Wine Guy: 3 comfort wines for the season

The heat is on. Literally. After the last week or so, there’s no denying that furnace season has fully arrived.

Heck, snow is falling regularly at higher elevations. Thus resigned to elevated heating bills, may as well embrace the comforts and joys ahead — from aprés ski activities to, well, comfort wines to warm the palate and soul. Bow & Arrow Wines 2020 Fool’s Gold, Oregon (around $26, available at select private wine stores) What does a comfort wine taste like? In broad strokes, it’s richer and more robust overall.



In terms of white wine, comfort wine can be a transition from Sauvignon Blanc to Chardonnay. Or in the case of Fool’s Gold, it’s a blend of both grapes to meld freshness and richness. This 50/50 blend sourced from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Fool’s Gold boasts exotic aromatics of citrus, biscuit, and dried fruit.

A robust mid-palate meets floral and herbal notes before a fulsome yet slightly funky finish. This is a storm watching white, and will also pair well with roast chicken or chana aloo curry. Bottom line: B, Rich and exotic white.

Township 7 2023 Rosé, B.C. ($27.

97, available through the winery) Don’t stop believing, and don’t stop sipping rosé in the off-season. Even if it’s not sunny outside, doesn’t mean that rosé loses its sunny disposition. Which is to say, there’s just something fun about serving pink wine in months with an R.

Just opt for a richer style rosé, say something like Township 7’s Merlot-dominant blush. There’s also Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, and splashes of Chardonnay Pinot Noir in the mix, but you won’t be thinking about that as you enjoy this berry and rhubarb imbued, juicy rosé that is unabashedly fruit-forward while remaining silky smooth and structured. Bottom line: B, Great with pork roast or ribs.

Tommasi 2020 Ripasso Valpolicella, Italy ($34.99, #566844) Ripasso is like a bottled version of a hand-knit wool sweater. It’s chunky and warming, yet suave and elegant at the same time.

Ripasso, or “re-pass,” is a winemaking style in which leftover grape pomace from Amarone pressings get added during the wine’s second fermentation. The process adds richness, aromas, and complexity. For a fun (and comforting) example check out Tommasi’s Ripasso.

Made from the traditional Valpolicella grapes Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone, this gutsy red brings all the feels — from aromas of ripe dark fruit, prune, and tobacco to a smooth and comforting structure, before a surprisingly fresh finish. Bottom line: B+, Pair with a fire and a pizza. The Swirl: Holiday Cheer in the Heart of Wine Country The holiday season is being ushered in on Saturday, Nov.

16 by the wineries of the Heart of Wine Country. From 11 a.m.

to 4 p.m., all member wineries on the route along Skaha to Vaseaux Lakes are hosting open houses, including festive tastings, mulled wine and s’mores by the fire and live music.

For complete details head to theheartofwinecountry.ca/ . Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the news you need to know — add VancouverSun.

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