Here are the wines we drink when we want to keep to a budget. Our #FavouriteThings include these tasty offerings from Quails’ Gate – all priced under $20.00. These are the wines we drink, enjoy and recommend to our readers. These wines are all available from the Quails’ Gate online store.
2017 Dry Riesling
This vintage is another classic example of our Quails’ Gate Riesling. It is crisp, dry and refreshing with wonderfully balanced acidity. True Riesling lovers will appreciate this wines cellaring potential which will allow the acids to soften over time and integrate with the rich Riesling flavours.
The wine is dry, vibrant and zesty. On the nose you will find aromas of intense lime, orange blossom, Granny Smith apple and wet stones. The well balanced palate combines powerful citrus flavours and orchard fruit, leading to a long, refreshing finish. Enjoy this wine with ceviche, crab cakes topped with apple and fennel slaw, salmon sashimi, chicken picatta or summer salads with citrus vinaigrette.
Of course I’ve started with my personal favourite varietal. I love a fruity tasting wine that isn’t overly sweet and this one fits the bill for me.
2017 Chenin Blanc
From its Loire Valley origins in France, to the Okanagan Valley, this vinifera grape has flourished on our estate for over 20 years. Light to medium bodied, juicy acidity with a racy, but dry finish.
A blend of 90% Chenin Blanc and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, honeysuckle, grass, citrus, pear and melon mingle together on the nose. The palate is dry and surprisingly complex with beautifully balanced acidity, lovely weight and mid-palate texture, along with its characteristic stony mineral note.
2017 Chasselas Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris
2017 Rose
A classic summer sipper, our 2017 Rosé is fresh, approachable and fruit-forward. An easy-going dry Rosé, this wine delivers exceptional flavour and value. This year’s Rosé is a blend of Gamay Noir (50%), Pinot Noir (40%) and Pinot Gris (10%).
A beautiful salmon pink in the glass, notes of red berries, melon and fresh herbs lead to a refreshing, dry finish. The perfect patio, poolside or picnic pairing.
With its incredible versatility, this wine would pair well with a variety of dishes including fresh caprese salad, pizza or roasted chicken with rosemary.
Everybody should have a little Rosé in their life. I like to keep this personal favourite unhand for when friends drop by or just when I’m in the mood to change things up.
When visiting the Okanagan, before you go: Do your homework and a bit of research about the wineries you wish to visit. Check the winery website to find out their months, days and hours that their Tasting Room is open. Know if you need to book your tasting in advance of your visit. Many wineries are now so busy there may be times that they are unable to accommodate you. It will be a much better visit if you have a confirmed appointment. Be on time. Expect to pay for your tasting, some, but not all wineries refund all or a portion of the fee if you purchase wine. Plan ahead for a designated driver or use the services of a wine tour company. Limit the number of wineries you visit in a day. A more leisurely timeline will increase your enjoyment. For the best overall experience, I like to limit my daily visits to no more than three maximum, and if a winery lunch is on the agenda, no more than two winery tastings.
Tasting notes courtesy of Quails’ Gate.
Quails’ Gate Winery
3303 Boucherie Rd., West Kelowna, BC, Canada
About Quails’ Gate Winery: As one of Canada’s foremost family owned and operated estate wine producers, we are dedicated to crafting exceptional quality wines and creating memorable wine and food experiences for our guests. With luxurious lake front accommodations, an award-winning restaurant and a variety of tour and tasting experiences, we look forward to helping our guests create their perfect Okanagan moment.
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