BC Winemaker’s Summer Sips
C risp! Clean! Juicy! All words often used to describe BC VQA wines. Thanks to their fruit-driven styles underpinned by hallmark acidity, our local wines add up to the perfect summer companions for patio and barbecue living. When you talk to winegrowers from elsewhere they’re often truly envious of our major diurnals—the difference between hot days and cool nighttime temperatures that helps grapes retain their natural acidity. To kick off summer, we asked six Okanagan winemakers to weigh in on some of their favourite summer sips.
Hester Creek MARK HOPLEY, WINEMAKER
“I was really pleased with this year’s vintage; the blend of two-thirds Pinot Gris and one third Gewürztraminer makes it an ideal, fruit- driven patio wine. It had a fennel nose, which seemed to come from the Pinot Gris, while Gewürztraminer brought a citrus element, leaning towards grapefruit. Even though it’s one of our sweeter wines this year, we picked early to keep the pH in check and hang on to a decent amount of acid, so as to not seem overly sweet. It’s always good with wild greens with caramelized walnuts. And I also really enjoy it with our potato truffle pizza at Terrafina [restaurant].”
HESTER CREEK CHARACTER WHITE BC VQA $18.99 158147
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