisfying on cold winter’s night. They also pair well with our richer, heartier winter cuisine.

Here a few of our favourite winter whites. Cheers…brrrr!

Blue Cove Winemaker’s Choice Viognier 2009

Reviewed by: Sean Wood
Editor Rating: Very Good
$14
Western Cape, South Africa

Review Summary:
Despite the rather high alcohol, this one presents lightly refreshing stone fruit, some lemony citrus and very sound overall balance. Finishes with pleasing honey citrus lift.

Chateau St Jean Fumé Blanc 2010

Reviewed by: Rick VanSickle
Editor Rating: Very Good
$20
Sonoma, California

Review Summary:
A touch of Sémillon and Viognier is blended into this wine that sees a touch of oak aging. The nose displays pear, apple and citrus fruit with just a kiss of honey and spice. It shows weight and complexity on the palate with pear, fig and toasted vanilla flavours. There’s just a shot of citrus zest on the finish of this lovely, bold Sauvignon Blanc.

Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr Gewürztraminer Grand Cru Schoenenbourg 2005

Reviewed by: Ron Liteplo
Editor Rating: Outstanding
$22
Alsace, France

Review Summary:
Medium-deep brass, like looking into the eye of a duck. Sophisticated nose of roses, lychee, a bit of celery and a hint of allspice. Full-bodied, unctuous, with flavours of tangerine and pears and even a sprinkle of coconut. Good now, but will last a long time.

Tawse Robyn’s Block Chardonnay 2010

Reviewed by: Evan Saviolidis
Editor Rating: Excellent
$46
Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario

Review Summary:
This has always been my favourite Chardonnay from Tawse. The 2010 vintage, with all its heat, has produced a fuller and rounder wine than recent vintages. Medium- to full-bodied, it is the oak which dominates at this early stage: vanilla, smoke, caramel, spice and cream meshes with apple/pear purée and pineapple. The mouth is creamy and round with excellent length and a long, smoky aftertaste.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Looking at the small things that make life great and the people who create them.

Comments are closed.

North America’s Longest Running Food & Wine Magazine

Get Quench-ed!!!

Champion storytellers & proudly independent for over 50 years. Free Weekly newsletter & full digital access