Events

Mulled Wine

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / 2 Comments

Mulled Wine is a must-have on many holiday cocktail recipe lists but what is it?  A traditional mulled wine recipe is made most often with red wine, though white is sometimes used, heated with a mixture of whole warming spices and other optional ingredients like apple cider, citrus and brandy.

Photo credit: thelondoneconomic.com

Spiced wine tastes like a big, fruity red wine crossed with a spicy batch of apple cider, with a touch of spirit. 

Mulled wine is known by many names such as spiced wine, hot wine, glögg, glühwein, and vin chaud. They all essentially refer to the same drink, although the spices and liquor of choice may vary.

Depending on personal preference, individual recipes will contain varying amounts of spice, sweetness and warmth.  The best wine for mulled wine is dry and full-bodied, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Zinfandel, or Syrah/Shiraz. These will stand up to the other flavors and ensure the spiced wine won’t be too sweet.  Since other flavours will be added, select a budget-friendly bottle. Don’t go bottom shelf, but don’t use the super good stuff either.  Those wines are best appreciated on their own.

At this time of year you will see several brands selling pre-mixed spiced wine in bottles. Don’t be tempted.  These wines tend to be overly sweet and contain artificial flavours.  They are nowhere close to being of equal quality as the homemade versions.

It doesn’t require a great investment of your time to prepare a steaming pot of mulled wine. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare and can be made either on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. It’s totally customizable with your favourite spices and liqueurs. It will make your home smell wonderful and warm everyone up on a cold winter night.

In addition to your bottle of wine, it is suggested to include the following:

  • Brandy or other liqueur such as Cointreau (or another orange liqueur) or tawny port
  • Fresh oranges; one that has been peeled and sliced to mull in the wine; and one to slice and use as a garnish
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Mulling spices, which may include one or more of whole cloves, star anise, a few cardamom pods, nutmeg and ginger
  • Sweetener such as sugar, honey, apple cider, apple juice or maple syrup.

To make it, combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and give them a quick stir.  Heat until the wine almost reaches a simmer over medium-high heat but don’t let it bubble, otherwise the alcohol will begin to vaporize and the wine will begin to evaporate.  Reduce heat to low, cover completely, and let the wine simmer for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 hours.

Using a fine mesh strainer, remove and discard the mulling spices. Give the wine a taste and stir in the desired amount of extra sweetener if needed.

Serve warm in heatproof mugs topped with your favorite garnishes.

As an alternative to a saucepan, a slow cooker can be used.  The slow cooker keeps the stove top free and the spiced wine warm, and it’s easy for guests to access for refills.

Happy holidays!

Sláinte mhaith

The 2022 All Canadian Wine Championships

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

At this year’s All Canadian Wine Championships there were a total of 1,233 wines from 194 participating wineries.  Unlike the National Wine Awards where there is a significant amount of emphasis on the wineries producing the wine, the total focus of the All Canadian is on the wines themselves.

The summary of this year’s results by province is as follows:

British Columbia – 751 entries

  • 2 Trophies
  • 31 Double Gold
  • 81 Gold
  • 75 Silver
  • 88 Bronze

Ontario – 372 entries

  • 3 Trophies
  • 20 Double Gold
  • 32 Gold
  • 32 Silver
  • 37 Bronze

Quebec – 34 entries

  • 1 Trophy
  • 3 Double Gold
  • 7 Gold
  • 6 Silver
  • 4 Bronze

Nova Scotia – 37 entries

  • 3 Double Gold
  • 2 Gold
  • 2 Silver
  • 3 Bronze

New Brunswick – 11 entries

  • 2 Gold
  • 1 Silver
  • 2 Bronze

Alberta – 13 entries

  • 2 Silver
  • 1 Bronze

Manitoba – 4 entries

  • 1 Bronze

Saskatchewan – 11 entries

  • 3 Silver

The trophy winning wines for 2022 are as follows:

Best Red Wine of the Year was awarded to Wesbert Winery Ltd., of Penticton, British Columbia for their 2020 Syrah ($37.89).

Best White Wine of the Year went to Thirty Bench Wines, of Beamsville, Ontario for their 2019 Small Lot Riesling Triangle Vineyard ($32.00).

Niagara College Teaching Wineryfrom Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario received the Best Sparkling Wine of the Year award for its N/V Balance Brut ($26.95).

The Oliver, British Columbia winery of Jackson-Triggs received the award for Best Dessert Wine of the Year for their 2018 Okanagan Reserve Riesling Icewine ($60.00).

Best Fruit Wine of the Year was presented to La Vallée de la Framboise Inc., of Val-Brillant , Quebec for their N/V  Douce Anna ($20.00).

Thornbury Craft Co. from Thornbury, Ontario was awarded Best Cider of the Year for their N/V Premium Craft Apple Cider ($3.50).

Award winning wines could receive a Double Gold, Gold, Silver or Bronze award.  The Double Gold and Gold awards are listed here.  A complete listing of award winners is available on the All Canadian Wine Championships website at https://allcanadianwinechampionships.com/acwc-2022-results/

Sparkling Wine-Traditional Method

Gold

  • Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery, BC – 2018 The Pink One ($45.99)  
  • Silhouette Estate Winery, BC – 2018 Boyd Classic Cuvee ($42.99)  
  • Summerhill Pyramid Winery, BC – N/V Cipes Brut Rosé ($40.25)  
  • TIME Family of Wines, BC – N/V Chronos Brut ($34.99)  

Sparkling Wine–Charmat Method

Double Gold

  • TIME Family of Wines, BC – N/V Evolve Cellars Effervescence ($24.99)

Gold

  • Creekside Estate Winery Ltd., ON – 2019 Backyard Block Bubbly ($29.80)
  • Diamond Estate Wines, ON – N/V Fresh Sparkling Rose ($17.75)
  • Three Sisters Winery, BC – 2021 Pretty Women ($21.65)

Sparkling Wine–Frizzante Method

Double Gold

  • Moraine Winery, BC – 2021 Shipuchka Frizzante ($31.05)

Gold

  • Intrigue Wines, BC – N/V I DO ($20.90)
  • Play Winery, BC – 2021 Teatro ($33.34)
  • Intrigue Wines, BC – 2021 SOCIAL Sparkling ($20.90)

Chardonnay, Unoaked

Double Gold

  • TIME Family of Wines, BC – 2020 Chronos Chardonnay ($29.99)

Gold

  • Gray Monk Estate Winery, BC – 2021 Chardonnay Unwooded ($22.99)
  • Pelee Island Winery, ON – 2019 Ring Necked Pheasant Chardonnay Unoaked ($12.25)

Chardonnay Under $20

Double Gold

  • Colio Estate Wines, ON – 2020 Reserve Chardonnay ($19.95)

Gold

  • Trius Estate Winery, ON – 2020 Distinction Chardonnay Barrel Fermented ($19.75)

 Chardonnay $20.01-$30.00

Double Gold

  • Three Sisters Winery, BC – 2020 Chardonnay ($21.65)

Gold

  • Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, BC – 2020 Reserve Chardonnay ($26.00)
  • Harper’s Trail Estate Winery, BC – 2019 Chardonnay ($24.14)
  • Monte Creek Winery, BC – 2020 Living Land Chardonnay ($21.99)

Chardonnay Over $30.00

Double Gold

  • SpearHead Winery, BC – 2020 Clone 95 Chardonnay ($34.50)

Gold

  • Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery, BC – 2019 King’s Ransom Chardonnay ($57.50)
  • Covert Farms Family Estate, BC – 2020 Grand Reserve Chardonnay ($65.00)
  • SpearHead Winery, BC – 2020 Saddle Block Chardonnay ($34.50)
  • Dark Horse Vineyard, BC – 2020 Chardonnay ($46.00)

Riesling Dry

Double Gold 

  • Niagara College Teaching Winery, ON – 2020 Balance Dry Riesling ($16.95)

Gold

  • Four Shadows Vineyard, BC – 2021 Riesling Dry ($27.59)

Riesling Off Dry

Gold

  • TIME Family of Wines, BC – 2020 Chronos Riesling ($27.99)
  • Andrew Peller Estates Winery, ON – 2019 Signature Series Riesling ($29.75)
  • Thirty Bench Wines, ON – 2019 Small Lot Riesling Wild Cask ($32.00)
  • Thirty Bench Wines, ON – 2020 Winemaker’s Blend Riesling ($22.75)

Sauvignon Blanc

Double Gold

  • Gehringer Bros. Estate Winery, BC – 2021 Dry Rock Sauvignon Blanc ($20.69)

Gold

  • Dirty Laundry Vineyard, BC – 2021 Sauvignon Blanc ($20.99)
  • Three Sisters Winery, BC – 2021 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.05)
  • Featherstone Estate Winery, ON – 2021 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95)

Gewürztraminer

Double Gold

  • Priest Creek Family Estate Winery, BC – 2021 Gewürztraminer ($27.00)

Gold

  • Moraine Winery, BC – 2021 Gewürztraminer ($26.45)
  • Ruby Blues Winery, BC – 2021 Gewürztraminer ($25.90)
  • Wesbert Winery Ltd., BC – 2021 Gewürztraminer ($26.39)

Pinot Gris Style

Double Gold

  • Joseph’s Estate Wines Inc., ON – 2020 Rosato ($18.95)

Gold

  • Deep Roots Winery, BC – 2021 Pinot Gris ($21.90)
  • Savard Vines, BC – 2021 Forgotten Child Pinot Gris ($19.00)
  • Enrico Winery, BC – 2021 Pinot Gris Shining Armour ($24.50)
  • Legends Estates Winery, ON – 2019 Pinot Gris Barrel Fermented ($19.80)
  • Clos du Soleil Winery Inc., BC – 2021 Pinot Gris ($27.49)

Pinot Grigio Style

Double Gold

  • Featherstone Estate Winery, ON – 2021 Pinot Grigio ($17.95)

Gold

  • Kismet Estate Winery, BC – 2021 Pinot Grigio ($25.29)

Viognier

Double Gold

  • Bench 1775, BC – 2021 Viognier ($25.00)

Gold

  • Dirty Laundry Vineyard, BC – 2021 Viognier ($21.99)
  • Country Vines Winery, BC – 2019 Viognier ($21.99)

Other Single Vitis Vinifera Whites

Double Gold

  • Chaberton Estate Winery, BC – 2021 Estate Grown Bacchus ($20.75)

Gold

  • Moon Curser Vineyards, BC – 2021 Arneis ($31.04)
  • Alderlea Vineyards, BC – 2021 Bacchus ($23.00)
  • Forbidden Fruit Winery, BC – 2021 Dead End Gruner Veltliner ($23.00)
  • Gehringer Bros. Estate Winery, BC – 2021 Old Vines Auxerrois ($18.39)
  • Upper Bench Estate Winery, BC – 2021 Pinot Blanc ($25.40)

White Vitis Vinifera Blends

Double Gold

  • Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery, BC – 2021 Mingle ($21.26)

Gold

  • Moraine Winery, BC – 2021 Cliffhanger White ($24.15)
  • Three Sisters Winery, BC – 2021 Bench White ($16.44)
  • Lakeside Cellars, BC – 2021 Portage White ($24.25)
  • Skimmerhorn Winery & Vineyard, BC – 2021 Autumn Tryst ($20.00)
  • Valley of the Springs Winery, BC – 2021 Vista ($24.15)

Single White Hybrids

Double Gold

  • Whispering Horse Winery, BC – 2021 La Crescent ($31.00)

Gold

  • Enrico Winery, BC – 2020 Petit Milo Coronet ($24.50)

White Hybrid Blends

Double Gold

  • Planters Ridge Winery, NS – 2021 Tidal Bay ($22.80)

Gold

  • Domaine de Grand Pré, NS – 2021 Tidal Bay ($23.00)
  • Vignoble de l’Orpailleur, QC – 2021 Vignoble de l’Orpailleur Blanc ($16.00)

Pet Nat and Orange Wines

Double Gold

  • Joseph’s Estate Wines Inc., ON – 2019 Arancia Skin Fermented Gewurztraminer ($34.95)

Gold

  • Pilliteri Estates Winery, ON – 2020 Racina Ambra Skin Fermented Gewurztraminer ($25.00)

Rosé Blush and Blanc de Noir

Double Gold Blanc de Noir Style

  • TIME Family of Wines, BC – 2021 Chronos Rosé ($27.99)

Double Gold Blush Style

  • Road 13 Vineyards, BC – 2021 Honest John’s Rosé ($23.00)

Gold

  • Bench 1775, BC – 2021 Glow ($26.00)
  • Thirty Bench Wines, ON – 2021 Winemaker’s Blend Rosé ($22.75)
  • Gehringer Bros. Estate Winery, BC – 2021 Rosé ($18.39)
  • Vanessa Vineyard, BC – 2021 Rosé ($29.99)
  • Sonora Desert Winery, BC – 2021 White Merlot ($25.00)
  • Hillside Cellars Winery, BC – 2021 Rosé ($25.00)
  • Three Sisters Winery, BC – 2021 Rosé ($19.05)
  • Ruby Blues Winery, BC – 2021 I Found My Thrill Rosé ($28.90)

Cabernet Sauvignon Under $30

Double Gold

  • Chaberton Estate Winery, BC – 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.95)

Gold

  • Sprucewood Shores Inc., ON – 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95)

Cabernet Sauvignon Over $30

Double Gold

  • Sunrock Vineyards, BC – 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.49)

Gold

  • Diamond Estate Wines, ON – Lakeview Cellars 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon ($39.80)
  • Muscedere Vineyards Estate Winery Inc, ON – 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon ($31.75)
  • Nk’Mip Cellars, BC – 2019 Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon ($45.99)

Merlot Under $30

Double Gold

  • Andrew Peller Estates Winery, ON  – 2020 Private Reserve Merlot ($26.75)

Gold

  • Deep Roots Winery, BC – 2020 Merlot ($29.90)
  • Colio Estate Wines, ON – 2020 Reserve Merlot $19.95

Merlot Over $30

Double Gold

  • Upper Bench Estate Winery, BC – 2018 Estate Merlot ($51.75)

Gold

  • Liquidity Wines Ltd., BC – 2020 ALTO Reserve Merlot ($35.00)
  • Nk’Mip Cellars, BC – 2019 Qwam Qwmt Merlot ($40.24)
  • Intersection Estate Winery, BC – 2017 Alluvia Unfiltered Merlot ($32.20)

Pinot Noir Under $30

Double Gold

  • Keint-he Winery and Vineyards Ltd., ON – 2019 Portage Pinot Noir ($28.00)

Gold

  • Gray Monk Estate Winery, BC – 2020 Pinot Noir ($28.75)

Pinot Noir Over $30

Double Gold

  • Queenstonmile Vineyard, ON – 2017 Pinot Noir ($39.80)

Gold

  • Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery, BC – 2019 Pinot Noir Reserve ($48.00)
  • Wild Goose Vineyards, BC – 2020 Pinot Noir ($38.00)
  • Privato Vineyard & Winery, BC – 2019 Woodward Collection – Tesoro Pinot Noir ($47.14)
  • Hainle Vyds Estate Winery, BC – 2020 Pinot Noir ($39.09)

Cabernet Franc Under $30

Double Gold

  • Monte Creek Winery, BC – 2020 Living Land Cabernet Franc ($22.99)

Gold

  • Thirty Bench Wines, ON – 2020 Winemaker’s Blend Cabernet Franc ($24.75)

Cabernet Franc Over $30

Double Gold

  • Two Sisters Vineyards, ON – 2017 Cabernet Franc ($57.80)

Gold

  • Play Winery, BC – 2020 Cabernet Franc ($44.83)
  • Dark Horse Vineyard, BC – 2018 Cabernet Franc ($51.75)
  • Frind Estate Winery, BC – 2020 Premier Cabernet Franc ($40.24)
  • Fort Berens Estate Winery, BC – 2019 Cabernet Franc ($31.99)

Bordeaux Blends Under $30

Double Gold

  • Indigenous World Winery, BC – 2019 Hee-Hee-Tel-Kin Red Blend ($28.74)

Gold

  • Monte Creek Winery, BC – 2019 Living Land Cabernet Merlot ($23.99)
  • Bordertown Estate Winery and Vineyard, BC – 2019 Living Desert Red ($27.00)
  • Persona, ON – N/V Cabernet Merlot ($12.75)
  • Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery, BC – 2020 Noble Meritage ($28.74)
  • Sprucewood Shores Inc., ON – N/V Beach Glass Red ($19.95)
  • See Ya Later Ranch, BC – 2019 Ping Meritage ($28.73)

Bordeaux Blends Over $30

Double Gold

Magnotta Winery, ON – 2017 Enotrium Gran Riserva ($59.95)

Gold

  • Blasted Church Wines, BC – 2017 Nectar of the Gods ($75.00)
  • Phantom Creek Estates, BC – 2019 Phantom Creek Vineyard Cuvée ($150.00)
  • Kismet Estate Winery, BC – 2020 Mantra ($39.18)
  • Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery, BC – 2017 King’s Ransom Meritage ($80.50)
  • Van Westen Vineyards, BC – 2018 V ($39.90)

Syrah/Shiraz Under $30

Double Gold

  • Lakeside Cellars, BC – 2018 Syrah ($28.85)

Gold

  • See Ya Later Ranch, BC – 2019 Rover ($25.29)

Syrah/Shiraz Over $30

Gold

  • Deep Roots Winery, BC – 2020 Syrah ($38.90)
  • Kacaba Vineyards, ON – 2019 Premium Series Terraced Vineyard Syrah ($34.95)
  • Kacaba Vineyards, ON – 2019 Premium Series Proprietors Block Syrah ($34.95)

Single Red Hybrids

Double Gold

  • Mercator Vineyards, NS – N/V Reserve Marquette ($34.80)

Gold

  • Domaine de Grand Pré, NS – 2019 Castel ($21.00)
  • Karlo Estates, ON – 2020 Marquette ($36.00)

Red Hybrid Blends

Double Gold

  • Jost Vineyards, NS – N/V Great Big Friggin’ Red ($17.79)

Gold

  • Volcanic Hills Vineyard & Cellars, BC – 2019 Magma Red ($23.99)
  • Monte Creek Winery, BC – 2020 Hands Up Red ($19.99)

Other Single Red Vitis Vinifera

Double Gold

  • Moon Curser Vineyards, BC – 2020 Touriga Nacional ($50.59)

Gold

  • Kalala Organic Estate Winery, BC – 2019 Zweigelt ($26.00)
  • Moon Curser Vineyards, BC – 2018 Tannat ($50.59)

Other Red Vitis Vinifera Blends

Double Gold

  • Good Natured Okanagan, BC – 2020 Balanced Red ($18.40)

Gold

  • Road 13 Vineyards, BC – 2019 GSM ($37.00)
  • Forbidden Fruit Winery, BC – 2019 Dead End Game Over Tannat Malbec ($40.00)
  • Savard Vines, BC – N/V 5 Turns ($26.00)

Malbec

Double Gold

  • Eau Vivre Winery, BC – 2019 Malbec ($39.90)

Gold

  • Moon Curser Vineyards, BC – 2020 Malbec ($40.24)

Gamay

Double Gold

  • Byland Estate Winery, ON – 2020 Gamay Noir Owner Signature Version ($34.80)

Gold

  • Volcanic Hills Vineyard & Cellars, BC – 2020 Gamay Noir ($20.50)

Soft Fruit Dry

Double Gold

  • Northern Lights Estate Winery Ltd., BC – 2018 Bell Reserve ($24.34)

Gold

  • Winegarden Estates Ltd., NB – 2020 Rubina, dry Blueberry Wine ($12.00)

Soft Fruit Off-Dry

Double Gold

  • Applewood Farm Winery, ON – 2021 Trio ($17.95)

Gold

  • Maan Farms Estate Winery, BC – 2020 Blueberry ($23.00)
  • Applewood Farm Winery, ON – 2021 Eden ($16.95)

Soft Fruit Dessert

Double Gold

  • La Vallée de la Framboise Inc., QC – N/V Le Matapédien ($18.00)

Gold

  • Krause Berry Farms and Estate Winery, BC – N/V Blackberry Portoe ($40.25)

Late Harvests

Double Gold

  • Pilliteri Estates Winery, ON – 2017 Cana Cabin Riesling Late Harvest ($25.00)

Gold

  • Thirty Bench Wines, ON – 2019 Special Select Late Harvest ($40.00)

Riesling Icewine

Gold

  • Inniskillin Okanagan, BC – 2018 Okanagan Estate Riesling Icewine ($60.02)

Vidal Icewine

Double Gold

  • Wayne Gretzky Estates, ON – 2019 No.99 Vidal Icewine ($79.85)

Gold

  • Andrew Peller Estates Winery, ON – 2018 Signature Series Vidal Blanc Icewine ($79.85)
  • Pilliteri Estates Winery, ON – 2017 Cana Cabin Premium Vidal Icewine ($70.00)

Other Icewine

Double Gold

  • Pilliteri Estates Winery, ON – 2017 Canadian Flower Pinot Blanc Icewine ($70.00)

Gold

  • Bench 1775, BC – 2020 Paradise Ranch Chardonnay Ice Wine ($71.00)

Red Icewines

Double Gold

  • Magnotta Winery, ON – 2018 Cabernet Franc Icewine Niagara Peninsula Limited Edition ($44.95)

Gold

  • Andrew Peller Estates Winery, ON – 2018 Cabernet Franc Icewine ($114.90)

Grape Fortifieds

Double Gold

  • Legends Estates Winery, ON – N/V Last Barrel Red ($59.80)

Gold

  • Legends Estates Winery, ON – N/V Last Barrel Red Liquid Gold ($99.80)

Sláinte mhaith

The 2022 National Wine Awards

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

The WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada (NWAC) is Canada’s largest and most respected competition for wines which are one hundred percent grown and produced in Canada. Niagara Falls, Ontario was the host of this year’s event, which took place from June 19th to 23rd, with results published on July 29th.

This year’s awards were the first to be conducted since 2019 without the influence or restrictions from the pandemic. 

There were 24 judges who tasted 1,890 entries from more than 250 wineries. The entries came from British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The wines were all served blind; producer, origin, and price were not revealed to the judges. The top medalists were tasted in multiple rounds by many different judges.

The top ten wineries are presented below, along with a listing of their Platinum and Gold medal wines.  For a complete listing of all the winning wines please see the Canadian Wine Awards website, at www.winealign.com/awards.

The 2022 winery of the year is CedarCreek Estate Winery, located in East Kelowna, British Columbia.  The winery first opened in 1980, then known as Uniacke Wines. In 1986 it was purchased by the Fitzpatrick family, who changed the name to CedarCreek, and began planting some of the earliest pinot noir vines in the valley.

Over five years ago CedarCreek embarked on a massive refit converting the family-owned Estate vineyards to organic farming that encompasses every aspect of the winery, from regenerative farming and sustainable viticulture to farm-to-bottle craftsmanship in their wine cellar.  As of 2021, all vineyards were Ecocert certified.

CedarCreek has partnered with local environmentalists to collect native plant seeds from the property – the seeds are used for fundraising, for native plant re-establishment on other sites, and at the boundaries of new vineyards to support biodiversity.

The estate is the home of five Scottish Highland Cows, a flock of chickens, beehives, worm farms and cover crops to create a thriving ecosystem.

CedarCreek was awarded two Platinum Medals, four Gold, eight Silver and five Bronze.

Platinum Medal

  • CedarCreek Platinum Jagged Rock Syrah 2020, Okanagan Valley
  • CedarCreek Aspect Collection Block 5 Chardonnay 2019, Okanagan Valley

Gold Medal

  • CedarCreek Platinum Jagged Rock Chardonnay 2020, Okanagan Valley
  • CedarCreek Aspect Collection Block 3 Riesling 2020, Okanagan Valley
  • CedarCreek Pinot Noir Rose 2021, Okanagan Valley
  • CedarCreek Platinum Home Block Riesling 2021, Okanagan Valley

Rounding out the top ten producers for 2022 were the following wineries:

The second-place finisher was Ontario’s 13th Street Winery, who was awarded 2 Platinum, 2 Gold, 7 Silver and 9 Bronze medals.

Platinum Medal

  • 13th Street Reserve Syrah 2020, Niagara Peninsula
  • 13th Street Premier Cuvee 2015, Niagara Peninsula

Gold Medal

  • 13th Street Gamay 2020, Niagara Peninsula
  • 13th Street Blanc De Blanc 2019, Niagara Peninsula

Third was British Columbia’s SpearHead Winery that had 1 Platinum, 7 Gold, 3 Silver and 5 Bronze medals.

Platinum Medal

  • Spearhead Coyote Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019, Okanagan Valley

Gold Medal

  • Spearhead Botrytis Affected Late Harvest Riesling 2019, Okanagan Valley (375ml)
  • Spearhead Pinot Noir Cuvée 2019, Okanagan Valley
  • Spearhead Golden Retreat Pinot Noir 2019, Okanagan Valley
  • Spearhead Pinot Gris Golden Retreat Vineyard 2020, Okanagan Valley

In fourth position was British Columbia’s Mission Hill Family Estate which earned 1 Platinum, 4 Gold and 9 Silver medals.

Platinum Medal

  • Mission Hill Terroir Collection Jagged Rock Syrah 2020, Okanagan Valley

Gold Medal

  • Mission Hill Reserve Riesling 2021, Okanagan Valley
  • Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay 2020, Okanagan Valley
  • Mission Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Okanagan Valley
  • Mission Hill Reserve Merlot 2020, Okanagan Valley

The fifth-place winery was British Columbia’s La Frenz Estate Winery which won 1 Platinum, 9 Gold and 8 Silver medals.

Platinum Medal

  • La Frenz Syrah Rockyfeller Vineyard 2019, Okanagan Valley

Gold Medal

  • La Frenz Malbec Rockyfeller Vineyard 2019, Okanagan Valley
  • La Frenz Grand Total Reserve 2019, Okanagan Valley
  • La Frenz Aster Brut 2018, Okanagan Valley
  • La Frenz Reserve Vivant 2020, Okanagan Valley
  • La Frenz Pinot Noir Desperation Hill Vineyard 2020, Okanagan Valley
  • La Frenz Semillon Knorr Vineyard 2021, Okanagan Valley
  • La Frenz Riesling Cl. 49 Rockyfeller Vineyard 2021, Okanagan Valley
  • La Frenz Cabernets Rockyfeller Vineyard 2019, Okanagan Valley
  • La Frenz Liqueur Muscat, Okanagan Valley (375ml)

The sixth-place finisher was Ontario’s Vieni Estates which had 1 Platinum, 4 Gold, 2 Silver and 9 Bronze medals.

Platinum Medal

  • Vieni Riesling 2020, Vinemount Ridge

Gold Medal

  • Vieni Cabernet Franc 2018, Vinemount Ridge
  • Vieni Cabernet Franc Reserve 2017, Vinemount Ridge
  • Vieni Pinot Grigio 2021, Vinemount Ridge
  • Vieni Unoaked Chardonnay 2019, Vinemount Ridge

In seventh position was British Columbia’s Black Hills Estate Winery, with a record of 1 Platinum, 5 Gold, 3 Silver and 3 Bronze medals.

Platinum Medal

  • Black Hills Ipso Facto 2020, Okanagan Valley

Gold Medal

  • Black Hills Per Se 2020, Okanagan Valley
  • Black Hills Chardonnay 2020, Okanagan Valley
  • Black Hills Roussanne 2020, Okanagan Valley
  • Black Hills Addendum 2020, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
  • Black Hills Alibi 2021, Okanagan Valley

The eighth spot went to British Columbia’s Fort Berens Estate Winery which earned 1 Platinum, 3 Gold, 2 Silver and 6 Bronze medals.

Platinum Medal

  • Fort Berens Pinot Noir 2020

Gold Medal

  • Fort Berens Small Lot Grüner Veltliner 2021, Lillooet
  • Fort Berens Merlot Reserve 2019, Lillooet
  • Fort Berens Merlot 2019

The ninth-place position went to British Columbia’s Bordertown Vineyards & Estate Winery which had 1 Platinum, 3 Gold, 3 Silver and 3 Bronze medals.

Platinum Medal

  • Bordertown Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Okanagan Valley

Gold Medal

  • Bordertown Cabernet Franc 2019, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
  • Bordertown Malbec 2019, Okanagan Valley
  • Bordertown Syrah 2019, Okanagan Valley

Earning the tenth spot was Ontario’s Thirty Bench Wine Makers with 6 Gold, 7 Silver and 1 Bronze medal.

Gold Medal

  • Thirty Bench Winemaker’s Blend Cabernet Franc 2020, Niagara Peninsula
  • Thirty Bench Special Select Late Harvest 2019 (375ml)
  • Thirty Bench Small Lot Riesling Wood Post Vineyard 2019, VQA Beamsville Bench
  • Thirty Bench Small Lot Riesling Steel Post Vineyard 2020, VQA Beamsville Bench
  • Thirty Bench Small Lot Pinot Noir 2020, VQA Beamsville Bench
  • Thirty Bench Small Lot Riesling Triangle Vineyard 2019, VQA Beamsville Bench

The best performing small winery award goes to the winery with a production of 10,000 cases or less that chalked up the highest aggregate score for its five top-scoring wines.  This year the award was presented to the Okanagan Valley’s SpearHead Winery.  SpearHead 2019 Coyote Vineyard Pinot Noir took a coveted Platinum Medal.  In addition to this, SpearHead wines received seven Gold, three Silver and five Bronze medals.

Sláinte mhaith

Wine for a Summer Picnic

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

With summertime fast approaching it will soon be time to focus on going to the beach and picnics.  The recipe for a great picnic is great weather and food and of course, wonderful wine.   A good picnic wine will be refreshing, balanced, and will pair well with the foods you pack. A picnic should not require a lot of fuss and muss.  The focus should be on sharing good food and wine with family or friends.  If it requires a huge amount of time and effort to prepare, the outcome is probably not worth the effort.

Photo credit: foodbankwma.org

One thing not to do is consider a picnic the same as a barbecue.  The wines that pair well at a barbecue are not necessarily the same ones that work well at a picnic. Barbecues are all about bold and spicy where picnics are more about a broad spectrum of lighter fare. Most of the foods served at a picnic will be cold and on the lighter side.

Common picnic foods include things such as potato salad, cold fried chicken, cheeses and crackers, charcuterie, fresh bread and fresh fruit. Wines best suited include cool, crisp, whites, rosés or very light reds.

White wine options include Sauvignon Blanc and Fumé Blanc which are dry, crisp, herbal whites that are ideal for summer sipping. They won’t overpower picnic food.  Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio or Pinot Blanc are fruitier but still light and perfect for a picnic. They are bright, acidic and loaded with crisp citrus fruit and minerality.

A dry Riesling with crisp acidity and light mineral flavours will pair well with spicier foods such as charcuterie.  Moscato d’Asti is a lightly fizzy white with apricot and almond flavours that will pair well with fruit and salads.

A freezer sleeve that slides over a standard 750 ml. bottle will keep your wine chilled.

Rosé or blush wines are versatile. They should also be served chilled the same as whites. These lightly acidic wines offer fruit flavours such as melon, strawberry and red fruit qualities that pair well with cheese and crackers, seafood, salads or cold chicken.

Light red wines with less alcohol, such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Beaujolais would be good choices for a picnic, particularly charcuterie and cold cuts. While these wines don’t need to be served chilled, they should not be overwarmed so transporting them in a cooler would be a good idea.  Set them out about 10 minutes before serving.

Sláinte mhaith

2022 Ontario Wine Awards

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment
Photo credit: ontariowineawards.ca

After a 3-year hiatus thanks to COVID, this spring saw the return of the Ontario Wine Awards. There were participants from over 80 wineries and more than 500 of the best VQA wines that Ontario has to offer.

A special award was introduced this year to honour the memory of Tawse Winery winemaker, Paul Pender, who was tragically killed earlier this year. The inaugural Paul Pender Memorial ‘Rising Star’ Award was presented to Alec Baines, winemaker at Hidden Bench Winery.  Alec was selected by a committee of his peers for having demonstrated the qualities that made Paul Pender a winemaker’s winemaker – talent, selfless generosity, mentorship and innovation.

The Winemaker of the Year Award was posthumously presented to Paul Pender.  Tawse was where Paul honed his skills and talents as a winemaker. 

The results of this year’s competition were as follows:

White Wine of The Year

Domaine Queylus La Grande Réserve Chardonnay 2020

Deep golden colour; intense apple and pear bouquet with oak spice and a thread of minerality; medium to full-bodied, with the richly extracted yellow apple and pear flavours carried on lively lemony acidity to a long, lingering finish.

Red Wine of The Year

Peninsula Ridge Reserve Syrah 2016

Deep purple-ruby in colour; cedary, toasty, meaty nose of blackberries and vanilla oak; medium to full-bodied, dry, spicy, well-structured and harmonious black fruit flavours. Reminiscent of Syrah from the northern Rhône.

Sparkling Wine (traditional method) Award

Gold

  • Malivoire Bisous Rosé N/V
  • Pelee Island Empress II 2019

Silver

  • Huff Estate Cuvee Janine 2018

Bronze

  • Huff Estate Cuvee Peter F. Huff 2018
  • Queenston Mile Vineyard Blanc de Noir 2017

Riesling Dry Award

Gold

  • Wending Home Estate Vineyards Riesling 2020

Silver

  • Niagara Teaching Winery Balance Dry Riesling 2020

Bronze

  • Strewn Winery Terroir Riesling 2019

Semi-Dry Riesling Award

Gold:

  • Vineland Estates St. Urban Elevation Riesling 2021
  • Thirty Bench Winemakers Small Lot Riesling Wild Cask 2019
  • Tawse Quarry Road Riesling 2019

Silver:

  • Redstone Limestone Riesling 2020

Pinot Gris Award

Gold

  • Dim Wine Co. Forged Pinot Gris 2017
  • Big Head Wines Pinot Gris Select 2017

Silver

  • Lakeview East Dell Pinot Grigio 2020

Bronze

  • Konzelmann Estate Pinot Grigio 2019

Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon Award

Gold

  • Creekside Estate Backyard Block Sauvignon Blanc 2021
  • Burnt Ship Bay Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Silver

  • Palatine Hills Estate Wild & Free White Meritage 2020
  • Ravine Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2020
  • Peller Estate Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Bronze

  • Trius Showcase Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2019
  • Vineland Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Unoaked Chardonnay Award

Gold

  • Peninsula Ridge Inox Chardonnay 2020

Silver

  • Kacaba Unoaked Chardonnay 2020

Bronze

  • Ravine Vineyard Unoaked Chardonnay 2021

Oaked Chardonnay (Under $20) Award

Gold

  • Konzelmann Estate Barrel-Aged Chardonnay 2020

Silver

  • North 42 Degrees Chardonnay 2020

Bronze

  • Trius ‘Distinction’ Barrel-Fermented Chardonnay 2020

Oaked Chardonnay (Over $20) Award

Gold

  • Domaine Queylus La Grande Réserve Chardonnay 2020

Silver

  • Bachelder Wismer-Foxcoft Chardonnay 2019
  • Magnotta Limited Edition Chardonnay 2020

Bronze

  • Henry of Pelham Estate Chardonnay 2020

Gewurztraminer Award

Gold

  • None awarded

Silver

  • Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Gewurztraminer 2020

Bronze

  • Stoney Ridge Estate Gewurztraminer 2019

Dry White Varietals Awards

Gold

  • None awarded

Silver

  • Redstone White Meritage 2020
  • Niagara College Dean’s List Viognier 2020

Bronze

  • Reif Estate Semillon 2020

Roses/Blanc De Noir Award

Gold

  • Malivoire Wine Moira Rosé 2021

Silver

  • 13th Street Winery Gamay Vin Gris 2021

Bronze

  • Henry of Pelham Speck Three of Hearts Rosé 2020
  • Inniskillin Wines Reserve Cabernet Franc Rosé 2020

Gamay Award

Gold

  • Bachelder 52% Whole Cluster Wismer-Foxcroft Gamay 2020

Silver

  • 13th Street Gamay 2020
  • Byland Estate Gamay Noir Owner Signature 2020

Bronze

  • Niagara College Balance Gamay Noir 2018

Pinot Noir Award

Gold

  • Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir Tradition 2019
  • Closson Chase Pinot Noir 2019

Silver

  • Closson Chase South Clos Pinot Noir 2019
  • Le Clos Jordanne Jordan Village Pinot Noir 2019

Bronze

  • Locust Lane Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2019

Cabernet Franc Award

Gold

  • Tawse Winery David’s Block Cabernet Franc 2019
  • Domaine Queylus Cabernet Franc Réserve 2020

Silver

  • Inniskillin Wines Reserve Cabernet Franc 2018

Bronze 

  • Ravine Vineyard Estate Lonna’s Block Cabernet Franc 2019

Cabernet Franc Award

Gold

  • Tawse Winery David’s Block Cabernet Franc 2019
  • Domaine Queylus Cabernet Franc Réserve 2020

Silver

  • Inniskillin Wines Reserve Cabernet Franc 2018

Bronze

  • Ravine Vineyard Estate Lonna’s Block Cabernet Franc 2019

Merlot Award

Gold

  • None awarded

Silver

  • Konzelmann Merlot Barrel-Aged Reserve Series 2020
  • GreenLane Estate Christine’s Block Merlot 2017

Bronze

  • Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Merlot 2019

Cabernet Sauvignon Award

Gold

  • Strewn Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Silver

  • Waupoos Estates Winery 2019

Bronze

  • Peninsula Ridge Estate BV Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
  • Trius Showcase East Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Meritage And Cabernet Blends Award

Gold

  • Southbrook Poetica Red 2019

The Foreign Affair Temptress 2018

Silver

  • Magnotta Legacy Limited edition 2018
  • The Foreign Affair Dream 2018

Syrah/Shiraz Award

Gold

  • Big Head Raw Syrah 2020
  • Kacaba Proprietor’s Block Syrah Escarpment 2019
  • Peninsula Ridge Reserve Syrah 2016

Silver

  • Rockway Syrah 2018

Hybrid Red Award

Gold

  • Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Baco Noir 2020

Silver

  • Wayne Gretzky Estates No. 99 Signature Series Baco Noir 2020

Bronze

  • Riverview Cellars Baco Noir 2020

Late Harvest Whites & Reds

Gold

  • Thirty Bench Special Select Late Harvest Vidal 2019

Silver

  • Trius Showcase Late Harvest Vidal 2019
  • Konzelmann Select Late Harvest Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Bronze

  • Strewn Ice-Breaker Select Late Harvest Vidal 2014

Appassimento Red Award

Gold

  • None awarded

Silver

  • Dim Wine Co. Field Select Red 2016
  • Rennie Estate Winery ‘G’ Assemblage 2016

Bronze

  • The Foreign Affair Apologetic 2018

Orange Wine Award

Gold

  • None awarded

Silver

  • Maenad Wine Co. Skin-Fermented Chardonnay 2020
  • Southbrook Skin-Fermented White (Vidal) 2020

Bronze

  • Big Head Amber 2021

Other Red Wines Award

Gold

  • Lakeview Cellars Grand Reserve Red 2017

Silver

  • Lakeview Cellars Malbec 2017
  • Green Lane Estate Malbec 2018

Bronze

  • Creekside Red Tractor Cabernet Shiraz 2019

Vidal Icewine Award

Gold

  • Kittling Ridge Vidal Icewine 2019
  • Riverview Cellars Vidal Icewine 2019

Silver

  • Inniskillin Oak-Aged Vidal Icewine 2019
  • Magnotta Vidal Icewine Limited 2019
  • Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery Vidal Icewine 2018

Bronze

  • Lakeview Wine Co. Lakeview Cellars Vidal Icewine 2019

Vinifera Icewine Award

Gold

  • Redstone Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine 2019

Silver

  • Jackson-Triggs Cabernet Franc Icewine 2019
  • Wayne Gretzky Riesling Icewine 2019

Bronze

  • Inniskillin Cabernet Franc Icewine 2019

Label Design Award

  • Megalomaniac To Be Franc Cabernet Franc

Sláinte mhaith

Wine Prices On the Rise

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

The price of wine has remained fairly stable during recent months and has not been impacted in the same way as the price of gas and food.  However, this is soon about to change.

Photo credit: mlive.com

As you have seen at the gas pump, the Russian invasion of the Ukraine has caused a surge in gas and oil prices.  These increases have impacted the cost of wine industry supplies.  Increases of 20% to 45% have occurred on the cost of bottles and boxes over last year.  The war has created a great deal of volatility and unpredictability to the glass bottle industry.

Oil prices have surged 70% in the past year and with transport costs rising, barrels, bottles, cases and wine labels are all more expensive.  But so far the consumer has not felt the impact.

Very high Inflation is severely impacting the price of supplies such as glass, corks, labels and cardboard. Labour and energy costs have skyrocketed.

With grapes being harvested only once a year and wine reaching the market through a rather complex multi-faceted distribution network, price pressures have not yet reached store shelves. However, when they do, the effects of inflation, which is currently around 6%, supply chain issues (see Dry Times Ahead from January 22), a small 2021 global grape harvest and a surge in demand will mean consumers should prepare for a significant increase in wine prices.

Historically, wine isn’t as volatile as other consumer goods, so has been less subject to price fluctuations. From 2004 to 2021 inflation increased at a rate of 2.11%, while wine prices only rose by 0.73% during the same period. 

Wine producers have been doing their best to deter price increases especially given the impacts from the COVID pandemic which they are now struggling to recover from.  Unfortunately, costs are continuing to increase and many distributors have already absorbed the higher transportation costs. Operating expenses have reached the point where they can no longer be absorbed by producers.

The greatest impact will be seen on imported wines.  The cost of shipping containers and freight has increased by more than 100%.  Adding to the problem is the impact of the small harvests in France’s Burgundy, Loire and Provence wine regions.  The only saving grace will be the competition within the wine industry which will keep the increases moderate.

The high consumer demand for wine is also having an impact on price.  In particular, wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany, Rioja and Napa will be most affected. Wines from these regions may increase by 20% to 25% within a year.

Domestic wines will be impacted as well though probably not to the same extent as imported wines.  It is expected that these wines will see a minimum of a 10% increase in price.

Will this inflation last?  Some financial experts don’t think so while others are convinced it will.  In either case the most optimistic timeline is that the current conditions will remain throughout 2022 and 2023.

In any event it is believed that competition will keep runaway pricing in check. Wine is different from most other consumer goods in that there are options available at every price point and there are a lot of wine choices available.  This will help keep wine prices as low as possible.

Sláinte mhaith

Dinner for the April Long-Weekend

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment
Photo credit: lcbo.com

With COVID restrictions lifting, friend and family gatherings are once again permissible.  In the event you are planning to host a spring celebration, here are some of the standard menus that have been paired with complimentary wines.

Roast Beef

The reds from Bordeaux France are a good match for the robust flavour of roast beef.  Bordeaux consists of a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and often lesser amounts of Petit Verdot, Malbec and sometimes Carmenère.  Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon will also pair well.  Younger wines will have more tannins and fuller flavour so they will be better suited for to stronger cuts of beef.

Baked Ham

Pinot Noir is typically paired with glazed baked ham as its supple flavour will not overpower the ham while its fruitiness will offset the saltiness of the meat.  Smoked ham will pair well with a Grenache, French Syrah, or even a California Zinfandel.

Roast Lamb

The stronger flavour of lamb will overwhelm the gentler wines so it is better suited to bolder reds such as a Spanish Tempranillo, South American Malbec or Australian Shiraz.

Salmon

The oily richness of salmon needs to be complimented by a wine containing sufficient acidity. One of the most classic pairings for salmon is Pinot Noir or a French red Burgundy wine.  However, Grenache, French Beaujolais, Chardonnay, French White Burgundy, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc or Dry Rosé will work equally as well. 

Turkey

Turkey has been traditionally served with white wine, however there are some reds that will compliment your dinner equally well.  If you choose a white, a dry Riesling will work well.  The alternative is to select a Pinot Noir or a French Burgundy.  All of these wines have enough acidity while not overpowering the turkey.

Final Thoughts

No matter what you are serving on the holiday weekend, most importantly take this opportunity to enjoy the company of friends and family as we don’t know what new COVID variant and restrictions lurk around the corner.

Sláinte mhaith

Triumph to Tragedy

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

My wife and I recently hosted a family dinner and for the occasion I asked my wife to purchase a Riesling to go along with it.  One of the challenges of living in a rural community is that the local liquor store doesn’t have a lot of choices when in search of a particular varietal. She returned home with Tawse 2017 Sketches of Niagara Riesling. 

When we opened and served the wine with the dinner my wife and I identified the bouquet right away, diesel fuel.  My wife was immediately turned off by it while I became positively excited.  This was the first Ontario Riesling that I have had that authentically portrays its Old-World style German cousin.

The wine was vibrant with subtle floral, nutty, fig, smoke and pear notes, a soft sweetness and long finish.   It is a great value at only $18.95.  Even though my wife was not a fan of the nose of a traditional German style Riesling, she did enjoy the overall flavour of the wine.

When I clicked on Tawse website to see if I could learn more about their German style Riesling, I saw that their wine maker, Paul Pender, had been tragically killed several days prior.  I never had the opportunity of meeting him but after tasting the Riesling, as well as other wonderful creations from Tawse, I certainly wish I had.  His untimely passing is a tragic loss to the entire wine community.

If you are a fan of Riesling, I suggest picking up a bottle or two of the Sketches of Niagara as a tribute to its creator.

Sláinte mhaith

Wine Shipping Delays

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment
Photo credit: dw.com

I have found myself frustrated many times over the past number of months when the wines I am hoping to purchase from the liquor store are not available. The reason I have been told is a result of the pandemic.  COVID-19 has affected shipping companies and dock workers hard, resulting in huge backlogs and skyrocketing shipping costs.

The global wine supply chain generally starts with the grape grower -> producer -> packer -> exporter -> shipper -> importer -> trucker -> wholesale distributor -> retailer/restaurant/bar.  The time to complete this process has increased from 30 days to 3 months or more.

Wine importers are having trouble bringing wine not just from Europe but also from Chile, Argentina and South Africa. Wineries are also experiencing a shortage of bottles, many of which are imported from China.

Many distributors historically operated on a just-in-time basis whereby goods were received as close as possible to when they are actually needed, to keep costs low. However, today just-in-time processing is not working because of all the delays.

Shipping costs have increased by over 50% during the past year.  Along with a lack of shipping containers available to ship the wine, the containers get delayed at the dock resulting in additional charges, and there is a lack of truck drivers available to deliver the wine to its final destination.  In preparation for the upcoming holidays wine merchants have planned their shipments at least 3 months in advance. However, there is no guarantee that the wines will reach their intended destination in time for the holidays.

It is expected that volume-driven wines will most likely bear the brunt of the skyrocketing costs. Chilean and Argentinian wines will most likely suffer the most from the soaring freight costs. It is felt that these less expensive wines will lose their competitive advantage with the extensive increase in freight cost.

However, there is optimism that the situation will eventually improve, though probably not until mid-2022, as countries come out of lockdown and more truckers are hired. It is now feared that inflationary pressures will take quite a while longer to come back into proper alignment.

It’s hard to imagine an upside for anyone for the foreseeable future, from producers to importers to distributors to retail and hospitality outlets to customers. The impact will soon become apparent on wine store shelves and restaurant tables as we end-consumers will eventually bear the added costs. Isn’t that always the way?

Sláinte mhaith

2021 & the B.C. Wine Industry

/ A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

2021 presented lots of challenges for British Columbia’s vintners.  The spring was one of the driest on record with very little rain from late May to the end of June. Temperatures in June climbed up to 47 degrees Celsius.  The combination of these things resulted in the grapes maturing faster and earlier than normal.  The grape yields were low but the quality was good, producing small, very ripe fruit bursting with flavour.  It is hoped that this high concentration of flavour will translate into an excellent, though a low yield vintage.

Photo credit: TourismKelowna.com

The wild fires also wreaked havoc on the harvest in some areas, particularly the Thompson and Okanagan Valleys.  Fortunately, the worst of the smoke exposure occurred before the grapes began to ripen so the impact is believed to be minimal.

The recent flooding in B.C. has affected all residents either directly or indirectly.  With major transportation routes being blocked or damaged, supply chains and mobility have been severely restricted.  At this point it is still too early to know what additional burden will be felt by B.C.’s wine industry as a whole because of the flooding.

This year was without a doubt a season with its challenges because of the smoke, heat and floods.  However, early indications suggest that the 2021 vintage of British Columbia wines will be very flavourful.  Unfortunately for consumers the prices will most likely be higher due to the smaller than normal yields produced.  These are some things to keep in mind when the 2021 B. C. vintages begin hitting the store shelves in a year or two.

Sláinte mhaith