We’re proud to announce the recent win of the coveted Trophy for Best Canadian Sparkling Wine at the 2023 Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships in London, England. The distinguished recognition was bestowed upon Township 7’s seven stars RIGEL sparkling wine, marking a historic first for an aromatic wine winning this category. We were also a runner-up for World Champion Aromatic Sparkling Wine.
The CSWWC, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, stands as the paramount international competition dedicated exclusively to sparkling wines. Township 7’s seven stars RIGEL secured a Gold and was crowned National Champion Best Canadian Sparkling Wine following a rigorous blind tasting process. The wine, a 2020 vintage, was lauded by the Championships for its “True variety, petrolly Riesling” character, showcasing “pristine, crunchy fruit, fresh feistiness, and a fine balance with elegant, light toastiness.” This marks the second time, Township 7 has been awarded this honour, having previously won the National Champion title in 2019 for seven stars POLARIS.
Founder and head judge Tom Stevenson said of the CSWWC, “This has been another great year for results, once again demonstrating how exciting the sparkling wine industry is. Over 10 years, this competition has established beyond doubt who the very best sparkling winemakers around the world are by their wines consistently winning top honours, yet every year brings success for new regions and new producers in established regions. Having experienced the worst of the worst over the last 45 years, I can honestly say that we live in a golden era for sparkling wine. What’s terrific is that the medal wins come from both the largest producers and some of the smallest, and from long established to newcomers. Huge congratulations to all the medal winners!”
“We’re truly honoured to be recognized with this prestigious award for seven stars RIGEL at the foremost international sparkling wine competition globally,” commented Mike Raffan, Township 7 Vineyards & Winery General Manager. “Township 7’s sparkling program began over two decades ago with our inaugural seven stars vintage in 1999, and we’re thrilled with the reception of our cuvées over that time. With Mary’s extensive expertise in traditional method wines we’re excited to continue this sparkling future.”
Winemaker Mary McDermott, Township 7 Vineyards & Winery said, “This recognition highlights the remarkable terroir of British Columbia, showcasing its capacity to produce exceptional, world-class wines. We take great pride in earning Best Sparkling in Canada and are honoured to stand alongside esteemed global Champagne leaders.”
Township 7’s seven stars collection currently includes 2019 seven stars POLARIS – its flagship Blanc de Blancs; 2018 seven stars EQUINOX – a sparkling Rosé; 2019 seven stars AURORA – a Blanc de Noirs; 2021 seven stars VEGA – a sparkling Viognier; 2016 seven stars SIRIUS – a luxury sparkling wine that has been en triage for 5 years; and the CSWWC winning wine – 2020 seven stars RIGEL – a sparkling Riesling.
Named for the 7th brightest and one of the youngest stars in the sky, seven stars RIGEL is crafted in the Méthode Traditionnelle style. A single vineyard Riesling from Fool’s Gold Vineyard in north Oliver, BC, only free run juice is used in the cuvée. The juice was cold settled prior to a cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks to retain the delicate fruit aromatics. En tirage was for 12 months prior to disgorging and adding a proprietary dosage, for a delicious and dynamic sparkling wine. The recently released 2021 vintage expresses bright varietal aromatics of fresh lime with light toast notes. The palate has a hint of sweetness balanced by a crisp, flinty minerality. The creamy mousse contributes additional layers of complexity. A club exclusive, only 383 six bottle cases were made, SRP $36.97.
