It’s been two years since we last tasted wines from around the world at the Vancouver International Wine Festival. During COVID grapevines produced grapes and wine was made but may have been a little harder than normal to get workers in the vineyard and in the winery. Below are my Old World wine selections. Most of the vintages are 2020 or 2021. Thank you to the wineries for making wine during this difficult time period.
My Old World Wine Selections
White and Sparkling Wines
Barbanera Vini Il Bianco Sangiovese 2021, Italy – A surprise wine for me. We have white Pinot Noir wines being made in BC, but I’ve never heard of a white Sangiovese from Italy. It is delicious. A medium lemon colour. Strong orange aroma. Medium body with lighter acidity. More orange on the palate together with a touch of grape stem and minerality. 
Araldica Vini Conviviale Pinot Grigio della Venizie DOC 2020, Italy – A light lemon colour. Light intensity aromas of peach and flint. Light body, dry with light acidity. Peach along with touches of mandarin orange and honey toward the finish. 
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Altolandon Manchuela Milhistorias Blanco 2021, Spain – a blend of 5 white grapes. It has a pear skin colour. Medium intensity nose with peach and spearmint aromas. Dry, soft and round mouthfeel. Nutmeg and orange on the palate.
Cascina Galarin Langhe Arneis DOC Barivel 2020, Italy – A bright lemon colour. Sweet stone fruit aromas. Medium body, dry and round with lower acidity. Stone fruit, floral and liquorice on the palate. Interesting flavours. –
Coronica Winery Istrian Malvazija 2019, Croatia – Medium lemon colour. A light stone fruit nose. Dry, lighter body with medium-plus acidity. Stone fruit flavour plus peppery. Light round. An elegant wine.
Dr. Loosen Bernkasteler Lay Kabinett Riesling 2019, Germany – A lighter lemon colour. Light aromas of petrol and honey. Round but not mouth-filling. A light mouthfeel. Medium sweetness level. Petrol, marmalade, peach, and honey on the palate. –
Segura Viudas Brut Organic NV, Spain – This is their first organic sparkling wine, but soon all of their vineyards will be organic and this label will go away. A deeper lemon colour. It has a rich stone fruit nose. Medium-plus body and acidity. Small bubble. Tart citrus and stone fruit flavours plus a touch of honey. –
Mionetto Valdobbiadene Proscecco Superiore DOCG, Italy – Medium lemon colour. Lots of bubbles on the sides of the glass. Lighter apple and peach aromas. Off-dry with higher acidity. Small bubble that fades quickly. Light peach and other stone fruits, plus touches of floral and mineral flavours. –
Louis Jadot Chablis 2020, France – Medium lemon colour. Light aromas of stone fruits, apples and sweet spices. Light body, dry and lean with stony and apple flavours. –
Zeni 1870 Soave Classico, Vigne Alte 2020, Italy – Enjoyable stone fruit aromas. Light body with crisp acidity, sweet stone fruit flavours. I bought a few bottles of this wine. It will be great for patio season.
Villa Sandi Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut NV, Italy – Pale lemon colour. A light stone fruit nose. Dryish with higher acidity. A mix of smaller creamy and biting bubbles. Fresh stone fruit flavour with some bitterness on the finish. A good wine to go with dinner. –
Villa Sandi Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze 2020, Italy – A very pale lemon colour. Light stone fruits and citrus aromas. Dryish, with small creamy and biting bubbles. Tropical fruit flavours plus minerality. – 
Red Wines
Tolaini Donna Laura Ali Toscana IGT 2018, Italy – A medium-minus translucent garent colour. Light gamy nose. Light soft body with medium acidity and lighter tannins. Red cherry, raspberry and light sweet spices on the palate.
Tolaini Chianti Classico Vallenuova 2019, Italy – Light, clear garnet colour. Lighter aromas, primarily red cherries. Dry, medium body and medium acidity. Red fruit and light oak flavours. A touch of sweetness on the finish.
Zeni 1870 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso, Margone 2019, Italy – Medium garnet colour. Earthy and red cherry aromas. Dry with nice acidity and light tannins. Capsicum, red cherry and candied red cherry flavours, plus touches of coffee and nutmeg toward the finish.
Zeni 1870 Amarone della Valpolicella 2018, Italy – Deep, dull garnet colour. Ripe rich dark fruit aromas. Off-dry, medium body with a round mouthfeel. Medium-plus tannins. Capsicum, sweet spices, and red cherry flavours. A touch of pepperiness on the finish and a hint of chocolate. –
You may have noticed that most of the Old World wines I selected come from Italy. In part, I do appreciate Italian wines, but also that Italy sent the most wineries to the Festival this year.
