ORANGE WINE is Hip

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We have received an influx of inquiries into Orange wine and thought it suiting to put together a post explaining what Orange wine is and provide some great orange wine sipping suggestions alongside it. What is Orange wine? Despite how it might sound, there are no oranges used to make orange wine. It is made using white grapes. It is a process where the skins and seeds are left in contact with the juice giving it an orange hued colour. The contact can be as little as a few days and as long as over one year! Many of the world’s wine regions are producing varying styles with Italy, France and Slovenia the more common places. The contact the skin … (Click for more)

Chrystala’s Staff Pick: 2014 Andrea Rinaldi Moscato D’Asti

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I am very excited that this delicious Moscato arrived just in time for Easter because it will be perfect  with the olive orange cake my friend Anna makes every year. Pale golden color with tropical fruit aromas. Palate shows peachy fruit with some citrus notes, sweet and refreshing. The finish is about medium sweet and refreshing good balance. Enjoy with dessert, a plate of fruit, or on its own. Origin: Asti, Italy Variety: Moscato Bianco Price: $27.74 + taxes Buy now.

Karen’s Staff Pick: Ant Moore 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Signature Series)

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This is a refined and voluptuous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Tantalizing ‘come hither’ nose of guava, lime zest, gooseberries, sun warmed tomato leaves and and ever-so-subtle hint of white pepper. Elegant yet frisky acidity dances with flavours of kiwi, guava, meyer lemon preserve, pomelo and finishes with a seductive whisper of young Hawaiian ginger. The Mrs. Robinson of Sauvignon Blanc. Try it with Ceviche, Asparagus with goat cheese and lemon zest, pesto and prawn linguine or even salsa and tortilla chips. Origin: New Zealand Variety: Sauvignon Blanc Price: $26 + taxes Buy now.

Jon’s Staff Pick: 2013 Turley Old Vines Zinfandel

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It’s never too early for a Turley.  This is luscious, juicy red has the dial turned all the way up to 11 with its blackberry and raspberry notes.  A spicy, balanced wine that hides its muscular nature behind a surprisingly soft mouthfeel.  Perfect to drink now or to hold in the cellar for a few years. Origin:California, USA Variety: Zinfandel Price: $55.56 + taxes Buy now.

Alex’s Staff Pick: Plateau des Chenes Lirac Blanc

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One of the best parts of working for Marquis is our staff training seminars.  That’s where I first fell in love with this stunningly clean Rhone blend.  Focused minerality with beautiful citrus notes, this would be a perfect pair with shellfish, or just on its own. Origin: Lirac, Rhone, France Variety: Grenache Blanc, Rousanne, Clairette Price: $32.17 + taxes Buy now.

Jesse’s Staff Pick: Ventolera 2012 Litoral Pinot Noir

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Why buy this Pinot Noir from Chile? First, because it’s full of bright, strawberry-driven fruit flavor. Second, because if it was from anywhere else it would likely cost fifty percent more!  Chile has always done value well, and increasingly, it does quality too. The grapes for this wine come from vineyards near the Pacific coast, and you can taste the cool-climate freshness. Origin: Chile Variety: Pinot Noir Price: $30.35 + taxes Buy now.

James’ Staff Pick: Mumm Napa Cuvee M Sparkling

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Cuvée M displays a swish stream of fine bubbles, a stunning peach-rose hue, and fresh white and yellow fruit aromas complemented by notes of strawberry, freshly-baked bread, vanilla and honey. Layers of ripe peach with refined hints of mandarin orange mix with crisp citrus tones, resulting in an extended, satisfying finish. Origin: California, USA Variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Price: $36.99 + taxes Buy now.

EMANDARE Tasting @ Marquis

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I often get asked what do I like most about the wine business. The answer is always the same, it’s the people. It’s the people that drive business and make life interesting, Mike and Robin Nierychlo are no exception. I first met Mike perhaps five or six years ago,  he was hosting a video series called The Wine Garage in his garage Langley. The only time that was mutually convenient for us to meet was after my 7am Saturday morning hockey game. I drove out to Langley pulled up to his condo and lo and behold he had everything all set up, plus a bunch of wine fermenting in carboys in his garage. Mike was making wine as a hobby, … (Click for more)