With summer officially just around the corner noone would blame you if you’re thinking barbecue. Nothing beats food cooked outdoors in the summertime. It’s especially good if you have a hubby who dons his hat and apron and goes to town with the grill.
So what’s the best wine to pair with steaks and ribs, chicken or any kind of pork? Rich, ripe, beautifully bold wines of course. So here are three wines just meant to pair with barbecue.
Merlot 2022
Silver Medal Winner @ 2024 Top BC Wine Awards
Our Paradise Block Merlot comes from grapes grown on the land where our father’s dreams took root. Caressed by the morning sun, embraced by cool nights, and influenced by the heat from the hillside rockface, these Merlot grapes produce a wine that everyone can enjoy!
TASTING NOTES
Nose: Blackberry, Red Plum, Ripe Red Cherry, Tobacco Leaf
Palate: Brambleberry Compote, Mocha, Dark Cherry, Red Plum, Cedar
Sweetness: Dry
Acidity: Medium
Tannins: Medium
Body: Medium
Finish: Long
Serving Recommendations:
Serving Temperature: 16-18C / 60-64F
Decanting Time: 0-30 minutes
Cellar Recommendation: 2023-2028
Pairing Recommendations:
Chicken Parmesan
WINEMAKING NOTES
All of these grapes were harvested at 24 brix
Fermented in stainless steel tanks with 3 pump-overs per day
Aged for 19 months
25% new American Oak barrels
75% Neutral Oak barrels (a combination of French & American)
WINE SPECS
Vintage
2021
Appellation
Okanagan Valley
Varietals
100% Merlot
Alcohol
13.6%
Residual Sugar
3.92g/l
pH
3.71
VINEYARD NOTES
All of these grapes are grown at the Paradise block of Monarch Vineyards, located in Northern Oliver, B.C.
This vineyard integrates silt from the nearby Okanagan River and its conjoining floodplains. Pockets of this vineyard show gravel, rock, and sand which allow for great drainage and offer a warming effect.
There is balanced sunlight throughout the day without the morning and afternoon extremes. The large rockface on the hillside offers a warming effect to the vines. Cool nighttime temperatures allow the vines to reduce stress levels during extreme heat.
Note: the 2021 Merlot is currently on sale $29.99 down from $34.99 (while quantities last)
Cabernet Franc 2022
Our Cabernet Franc is grown on our vineyard on East Bench Osoyoos, B.C. Blessed with unfiltered sunshine from dawn till dusk and cooled by the nearby lake at night, this unique combination of sandy soils and granite produces a premium Cabernet Franc.
TASTING NOTES
Nose: Bing Cherry, Strawberry, Raspberry, Violet, Tobacco
Palate: Bing Cherry Raspberry, Blackberry, Graphite, Hints of Bell Pepper
Sweetness: Dry
Acidity: High
Tannins: Medium
Body: Medium
Finish: Medium – Long
WINEMAKING NOTES
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
Maturation: 16 months in new American Oak barriques.
Cases Produced: 112
WINE SPECS
Vintage 2022
Appellation Okanagan Valley
Varietals 100% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol 13.7%
Residual Sugar 1.53 g/L
VINEYARD NOTES
These grapes were harvested from our East Bench Vineyard in Osoyoos, BC.
Serving Recommendations:
Serving Temperature: 16-18C
Decanting Time: 30-60 minutes
Cellar Recommendation: 2025-2031
Syrah 2021
Stylistic Notes
The inaugural release of our single varietal Syrah; 2021 was the “heat dome” year for the Okanagan. Planted in our most southernly site, this wine was drenched in sun throughout the entire growing season. As a result of these climatic conditions, the fruit was thoroughly ripened. These factors led to leaving this wine to mature in oak for 33 months, all of which was new American barrels.
This Syrah showcases deep blueberry and dark fruit flavours, with distinctive notes of butterscotch and black liquorice from the oak ageing. This wine’s overall complex and layered profile makes it perfect for long term ageing potential as the tannins continue to unwind and evolve in the bottle.
WINEMAKER NOTES
Vintage: 2021
Varietal: 100% Syrah
Appellation: Okanagan Valley
Cases Produced: 131
Fermentation: Stainless Steel
Vineyard: East Bench
Maturation: 33 months in new American Oak
Bottling Date: September 26th, 2024
TECH NOTES
TA (g/L)
6.41
RS (g/L)
2.65
Alcohol
15.5%
Wine Club Exclusive $54.99
Sip, swirl, and discover your next favourite wine 🍷
Join us for a complimentary tasting of Vasanti’s award-winning estate wines — we’ll be pouring all afternoon and would love to see you there!
📍Location: BC Wine Information Centre, 553 Vees Dr, Penticton, BC
🗓️ Date: Saturday, June 21st
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Come experience the artistry in every glass. No RSVP needed — just stop by!
ABOUT VASANTI WINES
Nestled in the heart of Oliver, BC, Vasanti Estate Winery is a family-owned gem in the Okanagan. Our dedication to handcrafting wines is evident in every bottle, reflecting our family’s commitment to the rich traditions of BC wine.
At Vasanti Estate Winery, quality is our signature. From the sun-kissed vineyards of Oliver and Osoyoos, BC, to the bottle, we focus on quality grape and wine production. Each wine is a testament to our dedication to setting the bar for premium BC wines.
With over 40 years of farming experience in the Okanagan, the Sidhu family has deep roots in Oliver, BC. Our wines are a celebration of our deep-rooted heritage and our commitment to producing premium quality Okanagan wines.
With over 20 years of experience as premium winegrowers in the South Okanagan, we now venture into the world of winemaking. Standing by our side is our long-time friend and esteemed winemaker, Jason Parkes, whose expertise and dedication have become an integral part of our journey. Together, we transform our nurtured grapes into exquisite wines, capturing the essence of our shared passion.
Each bottle we craft is a tribute to our father’s enduring legacy. Vasanti, derived from the Punjabi language, represents new beginnings and renewal—a chance to refine our craft with each passing year. We tend to our vineyards with care, honouring the land that sustains us and allowing its unique character to shine in every sip. The result is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, crafted with love and commitment.
Vasanti Estate Winery Ltd.
7222 Highway 97, Oliver, BC V0H 1T7
Wine notes courtesy of the winery. Images: MyVanCity. Shown with @josephinenhutte I receivced complimentary wine to facilitate this feature.
