As the seasons change and summer transitions into fall these wines still retain their freshness. Every one of these wines works with the warm days and cooler nights of the autumn season. When it comes to pairing them they also work equally well with things like Butternut squash soup and other delicious autumn choices. So no matter your interpretation of which season makes the best sipping just know these wnes are up to the challenge.
I had the opportunity to taste these four wines at Painter’s Palate. A delightful late September afternoon for the inaugural artisan, food, brews and wine event held at the iconic Painter’s Lodge in Campbell River. I was gifted with these wines following the event to facilitate this feature.
Quails’ Gate Chenin Blanc
The Chenin Blanc grape has flourished on the Quails’ Gate Estate for more than 20 years. Quails’ Gate is one of the few vineyards in the Okanagan growing the versatile Chenin Blanc. This grape can be made in a variety of styles, from dry to sweet and even sparkling.
Grapes were hand-harvested then gently destemmed and pressed, cold-settled, and fermented in 100% stainless steel.
Enjoy now.
Expect inviting aromas of lime, lemongrass and white peach.
This wine displays a beautiful, vibrant acidity with flavours of tropical fruit, citrus and honeydew followed by a delicate, lingering finish.
This wine is best served chilled (6-8ºC) and pairs perfectly alongside seafood dishes such as oysters with an onion mignonette, butter-basted spot prawns or a farmers green salad.
I enjoyed this wine while sitting on a sunny patio in the waning days of summer. This is a classic Chenin Blanc. Rich, smooth with excellent mouth feel. The wine has good body with nice minerality and perfect acidity. Some notes of grapefruit and bitter orange make for an interesting finish. This fresh Chenin Blanc would pair nicely with cheese and charcuterie as well as just as good with lighter seafood dishes. Also delightful on it’s own.
$26.99 available online and at the winery. Also available at select BC Liquor Stores @ $27.99
Quails’ Gate Heirloom White
Chasselas, an heirloom grape varietal first planted at our estate in 1961, continues to define our signature blend alongside Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. Subtle aromas of orchard fruit, spring blossoms and citrus unfold in a wine that is fresh, poised and refined—an elegant companion from aperitif to table.
Varietals were cold-fermented separately in stainless steel.
Enjoy now.
Bright and approachable, this popular, easy-drinking wine opens with aromas of lemon and Bosc pear.
Tasting
On the palate, flavours of citrus and apple are complemented by a balanced acid throughout.
Pairing
An ideal match for grilled vegetables or seafood-based dishes, such as a prawn pappardelle with lemon zest and Parmesan.
Wow, this wine opens with surprising acidity and a real punch of deliciousness in the mouth. A lively wine that is a pleasure to enjoy. A touch of stone fruits with a wonderful citrus base. A fresh white blend that is super on its own but would also work well with mixed seafood and the bounty of the fall garden.
$23.99 available online and at the winery
field & flight wines are a daring adventure into unchartered territories. We’ve explored some of the best grape-growing regions throughout the Cascadia corridor and beyond to craft wines that deliver on flavour & discovery.
Quails’ Gate field & flight Rosé Bubbles
This Rosé opens with a bouquet of wild strawberries and delicate rose petals. Its silky texture is balanced by a crisp minerality and a bright, citrusy finish.
P L A C E : Farmed in the Okanagan Valley, BC VQA
P R O F I L E : Vibrant aromatics & crisp finish
“This Rosé Bubbles opens with a bouquet of rapsberry, cherry and watermelon. Lively texture and gentle bubbles are complemented by a bright, citrusy finish. In a word? Crisp.”
F O O D : Best served with a fresh caprese salad at a picnic.
M O O D : Dining al fresco and sunny poolside moments.
Anytime is the right time for a quality sparkling. Make it a Rosé sparkling and over the top. Fruity and floral this is a rich and delicious Rosé with lovely acidity and freshness. A nice level of effervescence. An ideal apperitif on a sunny afternoon.
$24.99 available online and at the winery.
Quails’ Gate field & flight Pinot Noir
P L A C E : Farmed in Oregon.
P R O F I L E : Lush aromatics & complex palate.
“This Pinot Noir has it all! Crunchy red fruit, cool florality, and the kind of savoury finish that only Oregon dirt can deliver. This is a wine you bring home to meet your mother. In a word? Dreamy.”
F O O D : A bowl of cherries. A pot of Risotto. A good book.
M O O D : Don’t make it complicated.
This Pinot exhibits basic Oregon traditions that include quality, food pairing wines. A level of richness that elevates this wine beyond it’s price point. Fruity and ripe, the wine will pair so well with fall dishes like vegetable soups and roast chicken or turkey.
$22.99 available online, at the winery and at select BC Liquor Stores
Wine notes courtesy of the winery. My notes (in italics)
