Sommeliers Picks Winter 2026

JM Sélèque
Champagne Solessence Rosé 

Colin Schira
General Manager
Mekong South East Asian Kitchen + Bar, 604-902-1694, 88mekong.com

This wine is one of my favourite go-tos from our cellar at Mekong. After a day on the mountain, there’s nothing quite as refreshing and enjoyable. The wine's nose offers enticing aromas of fresh strawberries and cherries. At the same time, the tiny bubbles dance on the palate, revealing a delightful bready freshness with hints of berries and spice. A blend of Chardonnay, Meunier, and Pinot Noir, the Solessence Rosé Extra Brut finishes long and dry, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

To fully appreciate its nuances, this wine should not be served too cold, as that can mask some of its finer qualities. Although the winery is not certified organic or bio-sustainable, it embraces many of these practices, demonstrating a commitment to low-intervention winemaking alongside modern techniques. This approach results in a remarkable representation of what Rosé Champagne should be.

At Mekong, we recommend pairing this exquisite wine with our scallop crudo, as the acidity and freshness beautifully complement the sweet raw Hokkaido scallops and the blackened nahm jim. It’s often said, “Champagne pairs with everything!” Personally, I prefer to enjoy this wine in an old-world Pinot Noir, Riedel glass, which further enhances the experience.

jmseleque.fr/en/accueil-english

 

 

Vietti, Roero Arneis
2023

David Auer
Wine Director
Bearfoot Bistro,
604-932-3433, bearfootbistro.com

People often ask, “What’s your favourite wine?” And honestly, that’s an impossible question. Every bottle has its own personality, its own story — and I’ve been fortunate enough to taste many. However, if I had to choose one wine that fits almost any occasion, it would be Arneis, a white Italian wine grape from Piedmont — often called “the little rascal” because it can be tricky to grow. But when handled with love and patience, it rewards you with something truly special. It’s fresh and fragrant, with notes of pear, white peach, and apricot, and sometimes a hint of almond, fennel, or wild herbs. On the palate, it’s soft and silky yet bright.

I have visited Luca Vietti’s winery, and to this day, his Arneis remains one of my all-time favourites. Vietti’s Arneis is made with love and attention to detail, every sip transporting me right back to that moment.

For me, wine has always been about more than what’s in the glass. It’s about the people you share it with — friends, family. The best bottles I’ve ever opened are tied to laughter, stories, and memories. That’s the magic of wine: It connects us. It turns an ordinary meal into a celebration. At Bearfoot Bistro, we like to invite guests to discover new wines. Vietti’s Roero Arneis 2023 is a perfect example. It pairs beautifully with our Japanese Wagyu Carpaccio served with charred pomelo and fresh wasabi.

vietti.com/en

 

Pietradolce’s Vigna Barbagalli
Etna Rosso, 2017

Arisa Nishida
Assistant Wine Director
Il Caminetto, 604-932-4442, ilcaminetto.ca

My pick this season is Pietradolce’s Vigna Barbagalli Etna Rosso — a mountain wine poured in a mountain town. Guests often return to Il Caminetto for our Etna Rosso selection, and this bottle is one of the most expressive examples. Produced from 100-to-120-year-old, pre-phylloxera Nerello Mascalese vines grown at high altitude in sandy, volcanic soil, it’s complex and rich but never heavy. It has the lifted red fruit and elegance of Burgundy — pomegranate, raspberry, tart cherry — balanced by the smoky, earthy minerality that could only come from the slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily.

Volcanic wines hold a special place in my heart. Growing up in Japan, I saw Mount Fuji every morning from my bedroom window, so there’s a familiar comfort in tasting a wine shaped by a volcano. Locals refer to Etna as “she,” and the label’s Volcano Woman reflects her power, grace, and energy.

This wine pairs beautifully with many dishes, but I especially love it with our Grilled Branzino and Octopus. The delicate fish, charcoal notes, and ’nduja sofrito mirror the wine’s bright fruit and smoky volcanic character.

pietradolce.com/en