BC SPOTLIGHT: TANTALUS VINEYARDS
Tantalus is working towards sustainability in several ways. They are a founding winery of Sustainable Winegrowing BC, which encourages continuous improvement by integrating “protection of the environment, profitability and social values” to pass on a meaningful legacy to future generations. In 2010, Tantalus opened the first BC winery to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified. They became Salmon-Safe certified (more on page 6) in 2019. Tantalus also recycles
Beyond the Tantalus Trio In recent years, harsh winters, droughts and wildfires have reduced yields for many BC wineries, including Tantalus. Paterson has seen these vintages with smaller harvests as an opportunity to experiment and collaborate. For the Further Afield wines, he says, “we’ve worked with some other admired BC varieties from beyond our vineyards.” Among the wines he’s made from high-quality, local grapes and “shaped with a Tantalus perspective” are a Similkameen Valley Syrah and an Osoyoos Cabernet Franc.
their own wastewater and offsets a large portion of their electricity use with power from solar panels.
“It’s all about working with rather than against nature.” In the vineyard, a lot of focus is put on biodiversity and organic, regenerative farming. There are beehives to maintain the health of the natural ecosystem and 10 acres of dry-land forest protected under the BC Wildlife Act to encourage beneficial birds, insects and native species. On-farm composting, year-round cover crops and no-till farming practices are all about soil regeneration. Paterson says, “It’s all about working with rather than against nature.” Healthy soils mean resilient plants, and biodiversity creates a balanced ecosystem in the vineyard, resulting in fewer problems with pests and diseases. The result? Vines that are hardier and produce healthy grapes with natural balance and intense flavours. Hand-harvested and hand-sorted, these grapes are the basis for great wine. For Tantalus, a sustainable future is all about
balance: farming naturally and making great Rieslings, Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
Tantalus Pinot Noir
Tantalus Further Afield Series Syrah BC VQA $36.99 460372 A deeply coloured Syrah with a full-bodied, silky palate, intense flavours and aromas of blueberry, blackberry, violet, vanilla, charred meat and black pepper.
Tantalus Further Afield Series Cabernet Franc BC VQA $34.99 252158 An aromatic Cabernet Franc with medium body, crisp acidity, complex flavours and aromas of violet, plum, dried herbs, paprika, iron, roasted red peppers and cloves.
BC VQA $35.99 200881 A silky textured Pinot Noir with aromas of black cherry, plum, forest floor and cola with fresh acidity and medium tannins to age gracefully.
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