As a self confessed Riesling fanatic I can think of nothing better to pair with my Thanksgiving turkey than a Synchromesh Dry Riesling. This dry riesling has all the characteristics I look for, and that make it such a good pairing, with a rich Roast Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, roasted yams or carrots, brussel sprouts and cranberry sauce. That’s a lot of flavours, textures and richness challenging the wine. That’s why a complex wine like the Synchromesh Dry Riesling makes the cut.
2025 Storm Haven DRY ‘White Label’ Riesling
Storm Haven vineyard is the 107-acre home and heart of Synchromesh. With large elevation changes and varying geology, we are able explore very different expressions of Riesling from each block. This wine is a selection of fermentations from Gibson Block.
The scent of diesel is a bit more subtle than some of the Synchromesh off-dry Rieslings, but still distinctive enough to foreshadow what comes next. As it sits a little pink grapefruit presents itself on the nose.
On the palate some freshly sliced Granny Smith apple, with citrus notes following the nose. The wine has some pleasant minerality that combines with excellent acidity enhancing the flavours and richness of the wine.
Hard to believe but the Dry Riesling pairs equally well with sweet yams, roasted carrots, creamy mashed potatoes, Brussel sprouts with bacon, sausage dressing, and of course roast turkey and gravy, even tart cranberry sauce. Now that’s multitalented.
$30.00 online (order by September 30 for Thanksgiving delivery)
Also a classic wine pairing, the Pinot Noir. It works well because it’s not too rich, and lighter, than other ripe reds. It enhances the turkey whether its lean turkey breast or fattier, rich dark turkey, and it goes well with dressing and brussel sprouts.
2023 Storm Haven Vineyard ‘Black Label’ Pinot Noir
Storm Haven Vineyard is the 107-acre home and heart of Synchromesh. With large elevation changes and varying geology, we are able to explore very different expressions of Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir from each block. Farmed without synthetics or chemicals and following a holistic approach, we strive to grow our vines within the existing ecosystem rather than manipulating it. All this is supported by a 65 acre sanctuary to protect the sensitive habitat that calls our property home. (website notes 2022)
Opening with ripe, dark fruit that promises what lies ahead on the palate. It smells fairly rich at the outset and it takes time to show it’s leaner side.
For me I found there was ripe fruit, blackberry and purple plum but they enhance rather than dominate. Some Bing cherry joins a bit of spice to round out the wine. The texture and flavours will satisfy both fans of ripe Pinot and also those that prefer it on the leaner side. Somehow this Pinot Noir walks a fine line to be pleasing to both palates. The tannins have some structure but not overly so, just right to tame the richness of the wine and pair wonderfully with roast turkey.
$40.00 (2022 price) available online (order by September 30 for Thanksgiving delivery)
Both wines are also available at select Everything Wine stores. Here is a list of all retail outlets in B.C. that may stock the wines featured here.
Synchromesh
We are a boutique, family run winery that focusses on exploring our unique and complex vineyard blocks through the lens of Riesling and Cabernet Franc. We farm over 30 acres of vines ranging from the North end of Naramata to the Golden Mile in Oliver with the bulk of our vineyards situated on 107 acres in Okanagan Falls.
We practice a holistic philosophy in both farming and winemaking, meaning no synthetic inputs and following organic methods. Wines are fermented naturally to capture the expression of each property and vineyard block in it’s purest form.
Notes courtesy of the winery. My notes (in italics). Images: MyVanCity. I received complimentary wines to facilitate this feature.
