Hot Okanagan:
Wines That Shine by Jeannette LeBlanc Montgomery
Working in a young wine region can be risky. Established growing areas like Europe have known signature grapes and styles, but for the new world, that history is still in the making.
a to-scale pyramid on property and they embrace what the unseen forces of nature contribute to the process. They were one of the first to produce a traditional method sparkling wine, recognizing early on just what cool climate acidity can do.
In British Columbia, winemakers and viticulturists are listening closely to the land and discovering what the future holds.
Why it’s cool: modern refinement and big acid
Wine to watch: Cipes NV Brut, a non-traditional blend of riesling, chardonnay, and pinot blanc, for its concentration of flavour, balance of fresh acidity, and persistent soft mousse.
Wineries to watch: Summerhill Pyramid Winery (Kelowna) and Bella Wines (Naramata)
Bella Wines cultivates long-term relationships with small lot growers and brings a hyper-focus to showcasing terroir.
Summerhill was an early practitioner of organic, biodynamic, and natural winemaking practices, before more recent buzz took flight. The winery has
One of the newer houses, Bella has quickly earned a dedicated following for their sparkling-only portfolio. Among their many single-vineyard wines is
The province has several ‘geographical indications’ (or designated viticultural areas), all with unique climates and terroir. Varied growing conditions make it difficult for a region to hang its hat on a single grape variety or style, so it can be challenging to learn what B.C. does best. Yet amid the noise of exploration, a few stellar examples shine.
Méthode Traditionnelle (aka sparkling wine)
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Courtesy Linda Garson 22
