Few people outside of friends and family know about the Hired Belly’s somewhat devout—nay, near angelic—upbringing. It will come as a surprise to some that today’s brash, hard-nosed swirler and spitter was raised as a pure and innocent, dulcet-toned boy-chorister at England’s Chichester Cathedral.
Flowing capes, crimson cassocks, spotless white surplices and silver buckled shoes were the order of the day. And in lieu of messrs. Lennon & McCartney, Jagger and Richards it was all about Palestrina and Purcell, Tallis and Gibbons.
Forsooth, he was a veritable poster child of virtue…
(Courtesy Chichester Cathedral)
Consider, then, the sweet irony of the original Blasted Church Pinot Gris label. It featured a choir of Canada’s wine critics (including this one, easily identified) in church pews. No surprise, much positive coverage ensued. And the first release quickly sold out. The rest, as they say, is history, proving that even a healthy dose of blasphemy can truly work miracles.
Blasted Church label art continues to be inspired, in particular the latest, positively divine incarnation. It skilfully blends Old Masters with local lore and, of course, just a nudge-wink tickle of licentiousness. Or, in their words:
“Our labels tell tales of classical tourists, plucked from their holy masterpieces, and now wickedly revelling across modern-day British Columbia.
“An iconoclastic clash of winemaking and irreverence.
“Go ahead, indulge. Raise a glass in celebration of art & sin.”
A heavenly sale
Over the years Blasted Church has enjoyed a well-earned reputation for its clean house style across a range of varieties. More recently the focus has shifted to include a newer tier, the Revered Series. The really good news? Several Revered wines are currently on sale. In fact, they may be among the best value BC wines presently on offer—amongst a wealth of temptation.
All wines (including those on sale) qualify for the $25 Gift Card offer (for every $100 purchase), as well as “Glorious & Free” Nationwide Shipping for six bottles or more.
That accumulates with every purchase. i.e. Buy $100, receive a $25 Gift Card; spend $200, earn a $50 Gift Card; purchase $300, get a $75 Gift Card and so on!
All this plus free shipping? I’d be pretty tempted to buy a case of Nectar of the Gods … and more.
Visit Blasted Church or call 1-877-355-2686 to place your order.
Nectar of the Gods 2016 (VQA Okanagan Valley)
A blend of 49% Petit Verdot (Oliver and Osoyoos), 40% Cab Sauvignon (Skaha Bench estate) and 11% Cot Noir (Osoyoos) from a superlative vintage. Veteran winemaker Pascal Madevon (ex Osoyoos Larose, Culmina) consults. Forward, vibrant aromas of red berries, vanilla and earthy hints lead to a plush and plummy palate, wrapped in well-integrated, approachable tannins with mulberry, leather, spice and savoury notes through a lingering close. 93 pts. $55, on sale for $25—extraordinary value and arguably the best BC deal going for a polished Bordeaux style blend. Cue ‘Stairway to Heaven.’
Blasted Church Swear to God 2017 (VQA Okanagan Valley)
Made entirely from Skaha Bench estate grown fruit, this 100% Chardonnay reflects optimal ripeness. Green gold in the glass, with vanilla notes, orchard and citrus. The palate starts out with a streak of acidity, developing through lemon and pear rounded out by restrained (mainly used) French oak. 90 pts. $30, on sale for $18.
Blasted Church Swear to God 2018 (VQA Okanagan Valley)
From a challenging but ultimately rewarding vintage. 100% estate Chardonnay, pale yellow in the glass, aromas of orchard and tropical fruits, citrus and a touch of vanilla. The palate is textured and nicely balanced, underscored by vibrant lemon and pear, along with some creaminess, a gentle buttery note in the background, and a touch of spice to close, from time in second fill French oak. Pair with scallops and beurre blanc or cracked chilled Dungeness crab. 91 pts. $30, on sale for $18.
Bible Thumper 2017 (VQA Okanagan Valley)
This hand-harvested blend of 71% Viognier and 29% Roussanne was fermented and lees stirred in mainly used French oak, barrel-aged for eight months, with the lots kept separate until aging was almost finished. Citrus and tropical aromas along with some waxy hints precede a textured palate that balances lemon, guava and pineapple, with astutely managed oak in the background for added heft and mouthfeel. To fully appreciate serve only slightly chilled. Think grilled chicken or Waldorf salad. 91 pts. $30, on sale for $18—a wicked deal!
Visit Blasted Church or call 1-877-355-2686 to place your order.
This post is ethereally sponsored by Blasted Church Vineyards.
(Courtesy Chichester Cathedral)
Really nice, Tim! I am sure tempted to order, haha. In fact, No doubt I will. Such a deal??
Hi Sharon, Yes it’s a fantastic deal actually. Some very good wines plus free shipping (across Canada) for 6+!
Hi Tim! You, a choir boy. Amazing….such a well-written piece. Not that all that you write is not well-written ;-)
Which of those wines was your favourite – or are they all amazing??
Thank you! Well, depends what you like but I think the red blend is fantastic value from a super vintage. It’s a very attractive deal… If you buy / share a case you get a $75 GC to spend on a few bottles of Chard or the Viognier Roussanne blend. They really are all very good value. Depends what you like. Have to ponder the kale pairing… ;-)