Checking Gray Monk’s ’99s Tim Pawsey Contributing Writer WHEN British wine guru Hugh Johnson visited the Okanagan a few years back, he was asked what he thought B.C. vineyards should be growing. Johnson suggested Riesling and Gewurztraminer had good potential, as well as sparkling wines. Since the early "90s there has been a shift away from the Germanic cool climate vari- etals that Johnson referred to in favour of Chardonnay (which at 14.4% of land under Vine is now the most widely planted white grape in the Province) in response to pop- ular demand. However, Riesling (4.8%) and Gewurztraminer (6.6%) temain the mainstay of some of the Okanagan’s most con- sistent producers and show signs of growing popularity, particularly as good wines to Pair with some Asian flavours. The record temperatures of 1998 may have been a boon for Okanagan reds but the heat proved challenging for most white, cool climate growers, producing wines that were often soft and lacking in From previous page Saturday Storytime and - Craft: For 4 to 8 years, 10 -a.m. at North Van City Library. Pre-register for September: 980-4424. ONGOING Go Gil! Workshop: August 22-22 at the One Stop Career “Shop in N. V. Girls aged 10- 13 will learn’ how to be assertive, cope with peer pres- sure, set goals and stay healthy through fun, fitness. and empowerment. For past Go acidity, Last week, Gray Monk owners George and Trudy Heiss visited Vancouver to pour the 1999s (except the unwooded Chardonnay, not yet released); to make a point, they offered a comparative lasting with the previous vin- tage. Since E tasted last fall, almost all of the 1998s have benefitted trom time, although George Heiss ques- tions their staying power, sug- gesting that, based on past experience, they may not last as fong in the bottle. This tasting served as a reminder that Gray Monk is one of the Okanagan’s longest established, most at¥ordable and reliable Germanic varietal producers-particularly in a good year, which 1999 turned out to be. Here’s a quick run-down of what to look fur: @ Gray Monk 99 Latitude 50. Unlike some proprietary blends, Gray Monk’s is not where all the leftovers wind up but has the same propor- tions of abour 60% Bacchus, 15% Riesling, 15% Gewurztraminer and 10% Muller Thurgau every year. Light and fruity, off dry with good acidity it has a crisp, clean citrus end. Sweetness O1. Cold white meats and lightly spiced Asian cuisine. Good value at $10 to $12. Girl! participants a two day Go-Girl! The Sequel is being offered August 23-24 at the W.V. library. Register: .418- 9417, Birthday Parties: Jumpin’ Jack Birthdays for kids ages 6- 9 years at the © North Vancouver Museum and Archives. Cost is $60 for a two-hour party. Info: 987- 5618. Maplewood Farm: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, Visit “goat hill” and the “rabbirat” then watch the cow-milking demonstra- @ Gray Monk 99 Pinot Gris. The winery’s namesake wine ts 2 pretty, pale salmon colour. Forward dry berry flavours, pleasing weight in the mouth with lingering acidity to close. Versatile. A super sipper or enjoy it with cold meats, chilled seafood and hard cheeses. 00. $12 to $14 B Gray Monk 99 Riesling. Apple notes on the nose con- tinue with crisp green apple on the palate, underpinned by firm acidity with some mineral flavours and a clean citrus close. Pair with Oysters on the half shell, cold chicken and apple or grape based salads. Worth putting some away for a couple of years too. 01. $12 to $14 @ Gray Monk 99 Gewurztraminer. Floral and tropical nose with pleasing, grapefruit and lychee flavours and a rewarding close. Refreshing off-dry sipper or good with smoked turkey or lightly spiced cuisine. 01. $12 to $14 @ Gray Monk 99 Gerwurztraminer Reserve. A dry style, made from the Alsace clone. Some spicy notes on the nose, with citrus and mineral flavours, firm acidity and a crisp close. Good with seafood and smoked meats. 00. $13 to $15. tion every day at 1:15 p.m. Stanley Train: New family adventure with lots of hidden surprises. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., to Sept. 4. Into: 257-8531. Science World: Home Sweet Home, Saturdays and Sundays, | and 2:30 p.m. Learn how to keep your envi- ronment healthy for future generations of animals @ Fax your event information to 985-2104 or e-mail «scocomile@nsnews.com>. Park Rainforest - Wednesday, August 16, 2000 - North Shore News - 21 We’ve got their vote. We’re more interested in yours. NO ene enfimterunadd.com ee call 2 80 sot asge www. intellichoice. com § i 8 10) 00. Intellichoice, the largest and one of the most respected authorities M52? | in evaluating cost of ownership, has chosen QX4 as “Best Overall Value” for 98, ‘99 and 2000: And now, the exceedingly well-equipped QX4 for 2001 offers even more Selected “Best Overal! Value” 3 years running 1998, 1999, 2000 value with over 100 standard features, a class-leading 240-HP™ 3.5-litre V6 engine, an eiegantly- appointed, spacious {eather interior, advanced All-Mode 4-whee! drive and sunroof. But an appreciation ; of the Infiniti Total Ownership Experience begins with ‘your tirst Guest Drive. Only then can you : add the only vote that truly matters. Yours. Own one and you'll understand. 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