With winter half way through, our thoughts have turned to an early spring. (The groundhogs have apparently predicted it!) Tomorrow we’re reopening our Naramata Bench tasting room for the season, with special hours for February, Thursday to Sunday from 11am-5pm. With the reopening, we have just the wine to celebrate, our recently released 2019 Chardonnay.
This vintage of Chardonnay was made with fruit predominantly sourced from longtime growers, the Casorso’s Vista Lago Vineyard in Oliver. Originally from Italy, they have been farming in the Okanagan Valley since the 1880s. The Vista Lago vineyard is situated on an Eastern slope facing Tuc-el-nuit Lake with gravelley, sandy loam soil. Fermented in 50% French barriques with the remaining 50% in stainless steel, the wine in barrel then underwent malolactic fermentation to enhance the texture further, while the stainless-steel portion maintained the bright, natural acidity. An elegant Chardonnay, it displays notes of Gala apple, pineapple and citrus, with a touch of spice on the nose. The palate is dry, but round with hints of vanilla, peach and citrus flavours. Pairs fabulously with friends anytime of year!
