Swirl Wine Store in Yaletown
Scroll through my favourite selections of Reds, Rosé, Whites and Sparkling Wines. You can order by the bottle or by the case. Swirl also have 5-bottle, 4-bottle and 3-bottle gift packs. Food pairings can be added with advance notice. These wines are my personal recommendations based on tasting and marketing wine over the last five years. I have a preference for producers who are striving for harmony with the land and limited intervention in the making of wines.
BBQ Reds.
So many good bottles, so little time!
I love summer and bbqs. If you need any recipes or further suggestions, message me.
I love summer and bbqs. If you need any recipes or further suggestions, message me.
For summer evenings, a Pinot Noir in the pocket is a great choice. Lighter body in the heat, with food pairing qualities that naturally charm grilled chicken or salmon. At $27.99 Moraine Pinot Noir delivers everything you need.
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Hugging Tree and the 2015 Moonchild Merlot is a little richer. I'm not sure the magic Brad Makepeace has sprinkled here but this is aromatically stunning with the right amount of body and flavour that makes you feel fabulous even if you don't have a steak on the "barbie". At $23.99 I'm still wondering why there is any of this left.
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Last but in no way least, if you haven't tasted this Northern Rhone style Syrah, from Winemaker's Cut, you are missing out on black fruit and white pepper that could age for a couple years. At $34.99 it's not the price, it's the quality and this humms. It also suits BBQ ribs and chicken or stronger cheeses if you are just snacking.
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Rosé all Day.
Rose can be the chameleon that plays between white and red. Once told, I never forgot that rose can make a great pairing with surf & turf. I'd have to agree that in BC we have quite a few styles that lend themselves to that kind of flavour and body.
At $24.99 Winemaker's Cut knocks it out of the park this year with an incredible crisp, light, citrus-y fresh style and answers the best price value equation that I can find.
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At $22.99 I do love Clos du Soleil for their dedication to high quality wine making and biodynamic farming, not to mention Cab Franc brilliance in this rose.
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At $24.99 this is the bargain of the summer sippers with the 2018 Black Hills Rosé at $8 off a bottle.
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Wonderful Whites.
This is an eclectic mix but that's why I chose it.
Michael Bartier is working his magic each and every year with Semillon. If you are a serious white wine drinker then this is a must try. It's crisp, mineral, hints of floral and green fruit and works well with creamy cheeses, sushi and just about anything. At $20.99 it's a bargain with structure and backbone.
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Next we have Michael Clark of Clos du Soleil and some inspiration from Robert Mondavi only this is subtle and delicate. A little barrel time helps this Sauvignon Blanc stand out from the pack. I love the nuance. It's perfect with steamed mussels, pan fried oysters and smoked salmon. At $20.99 it's another steal.
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Last but not least, Nk Mip Qwam Qwnt Chardonnay has delivered year over year with character of oak and fruit that hangs out in harmony. It's rich and full bodied which goes with with heavier summer dishes like potato salad, grilled salted chicken with crispy skins even thick cut Kembec fries. For $28.99 you get your money's worth. It's a beauty.
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Celebration Sparkling.
Sparkling wine is a very versatile style that goes well with food or on it's own.
Definitely a party starter!
Definitely a party starter!
The Gray Monk Odyssey Rosé Brut is a limited offering that sells out each year. This is transitional method, dry with a good balance of fruit character and classic sparkling wine acidity. Very playful and delicious.
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The Sperling Sparkling Brut is possibly my favourite sparkling wine from the Okanagan Valley and for many reasons, including organic farming, Ann Sperling the winemaker, and the fact that age plays such a key role is character of this classic traditional method sparkling wine. I would argue Champagne has a challenger here! At $39.99 it's half the price and well worth it.
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Last but not least, how could Stellar's Jay Brut ever be overlooked. It's the perfect intro to traditional method sparkling wine from BC and a must try on everyone's list. Sumac Ridge under Harry McWatters back in 1989 was one of the first bruts for come out of BC. At $26.99 it's ripeness and easy drinking character make it perfect for summer sipping!
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