I was standing in Pentâge Winery’s new 4,000-square-foot natural-rock wine cellar recently when I realized that I have not been spending enough time considering, describing and drinking wines from the Okanagan Valley.
Nestled on the hill overlooking Skaha Lake, Pentâge is a dazzling example of the privately owned boutique wineries that have emerged in the Okanagan in the last 15 or 20 years. It was established in 1996 by Paul Gardner (the winemaker) and Julie Rennie (the administrative mastermind) – a marvellous partnership.
Three things distinguish Pentâge. First, its offerings: it currently lists six reds and 11 whites, including an icewine that was named Best Canadian Dessert Wine at the All Canadian Wine Championships this year. Second, given the extent of this list, the consistency of quality. And third, the affordability of the wines, which begin at $18 a bottle (for the ’07 Pinot Gris) and (except for the icewine) all settle in under $30.
I especially like the ’06 Syrah ($26), typical of the modest North American Syrahs from California and Oregon. For starters, however, I recommend the ’05 Pentâge ($29), a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a little Cab Franc and hints of Syrah and Gamay. The promotional literature promises “aromas of caramel, and chocolate-covered cherries” and a taste featuring “cherries, blackberries, anise and rich mocha coffee flavors” – a presumptuous pitch upon which the wine delivers.
Actually, so does the winery. The products are difficult to find in liquor or wine stores, but the website (pentage.com) is user friendly and Pentâge offers free shipping for orders of more than $200. It puts the fun back into waiting for the mail.
Glowbal Restaurant Group Inc.’s Coast restaurant has fancy new digs on Alberni Street and, to go with it, a fancy new drink for fall. Beverage manager Kye Melchert puts a twist on the classic Moscow Mule by adding spiced maple simple syrup to a refreshing mix of Grey Goose vodka, fresh lime juice and bitters. Shaken, poured over a mountain of crushed ice, then topped with Stewart’s Ginger Beer and an orange twist, this food-friendly cocktail has a definite bite. $9.50, coastrestaurant.ca.
Kitchen CandyKitchenAid celebrates its 90th anniversary year with the release of a limited-edition Candy Apple Red Artisan Stand Mixer. Featuring a glass bowl rather than the usual stainless steel, the iconic mixer celebrates a time when cooking from scratch was the norm. The 10-speed mixer – complete with flat beater, dough hook and wire whisk – is capable of mixing dough for more than four loaves of bread. Available at the Bay, Home Outfitters and specialty stores beginning this month. $399.99, shop.KitchenAid.ca.
