Every month we have been featuring Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wines, not typically wineries always seen in our stores.
This will be an ongoing feature so keep checking, you never know which winery we might feature next.
Some of the wineries we've featured include Burrowing Owl, Thornhaven, Summerhill and
Cellar Hand.
The wines from these wineries are here, but only in very limited quantities.
If there's something you like, the chances are good that when it sells out we won't be seeing it again until next year.
The good news is I have them here now and maybe they will help you fight the early summer blues.
That said, the weather looks like it is starting to pick up so why not celebrate that summer has finally arrived with a bottle of BC wine?
Summerhill
Ehrenfelser 2011 (440016)
Bc Vqa
$19.95
I know I featured this fabulous white wine the last time it was released and here I am featuring it again. I don't think I can brag enough about a wine that will make a wine lover out of anyone.
Kelowna's Summerhill is popularly referred to as the pyramid winery.
Argent biodynamic winemakers, Summerhill is striving to be recognized as BC's first vineyard to receive Demeter Certified
Biodynamic status.
Biodynamic farming is free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in the same manner as certified organic farming. In order to qualify for Certified Biodynamic status, a farm must first meet the same three-year transition requirement that NOP certified organic farming requires. If you're interested in learning more about biodynamic farming certification, you may want to visit www.demeterbta.com.
Back in 2007, Summerhill achieved organic status. Once you try Summerhill's wine, it will come as no surprise that Eric von Krosigk, winemaker and viticulturist, is currently the most awarded winemaker in BC history.
Some describe the Ehrenfelser grape varietal as a cross between a Riesling and Silvaner grape. Ehrenfelser produces a higher yield and also ripens earlier than most varietals. It was once thought that Ehrenfelser wouldn't stand up to or couldn't compete against other varietals planted in BC. Summerhill's Ehrenfelser proves that theory not true.
Delectable is one way to describe it.
This white is very rich in flavour bursting with peaches and lush tree fruits, the perfect acidity and crispness on the finish. You could pair this Ehrenfelser with a spicy dish; I would recommend trying it on its own first and enjoy what it has to offer alone.
Mission Hill
Family Estate Five Vineyards Ros 2011 (601161)
Bc Vqa
$14.99
When people speak of the Mission Hill winery in Kelowna, most of us are very familiar with it. The winery sits way atop a hill on Mission Road with the most beautiful architecture and breathtaking views.
At times when you're taking it all in, the beauty of Mission Hills can take your breath away. The property also boasts an amphitheatre which features shows such as the one coming up July 12th with four time Grammy winner Lyle Lovett.
I have no doubt this concert will be well attended.
This Ros belongs to the Five Vineyards Series which means the grapes are sourced from five different growing areas in the Okanagan wine region. For this Ros, the grapes were sourced from vineyards in Osoyoos, Oliver and Naramata.
Made from just the right combination of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this Ros has a beautiful pink colour in the glass.
On the nose, enjoy this wine's ripe, red berry fruits and the hint of fresh flowers. Once you take a sip, savour the rich red fruits with a slight bite of tannins to refresh your palate. Yet another wine I suggest trying on its own first then experiment with the foods you love.
Cellar Hand
Free Run White (200758)
Bc Vqa
$15.90
The town of Oliver is yet another area for wine lovers to visit. The Black Hills winery is the name behind this label. They are most notable for producing a much sought after and one of Canada's most popular Bordeaux-style red wines - Nota Bene.
The Black Hills vineyards are very rugged and enjoy many hours of sunlight and the cooler evening help crisp up the fruits and ensure quality.
The Cellar Hand label is intended to be the result of giving the cellar hands free reign on what they would like to see in a wine. To let their creativity shine through for all their hard work and dedication. Their goal was to make a fruit forward wine and they achieved it with this wine.
The distinct fruity aromas of citrus and honey fill your glass while flavours of tropical fruits, melon and citrus zest finish off with a touch of sweetness. A very well balanced white to enjoy as is, on its own.
Kim Cabral is a product consultant at the B.C. Signature Liquor Store, Pine Centre. The bracketed numbers are the product codes for the B.C. liquor stores.
