Sandhill Estate Sangiovese 2008, BC VQA Okanagan Valley $30
Only one Canadian winemaker, Sandhill veteran Howard Soon, produces a Sangiovese, the earthy Italian varietal at the heart of Chianti and Brunello. It's part of his prestigious small lots program. This lively red has aromas of red fruit and spice, which along with cherry-inflected flavours and soft tannins make it a go-to wine to accompany pizzas, tomato-based sauces, osso buco, meatloaf and many cheeses (unlike most reds). While it goes well with salmon, avoid pairing it with most other seafood, which will throw the wine off balance.
Attention discerning buyers: BC Liquor Stores' annual best of B.C. release starts today, with limited quantities of exceptional and hard-to-find Okanagan wines at attractive prices. A fine opportunity for some early holiday shopping.
Available at BC Liquor Stores.
Kasey Wilson is food editor of Wine Access magazine and editor of Best Places Vancouver.