Anthony Gismondi: B.C. wine of the week and a value bottle to try

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Made With Love & Côte Des Roses is a complimentary sit-down tasting event with Emma Bertrand that will showcase the launch of Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Languedoc Rosé Ltd Edition.

The event will take place at the Park Royal B.C. Liquor Store on Oct. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.

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This limited edition of Côte des Roses is the result of a collaboration between Emma Bertrand and one of the most talented artists in the South of France, Cédric Pierre-Bez, a.k.a. Cépé. Having grown up in Marseille, Cépé attributes his inspiration to the light and colours of the south of France.

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You are invited to taste the range, plus a few special labels. Guests are asked to arrive early and to stay for the duration of the event.

WHO ‘changed the way it talks about alcohol’

Ana Isabel Alves, executive director of the Portuguese Association for Wine and Spirits, is quoted by Meininger International reporter Felicity Carter as saying, “The World Health Organization has changed the way it talks about alcohol,” and she is urging the wine industry to pay attention.

“We have been working on these threats for almost 15 years, and we are used to seeing news about alcohol beverages and the WHO in the press, but the narratives have changed.”

The goal now is to make alcoholic beverages less socially acceptable, as was done with tobacco. Previously, health warnings around alcohol focused on three things: the issue of drinking and driving, the well-being of minors and the harm done to pregnant women. But in the past year, the discussion has changed.

“We call this the ‘de-normalization project’,” she says. “This new narrative is about making alcoholic beverages less socially acceptable, like tobacco.”

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It sounds as if they want to shame you into giving up wine. It is going to be an interesting conversation moving forward.

B.C. Wine of the Week

Blue Mountain Estate Cuvée Pinot Gris 2022, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

$24.90 I 91/100

UPC: 626452201224

2022 is year 36 at Blue Mountain, and it was a good one for Pinot Gris. The Okanagan Falls vineyard is planted with two French clones that, over the years, appear to have become a seamless blend. The fermentation begins with indigenous yeast in a mix of vessels: foudre, stainless, older French barrels and puncheons. Citrus-drenched lime pith, creamy lees and a tight complex finish invite you to buy this in numbers. You could age this a couple of years, but why bother, it is delicious now.

Value Wine of the Week

Tightrope Winery Pinot Gris 2022, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

$24.00 I 90/100

UPC: 626990153849

Fleet Road Vineyard is on the estate home site and the lead source of this delicious Gris, with some nearby additions of neighbouring areas. There is a bump of residual sugar in the mix, but plenty of balancing acidity is led by grapefruit, pear, and lemon zest. If you chill this down, it can easily carry pre-dinner, solo or with some spicy appetizers. Or consider a savoury roasted chicken as the supreme match for dinner.

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