B.C. wine for the week of July 21, a bottle to cellar and calendar items

Opinion: The latest B.C. wine country buzz.

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An Ambleside wine bar doesn’t sound all that inventive, but it is almost risqué for the most staid oceanfront town in the world.

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The Modern Pantry in West Vancouver is celebrating summer on a sunny patio tucked into the cafe’s rear, with ocean views. The patio pairs perfectly with the cafe’s new wine bar and evening service, featuring light bites and grab-and-go picnic offerings. It happens from Thursday to Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Guests can choose from a growing selection of organic, natural, and biodynamic wines paired with light bites. For folks en route to the nearby beach, you can take advantage of grab-and-go picnic offerings for two people to share.

For more information, visit themodernpantry.ca.

British Columbians will soon see several new Okanagan sub-regions highlighted on wine labels.

The six locations recognized as sub-geographical indications (sub-GI) are now protected terms under B.C. law used to help consumers identify the origin of B.C. wine. The six newcomers are East Kelowna Slopes; Lake Country; South Kelowna Slopes; Summerland Bench; Summerland Lakefront; and Summerland Valleys.

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Wine of the Week

Sandhill Sangiovese Rosé Block No C9 2021, Okanagan Valley 

$30 I 90/100

UPC: 058976503148

Fell in love with the Italian version of sangiovese rosé last week, and this effort by Sandhill is also a keeper. I love the pale peach colour and the delicate fruit nuances mixing grapefruit citrus, fresh red berries, watermelon, and sea salt. Lovely styling and balance and was perfect with fresh cream cheese. Pricey but worth buying direct.

Wine for the cellar

Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc 2019, Okanagan Valley 

$36 I 91/100

UPC: 688229005176

BOV Cabernet Franc has a long history of being the sleeper release most years, especially in the days when Cabernet Franc was a leap for newbie wine drinkers. The style is full-bodied, the textures smooth but rich. On the palate, the flavours are a balanced mix of black and red fruit, the latter keeping the palate fresh through the finish. This wine showed well at the National Wine Awards, illustrating that it is still improving in the bottle. Lamb or venison is the current match, but roast beef will be in the picture five years down the road.

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