Figaro a luxurious, Rhône-style white wine

Share

Senka Tennant earned high praise nine years ago for Nota Bene and Alibi, two blends she created at Black Hills Estate Winery, which she and her husband, Bob, owned with another couple. Black Hills was sold in 2007, but the Tennants are back on the B.C. stage with Terravista. Now in its second season, Figaro, a luxurious Rhône-style white, marks her triumphant return. Adroit as a Mozartean soprano, Tennant blends 55 per cent Roussanne (fermented and aged in neutral oak for six months) with 45 per cent Viognier (fermented in stainless steel) to create a white that is fresh and vibrant, with aromas of nectarines and ripe pears. Figaro sings on its own and is also a versatile, food-friendly wine. The winemaker likes to pair it with a simple roast chicken, but it also goes well with veal dishes and richer preparations of fish and shellfish, especially tomato-based seafood chowders and stews. Available online and at VQA and private wine shops.

Kasey Wilson is food editor of Wine Access magazine and editor of Best Places Vancouver.

Senka Tennant earned high praise nine years ago for Nota Bene and Alibi, two blends she created at Black Hills Estate Winery, which she and her husband, Bob, owned with another couple. Black Hills was sold in 2007, but the Tennants are back on the B.C. stage with Terravista. Now in its second season, Figaro, a luxurious Rhône-style white, marks her triumphant return. Adroit as a Mozartean soprano, Tennant blends 55 per cent Roussanne (fermented and aged in neutral oak for six months) with 45 per cent Viognier (fermented in stainless steel) to create a white that is fresh and vibrant, with aromas of nectarines and ripe pears. Figaro sings on its own and is also a versatile, food-friendly wine. The winemaker likes to pair it with a simple roast chicken, but it also goes well with veal dishes and richer preparations of fish and shellfish, especially tomato-based seafood chowders and stews. Available online and at VQA and private wine shops.