Wine Guy: Tastebud huggers

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You know those red wines that coat the tongue while soothing the gullet? Those robust rouge that pair just as well with an evening fire as they do a hearty meal?

Those are tastebud huggers, and now that we’ve reached the end of November it is officially tastebud hugging season.

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The holidays are around the corner and who knows what December 2020 will bring, so let’s simply take a moment, steady things down if possible, and slowly sip a tastebud hugger — such as one of these three bottles.

Kaiken 2018 Selección Especial Malbec, Argentina ($15.99, #578690)

Malbec is a go-to tastebud hugger, especially Malbec from the Mendoza region of Argentina. There’s a new Malbec on shelves, and it decidedly fits the profile. Aptly named after a goose that migrates between Chile and Argentina, Kaiken is 100 per cent Malbec from the Mendoza region of Argentina made by famed Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes and his son Aurelio Montes Jr. Expect dark fruit complemented by tobacco leaf and spice in this bright garnet beauty. It starts plush before herbs, vanilla, and toasty oak come to the fore, concluding with robust tannins on a balanced finish. Bring on earthy mushroom dishes, or mid-week meaty pizza!

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Bottom line:B, Brawny yet supple

KWV Cathedral Cellar 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa ($17.99, #328567)

KWV started selling wines more than 100 years ago (1918 to be exact), and their Cathedral Cellar is seen as the heart of the winery, itself dating back to the 1930s. Aromas of rich cassis and sumptuous black cherry kick things off for this historic South African Cabernet Sauvignon. Layers of sage and wood spice add interest and complexity, but ultimately this bottle is about generous fruit; it is concentrated and rich with lingering tannins and a surprising freshness to conclude. Pairing-wise, keep things simple with a hunk of aged, hard cheese, or pour with Sunday roast beef dinner.

Bottom line:B, Sumptuous yet fresh

Bartier Bros. 2018 Cabernet Franc, British Columbia ($28.99, #993139)

It’s not all about overt fruit when it comes to tastebud huggers. It’s the combination of fruit, concentration, and yes a bit of grip or grit that work in conjunction to really grab the palette. Well Bartier Bros. latest vintage of Cabernet Franc oozes all three. Crafted from grapes grown in the winery’s Cerqueira Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench, it’s bold but taut (10 per cent Merlot mixed in helps to round things out). This gutsy red actively engages the senses with juicy blackberry and plum, along with dried herbs and peppercorn. A fine partner with lamb — be it roasted, stewed, or grilled.

Bottom line:A-, Bold yet elegant

The Swirl: Holiday Artist Alley

“Come for the wine, stay for the art,” exclaims The View Winery & Vineyard regarding their upcoming Holiday Artist Alley. Taking place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, the event features an array of gift items by local artists, from art and pottery to nuts and chocolates. Physical distancing will be practised, for complete details go to theviewwinery.com.