Clos du Soleil Capella 2010, BC VQA $24.90
Here's a versatile Bordeaux-style white that comes alive in the glass, with refreshing gooseberry and lemon lime scents, and good but not overwhelming acidity. Winemaker Ann Sperling uses fruit from the Similkameen and south Okanagan valleys, minimally oaked, in a traditional blend of 90 per cent Sauvignon Blanc and 10 per cent Sémillon (which adds heft and complexity). The result is a true contender in the edgy world of Sauvignons. While enjoyable sipped on its own, the 2010 Capella tastes even better with food — seafood (especially shellfish), cold roast chicken or pork, leafy salads with avocado, and pastas with plenty of pesto. It works with spicy Asian dishes, too, but not sweet-and-sour ones. Available at VQA and private wine shops.
Kasey Wilson is food editor of Wine Access magazine and editor of Best Places Vancouver.