“This series features both the BC Wine new vintages and a few favourites”
Admittedly I was late to the table on Foxtrot wines. Even though I had heard all about how they had taken the BC Pinot Noir Celebration by storm a couple of events back Foxtrot remained a mystery. No more! Thanks to the Local Flights BC Wine event these wines became front and centre.
Pleased to present a selection here for #wineonline
2018 Foxtrot Waltz Pinot Noir
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Andrea Barker
Viticulture:
The 2018 Waltz is a blend of pinot noir fruit from three terroirs: Naramata Bench, Summerland and the Similkameen Valley. Higher than average snowfall levels over winter contributed to high soil moisture content, encouraging greater than average vigour. A cool spring resulted in a slightly delayed budbreak, but by flowering, growth had caught up to average timing for the valley. Warm and dry weather encouraged good fruit set with a potential for high yield. However, there was disease pressure through most of the growing season, which reduced the eventual crop size. Also, during mid-summer, several weeks of smoke from distant wildfires in the region caused extensive sunlight blocking. This reduced photosynthesis and slowed down the onset of veraison. Though delaying harvest slightly, the smoke cover also helped to mitigate extreme high temperatures, allowing for greater fruit development. Strong diurnal temperatures around harvest encouraged the retention of acidity in the fruit, lending to balanced wines. Overall, 2018 was a cooler year than average, with moderate yields and healthy fruit of excellent quality.
Winemaking:
The fruit that formed the 2018 Waltz was processed and fermented separately, by vineyard and block. The fruit was partially destemmed, leaving approximately 1/3 whole clusters for added complexity. After 3 days of cold soak, the fruit was inoculated with a choice selection of yeast strains. Manual punch downs were performed over a two-week period three times per day, reducing to twice daily towards the end of fermentation. Following fermentation, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels, approximately 30% new, and the remainder, a combination of 2nd fill to neutral. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in barrel and the wine aged sur lies for a period of 14 months, continuing to keep the original vineyard blocks separate until blended just before bottling. Prior to bottling in April 2020, the wine was racked, blended and filtered.
Tasting Notes:
The 2018 Waltz Pinot Noir displays a classic earth-driven nose with subtle notes of cherry, raspberry jam and orange peel. Liquorice and spice complement the earth and iron notes on the palate, presenting a fresh acidity and soft tannins. Lively red tart cherries carry through to the finish. Enjoy now by decanting or cellar up to 3 years.
– SKU762674 – $47.00 available online
2016 foxly chardonnay
winemaking
Fruit from the 2016 foxly chardonnay was pressed and settled before a transfer to barrel for fermentation. Following full malolactic fermentation, the wine aged sur lies for 11 months in French oak, approximately 30% new and 70% second fill to neutral. The wine was aged a further two years in bottle before release.
tasting
Pale straw in colour with youthful silver tones, this wine showcases an expressive nose of green apple, pear, and Meyer lemon, complemented by floral tones and minerality. A soft and round body with balanced acidity and minerality carries through to a citrusy, zippy finish. A surprisingly refreshing wine that is ready to enjoy. Play with the temperature to experience this wine for its versatility.
pairings
Appetizer: arugula salad topped with lemon-infused olive oil, pine nuts, and shavings of a lightly aged pecorino romano cheese Main: bechamel sauce over a simple baked chicken, next to buttery green beans with shaved almonds and a garden vegetable terrine Dessert: caramel tea cake, or rice pudding
SKU813063 – $28.99 available online
2016 foxly reserve pinot noir
winemaking
The 2016 foxly reserve pinot noir was made from Foxtrot Vineyard’s estate fruit, in what was considered a vintage of overall excellence for the Okanagan Valley. Two-thirds of the fruit was destemmed. The remaining fruit was fermented in whole clusters to add a layer of complexity. The fruit received three days of cold-soaking and was inoculated with a choice selection of yeast strains. The burgeoning wine flourished with thrice-daily punch-downs, over a two-week period until fermentation’s end. The wine rested sur lie for 18 months in 30% new French oak barrels, where it underwent a naturally occurring malolactic fermentation. The wine was racked, blended, filtered, and further aged in bottles for two years before release.
tasting
The 2018 foxly pinot noir reserve has a distinguished red earth hue. Fresh floral notes with a hint of rose petal emerge on the nose, followed by savory cedar, and red cherry on the nose. Grippy acidity gives way to a structured palate displaying softer red fruits of strawberry, cranberry, warm spices, and white pepper leading to a decadent finish. Enjoy now or age medium term.
pairings
Appetizer: classic cheese plate featuring gouda & gently-spiced crackers Main: autumn favourites like butternut squash soup, pumpkin and rabbit risotto, or sweet potato shepherd’s pie
Dessert: dark chocolate mousse
SKU071835 – $23.00 available online
2018 foxly pinot noir
winemaking
The 2016 foxly reserve pinot noir was made from Foxtrot Vineyard’s estate fruit, in what was considered a vintage of overall excellence for the Okanagan Valley. Two-thirds of the fruit was destemmed. The remaining fruit was fermented in whole clusters to add a layer of complexity. The fruit received three days of cold-soaking and was inoculated with a choice selection of yeast strains. The burgeoning wine flourished with thrice-daily punch-downs, over a two-week period until fermentation’s end. The wine rested sur lie for 18 months in 30% new French oak barrels, where it underwent a naturally occurring malolactic fermentation. The wine was racked, blended, filtered, and further aged in bottles for two years before release.
tasting
The 2018 foxly pinot noir reserve has a distinguished red earth hue. Fresh floral notes with a hint of rose petal emerge on the nose, followed by savory cedar, and red cherry on the nose. Grippy acidity gives way to a structured palate displaying softer red fruits of strawberry, cranberry, warm spices, and white pepper leading to a decadent finish. Enjoy now or age medium term.
pairings
Appetizer: classic cheese plate featuring gouda & gently-spiced crackers Main: autumn favourites like butternut squash soup, pumpkin and rabbit risotto, or sweet potato shepherd’s pie
Dessert: dark chocolate mousse
(Jak’s Exclusive)
SKU26253 – $24.99 available online
2019 foxly rose
winemaking
The 2019 foxly rosé is made from Okanagan-grown pinot gris grapes with 12-hours of skin-contact and a splash of Zweigelt to add its blushing pink hue. Each component was fermented separately to dryness and aged in stainless steel through winter. Blending occurred in early spring and further tank aging facilitated integration before bottling in mid-May of 2020. Fined and filtered to ensure stability and clarity in the bottle.
tasting
The 2019 foxly rosé is a warm and summery blush, boasting a beautiful salmon hue. Blood orange and peach stone greet the nose, evolving into a bouquet of orange blossom, strawberry, and cream, with subtle overtones of rose petal, and green melon rind. Tart strawberry, peach, and canteloupe come through on the palate with a hint of vanilla bean and a steely mineral finish. Crisp acidity and a creamy texture create a very balanced, well-rounded, and fruit-forward wine. Best enjoyed now with light appetizer dishes and great company.
pairings
Appetizer: Golden beat carpaccio over a bed of spinach, dressed with creamy goat cheese, crushed walnuts, and a lovely lemon spritz Main: Grilled chicken breast with a fresh side of melon pico de gallo (mix finely chopped canteloupe or watermelon, lime, mango, red onion, and green bell pepper)
Dessert: Peach pot de creme
SKU1090399 – $23.00 available online
about us
foxly made its debut as the second label from Foxtrot Vineyards in Spring of 2020. These flavourful wines emulate the excellence of Foxtrot Vineyards at an affordable price. foxly was created to compliment your everyday adventures with approachable, easy-to-sip wines that are appropriate for drinking upon release.
Bottle shots, tasting notes and feature image courtesy of the winery.
