Have wine, will travel
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Sometimes the Hired Belly's world of all things culinary overlaps with his other gig, chasing down superyachts and their owners to see what makes them tick.
People who build multi-million dollar yachts are an interesting breed. Perhaps what makes them more interesting is not the first yacht they build but subsequent craft that often reflect more precisely their passion. Last week we were sailing on Idaho's beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene -- checking out Sizzler, a stunning purpose built 18-metre day-sailer, built by media and hospitality mogul Duane Hagadone, and launched just last year. It's a sleek, teak-trimmed, state-of-the-art vessel that can be single-handed at the push of a few buttons. Within a few minutes we're gently heeled over and clipping eight knots, and to complete the sailing experience, we were tasting some Idaho wines -- that is wines made with Idaho grapes, not Washington grapes -- which tends to be the norm. The good news? Worth hunting down are a delightfully perfumed, pear and orange toned Cinder 2007 Viognier (made by former Canoe Ridge assistant winemaker Melanie Krause) and a plush, plummy and spicy 2005 Malbec from Pend d'Oreille Winery. The bad news is that you'll have to drive to Idaho (or to Washington State) to taste them.
All of which begs the question, why isn't there a freer flow of wines between our Pacific Northwest regions?
At Sea Tac Airport, Vino Volo is a smart wine and tapas bar with a pretty good selection of drops but only one from B.C. -- Osoyoos Larose Petales. If we could even get decent food in departures at YVR, let alone a wine bar, that would be something. Right now, despite its innovative West Coast decor, when it comes to reinforcing Vancouver's significant culinary stature, YVR comes up embarrassingly short.
Meanwhile, back on dry land, we recently caught up with some good Portuguese tastes, which serve as reminders that Spain's smaller neighbour has made serious progress on its table wines -- while at the same time retaining their value and appeal to consumers.
Azul is a range of wines from Saven, one of Portugal's largest producers, intended to introduce consumers to the different regions.
They're well made and affordable, with straightforward packaging that won't get you too bogged down in Portugal's mind-growing array of grape varieties.
- Azul Portugal Palmela 2006
Affordable, medium-bodied Castelau (Periquita) from coastal Palmela; 30-year-old vines in sandy soils. Smoky notes on top with bright fruit, easy tannins and juicy food friendly acidity. $16-$19 Everything Wine, Liberty.
- Azul Ribetejo 2006
From the plains northeast of Lisbon. Forward raspberry notes with darker, spicy tones and a pleasing, earthy garrigue quality. $16-$19 Everything Wine, Liberty
- Azul Bairrada 2005
From the central coastal plain. Quite supple, not complex but easy drinking red, with black fruit and some chocolate notes underpinned by moderate tannins. BCLS $15.99