Anthony Gismondi: B.C. wine for the week of June 23

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Pioneers of B.C.’s wine industry, the Stewart family (Quails’ Gate Estate Winery) and the Martiniuk family (Stoneboat Vineyards until 2021) have embarked on a vineyard partnership to continue the legacy of family farming in the Okanagan. Quails’ Gate Estate Winery has assumed responsibility for the Martiniuks’ 30-acre site on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver.

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“We are delighted to be working with Julie and Lanny Martiniuk, allowing their legacy of quality and innovation to continue. We are also ensuring family-owned businesses in the Okanagan Valley continue to prosper,” said chief executive officer Tony Stewart. As the Martiniuks step back, revitalization of the 30-acre site is already in development as Quails’ Gate looks to enhance 40 years of successful farming and grapevine propagation on the property.

The global non-alcoholic drinks market is expected to reach $1.36 trillion in 2022 and is predicted to grow annually by 5.56 percent. Though traditional soft drinks remain the most significant market segment, alcohol-free versions of popular drinks are expected to show fast growth. In 2021, estimated sales of non-alcoholic wine could reach $1.6 billion. Predictions of 10.4-per-cent annual growth mean that by 2031, the sector could reach $4.5 billion. B.C. Liquor stores currently list only one non-alcoholic wine.

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B.C. wine of the week

Gidda Family Estate One Block Pinot Gris 2020, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada 

$33.00 I 90/100

UPC: 626990199540

Winemaker Daniel Bontorin is at the helm here, and this single-block selection is the better for it. The nose combines freshness and oaty leesy notes with baked apple pie crust highlights. It is very subtle, Bontorin-style, with an enticing dry entry, mixing a hint of citrus zest with green apple, local scrub and more fresh pie notes — a delight to drink and will be a fine bottle for the dinner table. The winery suggests you pair it with sunset views and deep conversations. For a culinary adventure, try it with chicken Marbella, apricot-stuffed pork tenderloin or bacon-wrapped scallops.

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Wine for the cellar

Telmo Rodriguez Corriente Bueno de Diario 2018, Rioja, Spain 

$35.90 Everything Wine; select private retailers

UPC: 8436037401053

Corriente (ordinary everyday wine) is a tribute to an unofficial and traditional wine classification used across the Rioja region for many centuries. Winemaker Telmo Rodríguez describes it as wine without pretence, “a wine that represents a region, its culture.” This Rioja Alavesa mix of Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha is grown organically by the winery. It is supplemented by field blends and bush vines manually harvested in small boxes from local suppliers practising traditional viticulture. The wine is aged in older barrels and foudres of mixed ages. Expect an inviting, warm, round — everyday red wine with extraordinary style—worth the search in private stores. It should be listed across the province.

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