As I write this article, I am anticipating the upcoming Vancouver International Wine Festival. Seeing that it is on my mind, I know my experiences there will be turned into information I can share with you, my customers. This year, there will be 14 countries, 178 wineries with 1,750 wines to try. The global focus for this years festival is French wines featuring Champagnes. Any of you who follow my articles know I have a sweet spot for anything bubbly. I know Al and I will be working very hard trying to pick out some new wines to offer our customers. For now though with the Olympics behind us I think its fair to say we are all proud to be Canadians. That being said I wanted to share three wines with you from our beautiful province of B.C. All three are these are of course VQA wines.
SATURNA ISLAND FAMILY ESTATE WINERY
RIESLING (815910)
BC VQA
$14.87
Saturna Island Family Estate Winery is located on the southernmost Gulf Island. Almost one half of the island is protected and makes up the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve offering endless activities like cycling, whale watching, fishing, kayaking and bird watching not to mention enjoying what the winery has to offer. Saturna Island Winery is located on 60 acres with a huge 10,000 sq. ft. winery building producing approximately 20,000 cases of wine annually. Where this property was once the home of sheep and feral goats, it is now a working winery with four very distinct and flourishing vineyards. Each vineyard has its own name - Rebecca, Robyn, Longfield and Falcon Ridge.
Peregrine falcons can be seen gliding so effortlessly above the vineyards along the cliffs. Once the grapes are picked they are ready for their winemaker Homan to start the winemaking process. Homan takes pride in his winemaking and his experience comes all the way from the UK and Germany. Whether it's making old or new world wines Homan has both techniques down pat. His techniques paid off for him with this Riesling. From the light yellow hue in your glass to the fruity aromas it exudes, it has everything you would want and more in a Riesling. While I tried this Riesling on its own and enjoyed the pear, slight hint of honey and touch of minerality on the finish, it did cross my mind about how great it would taste though paired with anything spicy.
ARROWLEAF
PINOT GRIS (875468)
BC VQA
$16.95
Arrowleaf Winery is located just north of Kelowna near Winfield and the Lake Country. Joe and Margrit Zuppiger and their son Manuel emigrated from Switzerland in 1986. They purchased Suncrest vineyards shortly after immigrated to the Okanagan opening the doors to Arrowleaf in 2003. Today, the family ensures Arrowleafs wines are produced with much care and attention. Joe ensures the grapes in the vineyards are taken care of while Margrit takes on all aspects of office duties and looking after the winery and son Manuel takes great pride in the winemaking.
Arrowleafs Pinot Gris grapes grow on Okanagan Lakes westerly slopes where temperatures are moderate due to the close proximity to the water. I think this Pinot Gris is a good example of the characteristics you would expect to find in this grape varietal. Stainless steel tanks were used during production which only enhances the flavours and brings on the natural aromas and flavours. The crisp acidity of this white is perfectly balanced by the fruit flavours. Arrowleafs Pinot Gris reminds me of what summer fruits have to offer like crisp apple, ripe pear and a juicy peach and a field of wild flowers in bloom. Same can be said once in your mouth its like a fruit salad with hints of minerals and a bite of acidity. Enjoy this wine with a great book or keep it until summer and enjoy on the patio.
THREE BEAR RANCH
B3 PINOT NOIR (483826)
BC VQA
$13.49
The depiction of three bears on the label happily eating, dancing and enjoying the fruits under the moon light is really what's said to happen in the vineyards after dark. This winery actually gets its name from three Bacchanal bears rumoured to live in the hills of Osoyoos where the vineyards lie. Something interesting about Three Bear Ranch is it produces only three reds -Shiraz, Merlot and this, a Pinot Noir. I have to admit I don't think I have ever come across such a venture of only producing reds but kudos to them for pouring all their heart and soul into these three varietals. When I took my first sip of this great red once again I had thoughts of warmer temperatures. I could definitely smell floral notes and red berries also came to mind while I could taste the ripe strawberries. This red would be a perfect pairing for salmon. The finish is dry with lots of red berry fruits.
