Steve Austin
Gray Monk Riesling 2010, BC VQA Okanagan Valley $16.99
In crafting chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, specific winemaking choices produce differences in style, but with riesling, diversity comes from its range of sweetness.
Riesling has been a tough sell to consumers mostly because it is seen as a sweet wine. Yes, this is the delicate grape that produces Canada's best icewines, but that all-sweet image is changing as winemakers like George Heiss Jr., and Roger Wong produce award-winning dry rieslings like this one. Its crisp acidity and lime and quince flavours pair extremely well with a variety of foods. Riesling is so delicious on its own that many overlook its ability to pair with ingredients like sushi, sweet shellfish (prawns, lobster, Dungeness crab), holiday fare like ham or charcuterie, or Quiche Lorraine. Not great with heavier meat dishes. Available at BC Liquor Stores and VQA shops.
Kasey Wilson is food editor of Wine Access magazine and editor of Best Places Vancouver.