Figaro 2013 - Terravista's winter wine

Most producers release white wines in the spring and reds in the fall.

But what should you do if you only make two or three wines, and all are white?

Bob and Senka Tennant, the owners of Naramata’s Terravista Vineyards, take a practical approach: they release their whites at differing times of the year.

Fandango, the winery’s gold medal winner, was released several months ago. It is a blend of Albariño and Verdejo, two Spanish white grape varietals. So far,  Terravista is the only winery in Canada growing these grapes.

The winery’s Figaro 2013 has just been released and is called the winery’s “true winter white wine.”

Having tasted it, I get their recommendation. This blend of Roussanne, Viognier and Marsanne is a big ripe white with a warming 14% alcohol. It is a far better wine with the hearty dishes eaten at this time of year that with lighter seafood salads we might eat in spring and summer.

The winery even published a recipe for Thai chowder, which is reproduced here. I have not had time to make it, but, from the ingredients, it is easy to see how well the chowder would pair with the wine.

I think this might also be a wine to pair with roast turkey if, like me, you prefer the white meat.

Figaro pairing "Thai Chowder"

1 tbs of fish sauce

1 tbs of red curry paste

1 tbs of minced ginger

1 can (400 ml) of coconut milk

1 cup of chicken broth

Add all the above ingredients to a pot, cook on low for about 1/2 hour, cool and leave in fridge overnight.

Next day add:

1 minced shallot

1 red pepper slivered

1 lb of halibut or any white fish skinned de-boned cut lengthwise and then into chunks (chicken breast could substitute)

Simmer on low until protein cooked

Garnishes:

steamed romanesco pea pods

sprigs of cilantro

Serve with cooked ramen or rice!

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Here is a note on the wine.

Terravista Figaro 2013 ($23.90). The wine begins with aromas of apricots, herbs and hazelnut. On the palate, the wine is rich, with flavours of stone fruit and again, a delightful hint of hazelnuts on the lingering finish. One is barely aware of the alcohol level because of the wine’s lush texture. 90.