A Guide to Cowichan Wine & Oyster Pairings
FEATURING FRESH OYSTERS FROM THESE FINE BC FARMS EFFINGHAM OYSTERS INC Barkley Sound Grown in a remote deep-water site on the west coast of Vancouver Island, in trays suspended in deep nutrient rich water. They have plump, cream-coloured meats with a bright,briny flavor and a smooth watermelon or lettuce-like finish. USELESS INLET OYSTERS located north of Seddall Island are hardened on a beach surrounded by old-growth trees which lends a peat flavour to these unique oysters. READ ISLAND OYSTERS Read Island is a golden oyster for a golden moment with a sweet finish. This is a deep-water tray-raised product with a deep cup and a mild, fresh flavour with a sweet finish. SAWMILL BAY BEACH OYSTERS are beach raised/finished and feeds with the ebb and flow of the tides, spending part of its life out of the water, giving it a unique taste. With a good cup to it, this oyster has a stronger, fuller flavour and distinct sweet and briny finish. OUTLANDISH SHELLFISH GUILD INC. Discovery Islands. The pristine, glacial fed waters where our shellfish grow, enables us to produce oysters with delicate shells and deep cups, typical of Pacific Oysters grown in trays with a moderate briny taste. WILD KRAKEN ENTERPRISES Maple Bay One of only two oyster farms in the area. You won’t get any overwhelming flavours from these oysters with just the right balance of salt and sweetness and often a green apple candy note.
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Glenora Fantasia Brut Vintage: 2017 ZANATTA WINERY Zanatta’s signature sparkling wine, Fantasia is the perfect oyster wine. Made in the traditional champagne method using 100% Cayuga grapes. Fantasia’s delicate bubbles and crisp green apple notes pair beautifully with local oysters. Bacchus BLUE GROUSE ESTATE WINERY Bacchus, named after the Roman god for harvest, winemaking and wine, is an estate favourite. This wine is savory, herbaceous, and delicate on the palate, with notes of citrus, lime zest, and pear. Pairs beautifully with local seafood and especially BC Oysters. 2020 Somenos Pinot Gris AVERILL CREEK VINEYARD Bursting with fresh fruit and tactile acidity, the Somenos Pinot Gris is a generous wine, brimming with energy and texture. Extended lees ageing builds a salinity that marries beautifully with all things of the sea.
Sirius White ROCKY CREEK WINERY Blend of estate grapes with characters of a sauvignon blanc. We also have viognier, albariono and others as our secret premium blend. Full on the palate but has that brightness and acidity that pairs so well with oysters of all kinds, especially fresh. You get the brininess of the oyster with the fullness of the blend. Tempest Ortega ENRICO WINERY Tempest Ortega, exquisite, light bodied soft floral bouquet and balanced fruity flavours all leading to a crisp clean finish.
