(Okanagan Valley, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada)
If you haven’t tasted a Red Rooster wine for a while, you may not recognize the label. Earlier this year, the winery relaunched its portfolio, losing the rooster in favour of a new look that showcases photo layers of terroir (glacial rock), the winemaking process (grapes after pressing) and, in this case, the maturation (oak.)
But the wine inside is still classic Red Rooster: great value, food-friendly wine that pleases that palate. This Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon and Merlot blend is made with fruit from the Okanagan and the Similkameen Valleys. A medium-bodied red, it’s bright, youthful and fresh, with notes of green tea, redcurrant and raspberry. Bravo to winemaker Elaine Vickers, who joined the team in 2019 and is definitely making her mark. About $20.