| LESS IS MORE |
On the cool, rainy and lush northwest coast of Portugal, they’ve been making low-alcohol wines for years. Vinho Verde, which translates to “green wine,” is actually young wine usually consumed just a few months after harvest. Gazela, a crisp and clean dry wine, is high in acid and low in alcohol (9 percent ABV) and ideal with local seafood. In Marlborough on New Zealand’s bucolic South Island, Stoneleigh harvests fruit from early ripening Rapaura region grapes to make its newly released Lighter Rosé. An initial pruning program leads to ripeness with lower sugars, which in turn produce a wine with just 9.5 percent ABV, about 25 percent lower in alcohol than usual— without sacrificing flavour or mouthfeel. Meanwhile, back in BC, Naramata’s Poplar Grove employs state-of-the- art Italian membrane technology (developed in Verona) to lower the alcohol in its Rosé Nouveau 2022 to just 8 percent. A blend of mainly Malbec with Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc with a splash of Pinot Noir, each variety was fermented separately before being treated to remove the ethanol, resulting in much lower ABV—and a whole lot less calories! As the wine industry continues to adapt to a changing climate and evolving tastes, we can expect to see more wines lower in alcohol and calories. That’s good news, not just for summer but year-round!
DR. LOOSEN MOSEL RIESLING Germany $17.99 599274 Dr. L is a flavour- packed, low-alcohol Riesling from the Mosel Valley distinguished by refreshing, juicy, crisp green apple, citrus and slate notes. Think about enjoying this with lightly spiced dishes or just for hot- weather sipping.
VILLA TERESA ROSÉ FRIZZANTE Italy $19.99 826875 This organic sparkler sports lively bubbles before a refreshing strawberry-toned palate that pairs well with cold cuts and patios. in the glass and red berry notes
MASI FRESCO DI MASI BIANCO Italy $21.99 61750 This is an organic blend of indigenous tropical, floral and citrus hints before a lively palate of pear and pineapple through to a mineral core and lingering finish. and modern varieties with
GAZELA VINHO VERDE Portugal $12.99 141432 A light and bright sipper, Gazela is quite pale in the glass, with tropical and citrus notes buoyed by firm acidity and a fresh ending. Ideal paired with shellfish and any fresh seafood.
STONELEIGH LIGHTER ROSÉ New Zealand $18.99 56198 This rosé is medium salmon in colour with wild red berries leading to a fruity, strawberry- and-rhubarb palate. Enjoy it with barbecued salmon, chicken, potato salad and more.
POPLAR GROVE ROSÉ NOUVEAU BC VQA $25.99 360765 This rosé is deep pink in the glass with red berries, stone fruit and citrus on top followed by a juicy watermelon-and- strawberry-toned palate. Perfect with lighter fare such as pasta salads.
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