That's right: today at 4: 09 p.m. you can pull on those breezy shorts and tank tops, and hit the deck with a juicy summer wine in hand.
What's that, you say? Twenty degrees isn't enough to lure you onto the backyard lounger?
Even if the weather isn't measuring up to your expectations, you can still celebrate the solstice by uncorking (or more likely unscrewing) a refreshing bottle of worthy wine. Let's get you started with a few delicious picks.
2011 Poggiotondo Bianco Toscana I.G.T.
Lay out a spread of creamy cheeses to pair with this fresh-faced Italian beauty. The unoaked blend of three native Tuscan white wine grapes - Vermentino, Trebbiano and Malvasia - is bright and well-structured; about $17 at B.C. Liquor Stores and private wine shops.
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2011 Gewurztraminer
This medium-bodied, dry gewurz offers floral and lychee aromas and is uncommonly easy to pair with all your favourite summer food cravings. Dry and fruity, it's cold fermented in stainless steel tanks, resulting in vibrant, juicy acidity. It's about $18, at B.C. Liquor Stores and private wine shops; tinhorn.com.
Backyard Vineyards 2011 Nosey Neighbour White
What could be more appropriate for patio sipping than a wine from Backyard Vineyards? The cheeky Langley winery just released a raft of well-priced wines to enjoy this summer, including this blend of Pinot Gris, Riesling, Siegerrebe and Gewürztraminer. This crisp wine makes a great date for heartier seafood dishes; $15 at private wine stores or at the winery, 3033 232 St., Langley; backyardwine.ca.
JoieFarm Rosé 2011
You can't talk about summer sippers without mentioning JoieFarm Rosé, a pretty pink, charming blend of Gamay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris.
Beautifully weighted, this wine goes with anything: brunch, lunch, poolside slurping, or an Ambleside sunset.
About $21 at private wine stores; joiefarm.com.
Meyer Family Vineyards 2010 Reimer Vineyard Pinot Noir - 91pts
I admit, this one is less easy sipper and more robust, cherried, well-structured pinot worth savouring; but what is one to do if you don't want white? Besides, I really like the French Burgundy-styled wines made at this tiny Okanagan Falls winery.
It's $40 at private wine stores; mfvwines.com.
DEANA LANCASTER . [email protected]
