Wine for drinking

My wife and I bottle our own wine, because it is cheaper and the quality is just as good as the store bought wine. So, I was interested in what the bestselling wines were in B.C.'s commercial liquor and wine stores. It was interesting to discover what is most popular with wine drinkers.

Of the five best selling commercial wines in the province there are a few things that stand out:

• The group is comprised of three reds and two whites. 
• Three are single varietals and two are blends. 
• Four can be found under $10 (before tax) in commercial liquor and wine stores. 
• Three are Canadian wines. Two are imports. 
• Three are available in bag in box format. 

"Sweet" wines, particularly reds, are gaining much more acceptance these days especially among the younger generations.  

The most significant thing that becomes apparent, and not surprisingly, is that a large portion of wine purchasers in British Columbia clearly appreciates value, a decent product at a good price point. Here is a chart of the best sellers and what you get using a wine kit. 

Commercial Best Seller Wine Kit Description Jackson Triggs Proprietor's Selection Cabernet Sauvignon A bold, medium-bodied red wine with rich black fruit and hints of spice. Excellent to partner with rack of lamb. Copper Moon Malbec Malbec makes wines of great power and character, with blackberry, plums, tar, red pepper, sweet cherry, spice, licorice and deep bittersweet chocolate, or espresso. Serve with game meats. Apothic Red Winemakers Blend Unoaked and off-dry, Enigma brings intense fruit aromas and notes of black cherry, coffee, chocolate and vanilla. Pairs well with pretty much everything from pizza to pasta and a particularly great match for meats like ribs or chicken with sweet and sticky marinade. Peller Estates Proprietor's Reserve Pinot Grigio A zippy, dry white wine with floral notes on the nose and plenty of fruit on the palate. Amazing for sipping and a perfect wine to accompany a picnic. Hardy's Stamp of Australia Riesling-Gewurztraminer Floral notes and apple crispness with perfumed headiness of lychee, rose petals, and hints of passion fruit. A great off-dry wine for sipping and excellent to serve with Asian cuisine, soft cheeses, oily fish and especially smoked salmon.