No matter whether your favourite #bcwine is a White, Red, Rosé, Still, Sparkling or Bubbly we have recommendations to make your Valentine’s Day special.
Is there anything more romantic than sharing a glass of wine? I think not. If that glass of wine just happens to be a BC Wine you’re on the right track. We at MyVanCity are big fans of BC Wine and we definitely have our #FavouriteThings Wine list to make your Valentine’s Day something extra special.
We know your first thought may be all about Bubbles, and BC sure has some top notch Bubbles and Sparkling wines, but the romantic in us is thinking Shades of Red. There are so many Shades of Red from ruby red to rosé so we’ve chosen a select few that we really love. We want you to think about the passion that is in each glass of BC Wine whether you are drinking Bubbles or #ShadesofRed
THE ONE 2012
2012 “The One” Sparkling
Noble Ridge is an estate vineyard and winery located in the Okanagan Valley. All work is done by hand, on- site by a team of dedicated workers who strive to create an exceptional wine that reflects its noble namesake. Now considered a “library and limited” wine this exquisite sparkling is available at the Noble Ridge wine shop and online at $47.88 before taxes. Quantities are limited.
“2017’s winning wines represent the best from our province.” The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lt. Governor of British Columbia.
“The One” is a 2012 vintage Brut Sparkling wine produced from grapes grown entirely from the Noble Ridge vineyard in Okanagan Falls, BC. It is a blend of 81% Chardonnay and 19% Pinot Noir. Using methode traditionelle, yeast is added to each individual bottle for secondary fermentation, with the wine en tirage (resting on the yeast) for 41 months.
TASTING NOTES
2012 Sparkling
Elegant aromas of Granny Smith apple and refreshing pink grapefruit are complimented by hints of fresh biscuit and caramelized stone fruit. This medium bodied, traditional French style brut highlights our single vineyard estate grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
FOOD PAIRING
Freshly shucked oysters, Soft cheeses,
Creamy pasta dishes, White fish, and shellfish
WINEMAKING
Traditional French method En tirage 41 months Varietal: 81% Chardonnay, 19% Pinot Noir
Are you thinking of popping the question? If you are this is the bubbly you want to be popping to share with your “One” and only Valentine.
THE ONE 2014
2014 “The One” Sparkling $39.90
“The One” Sparkling wine is produced from grapes grown entirely from the Noble Ridge vineyard in Okanagan Falls, BC. A blend of approximately two thirds Chardonnay and one third Pinot Noir. Using methode traditionelle, yeast is added to each individual bottle for secondary fermentation, with the wine en tirage (resting on the yeast) for 27-41 months. Available in select wine stores, in the Noble Ridge wine shop and online.
TASTING NOTES
Elegant aromas of fresh biscuit, flakey lemon tart and baked bread are harmoniously balanced with refreshing notes of Ambrosia apples, citrus and Asian pear. Subtle hints of minerality add to the invigorating and elegant crispness. A beautiful palate cleanser, this medium bodied, traditional French style brut highlights our single vineyard estate grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
FOOD PAIRING
Freshly shucked oysters Soft cheeses
Creamy pasta dishes White fish and shellfish
WINEMAKING
Whole Cluster pressed Cool fermented Traditional French method En tirage 27 months
Second time around or just foolin’ around, the 2014 The One is the perfect sparkling that takes you to the next level.
THE WILD ONE
2013“The WILD One” $39.90 Available only at the Noble Ridge Wine Shop
The 2012 vintage was followed by “The WILD One”, the 2013 Sparkling Wine and 2014 “The One” Sparkling wine, which were released together. Both went through the same methode traditionelle; the main difference is that “The WILD One” used wild yeasts from the environment. So…each bottle is unique.
TASTING NOTES
Typically our Sparkling is made the traditional French style. In 2013 things got a little WILD! This bottle was fermented using the natural yeast found on the grapes at harvest. This is an artisanal wine, the sweetness scale will vary slightly from bottle to bottle (Brut to Semi-Brut). You don’t know until you pop the top.
We have tasted through a panel of 15 bottles to try and get an accurate description of the variation. You can expect to find beautifully crisp notes of Granny Smith apples, lemon, and lime zest and orchard pear in some, while others will be more reminiscent of a sweet Ambrosia apple, lemon meringue and graham cracker.
After 39 months en triage, the nose has elegant aromas of baked biscuit, lemon tarts and Okanagan Orchard fruit that linger through a long and pleasant finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Freshly shucked oysters Soft cheeses
Creamy pasta dishes Whitefish and shellfish
WINEMAKING
Whole Cluster pressed
Cool fermented
Traditional French method Indigenous secondary fermentation En tirage 39 months
Woot, woot you lucky devil there is nothing more fun than a little bit of wild. This one is never the same old, same old.
Look for a selection of Noble Ridge wines at these wine stores:
Blackcomb LS
Coal Harbour LRS
Legacy Liquor Store
Sea to Sky LS Squamish
Swirl Yaletown
Instagram: @noble_ridge Facebook Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery and Twitter: @Noble_Ridge #benoble #NobleRidgewines
Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery, 2320 Oliver Ranch Road, Okanagan Falls, B.C. V0H 1R2
T: 250 497 7945 F: 250 497 7941
Images courtesy of Noble Ridge Vineyards & Winery
Liquidity Winery
NV Bubbly
This fresh sparkling wine has aromas of citrus, pear, apple blossom, lime leaf and some nutty notes. On the palate it offers creaminess and a fine mousse with flavours of Granny Smith apple, pink grapefruit, melon and a hint of white pepper.
FOOD PAIRINGS
This bubbly would be great with crab, oysters, some light appies or some freshly buttered popcorn.
VITICULTURE
Chardonnay & Pinot Noir both have been cane pruned and then shoot and fruit thinned to produce 3.2 short tons per acre of Chardonnay and 1.5 short tons per acre of Pinot Noir.
WINEMAKING
2015 Pinot Noir was whole cluster pressed and fermented in neutral barrels to age on lees for 16 months. Chardonnay, Chardonnay Musque and Pinot Noir from the 2016 vintage were harvested, whole- cluster pressed and fermented separately. The 2015 vintage was blended with the 2016, bringing weight, texture and depth to the finished wine.
Something special, this bubbly is dreamy and a little cheeky. With fresh, fruit notes and a flavourful vibrancy, it really goes the distance.
2015 Estate Pinot Noir
The next two wines from Bench 1775 are sure to be a big hit on Valentine’s Day. It will be challenging to get your hands on one or both but so worth it.
BRUT ROSÉ
TASTING NOTES— A lively elegant blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, this sparkling wine has been aged on lees and blended over two vintages for complexity. The unique copper hue comes from precise Pinot Noir skin contact. Best paired with cheeses and light food.
SILVER— 2017 Cascadia Wine Competition
91 POINTS— John Schreiner, September 8th, 2017
WINEMAKER’S NOTES—
GRAPE VARIETIES: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir PRODUCTION SIZE: 533 Cases
BOTTLE SIZE: 750 ml
ALCOHOL: 13.4%
SWEETNESS: 2.4 g/L
REGION: Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley SOIL TYPE: Clay Sand & Lime-rich Silt AGE OF VINES: 6-12 Years
BOTTLING DATE: Oct 28, 2016
CSPC: +6489 UPC: 626990285366 Available in select liquor stores and the Bench1775 Tasting Room only at this time.
Just like an angel’s kiss in spring this bubbly will take you away with a hint of summer wine on your lips.
BLANC DE BLANCS a Wine Club exclusive
2012
TASTING NOTES— Méthode Traditionnelle sparking wine made from 100% Chardonnay. Lemon zest and lively acidity balance the toasted creamy flan palate. A long finish from lees aging makes this the perfect wine to celebrate your every day moments.
PLATINUM— 2017 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada SILVER— 2017 Cascadia Wine Competition
WINEMAKER’S NOTES—
GRAPE VARIETIES: 100% Chardonnay PRODUCTION SIZE: 620 Cases ALCOHOL: 12.3%
SWEETNESS: Dry 1.0 g/L
REGION: Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley SOIL TYPE: Ancient Lake Bed Silt
AGE OF VINES: 10 Years
HARVEST DATE: September 2, 2012 BOTTLING DATE: October, 2016
CSPC: +51795 UPC: 626990243038 a Wine Club exclusive on the Bench1775 website at $28.90 for Wine Club members only
For those of you luckly enough to be able to get your hands on this one, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
GLOW (ROSÉ) 2016 A great wine starts in the vineyard! A dry and complex rosé, we sourced the wine-making technique from the vineyards surrounding St. Tropez. Pair with a big sun hat and oversized celeb sunglasses. Paparazzi ready!
Glow (Rosé) 2016 gives a nod to the rogue and jaunty wine lover who lives in the moment, a touch both mirthful and vivacious.
About Bench1775
OUR LAND & WINES
Found in the heart of wine country in beautiful British Columbia, Bench 1775 is located on the southern shore of Lake Okanagan. Named after the address of our winery, 1775 Naramata Road, along the beautiful Naramata Bench, Bench 1775 Winery is a celebration of land and place.
Wines from Bench 1775 are produced with the unique expression of fruit grown in the Okanagan Valley from three vineyard locations: Oxbow Vineyard, on the original Golden Mile in Osoyoos, South Okanagan, and at Paradise Ranch Vineyard and Soaring Eagle Vineyard in the Central Okanagan.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy at Bench 1775 is to capture the full expression of the grapes grown in vibrantly healthy and balanced vineyards. We then manage the winemaking to allow for the natural expression of the grapes. We believe that great wines start in the vineyard, so all of our vineyard sites were analyzed in detail before being planted with clones and rootstocks best adapted to our soils and the climate of our sites.
Carefully managed vineyards and beautifully balanced wines could not be produced without an amazing team of dedicated and focused individuals all working together. The team, led by Viticulturist/Winemaker Val Tait, is supported by Alain Sutre, our wine consultant extraordinaire from Bordeaux France. Our tireless vineyard workers, our diligent cellar staff and our enthusiastic sales and marketing group round out our team.
WE’RE #13 WINERY IN CANADA & #7 WINERY IN BC!
Have you heard the news? We were recently named #13 WINERY IN CANADA, and ＃7 WINERY IN BC at 2017 National Wine Awards of Canada!
WINERY & TASTING ROOM
1775 Naramata Rd.
Penticton BC, Canada, V2A 8T8 (250) 490.4965
Facebook: Bench 1775
Twitter: @bench1775
Instagram: @bench1775
Images courtesy of Bench 1775
We’re also recommending the delicious Meyer Family Vineyards Methode Traditionelle Extra Brut Sparkling NV that we tasted at the Bubbles and Brunch at Terrafina at Hester Creek by RauDZ Chef meets BC Grape Okanagan Wine & Food Experience.
Paired with the third course prepared by Chef Brock Bowes, RauDZ Regional Table dish. Spring Salmon, Octopus Bacon, Amarosa Potato and Chive Rosti, Oliver Peaches, Brown Butter Hollandaise. The Meyer Family Vineyards Methode Traditionelle Extra Brut Sparkling NV really stood out.
For your wine lover Valentine.
Methode Traditionelle Extra Brut Sparkling NV
Our inaugural sparkling has a fine and persistent mousse thanks to the traditional method secondary fermentation in the bottle. On the nose, the wine is subtle with elements of green apples and crushed rocks. Clean, crisp, and fresh palate with mineral notes wrapped in flavours of, orchard apples and pears, finishing with a rich and creamy texture from the extended bottle age. The wine is dry from start to finish making it the perfect aperitif wine.
We tasted the Perseus Winery Sparkling Chardonnay NV at the Chef meets BC Grape Okanagan Wine & Food Experience – Bubbles and Brunch at Terrafina at Hester Creek by RauDZ in August.
One of our favourites and we are personally recommending you add this to your list is Perseus Winery Sparkling Chardonnay NV. We enjoyed this BC VQA Sparkling paired with an Eggs Benedict dish prepared by Chef Jenna Pillon of Terrafina at Hester Creek by RauDZ.
Perseus Winery Sparkling Chardonnay NV is in very limited supply, please contact the winery directly for orders (not listed on their website at this time).
NV Sparkling Chardonnay
NV Sparkling Chardonnay $24.99
Tasting notes:
Done in the traditional method, this wine exudes flavours of green apple and pear with a toasty finish.
Fine prosecco style bubbles make this a perfect celebration or Tuesday morning wine.
Profile:
Perseus takes their name from the Perseus constellation which hovers over their estate vineyard during harvest. This collection of stars overlooks their region, much in the way the winery covers the Okanagan Valley searching for the finest grapes. Located in Penticton BC at the foot of the Naramata Bench, they are passionate about showcasing the diversity of the land through honest and delectable wines.
Most notably, Perseus produces their flagship red, ‘Invictus’. Recipient of a 2017 Lieutenant Governor’s award as well as several international Platinum wine awards, this Bordeaux style blend is indicative of the potential Okanagan wines can achieve.
Perseus Gold Medal Wines in Penticton, British Columbia
Reminiscent of young love. An anytime bubbly that never intimidates sublimely satisfying.
Frizzante Rosé
The newest bubble in the star studded lineup. This blend of Pinot Noir and Riesling offers a fruit forward palate with hints of berry and watermelon. The clean finish and dry nature of this wine make it appealing for occasions all year round.
Pair with turkey at Thanksgiving or Christmas or a fresh fruit salad at brunch.
Cool and crisp that makes our nose tingle just a little bit and as it passes our lips we feel that rush to the tips of our toes. Whoa, this is a fresh one!
BC VQA Okanagan Valley Dirty Laundry Vineyard Bubble Entendre Rosé NV in its inaugural release is being met with high praise! Very Limited Edition release of the Brut Rosé in the Traditional Method. Canada 150 commemorative bottle with collectable minted medallion. We suggest you hunt this one down because it’s worth the effort.
Bubble Entendre Rosé NV
Slightly sweeter than our Brut Chardonnay (Blanc) but still pairs well with cheeses and spicy meats and fantastic by the glass!
It looks so good in the Canada 150 commemorative bottle all you’ll need is a big red bow.
Available online $34.95 and at these Vancouver wine shops.
Is that bubbly or a double entendre? Risqué in its expression. Youthful and slightly exuberant.
We recommend Giant Head Estate Winery Blanc de Noir 2015 for your Valentine. You won’t be disappointed. Priced at an affordable $29.50 for a quality BC VQA Sparkling that will be a hit.
Blanc de Noir 2015
Giant Head Blanc de Noir is made from one hundred percent estate grown Pinot Noir grapes. This wine is perfect for any special occasion, pairing with seafood or on its own as a refresher on a hot summer’s day.
Giant Head Blanc de Noir is made by lightly pressing the whole cluster, early harvest Pinot Noir grapes, to extract maximum flavour and as little colour as possible. This Frizzante Style wine won Best of Category – Charmat Method at the 2016 Northwest Wine Summit.
Giant Head wines can be purchased directly from the wine shop, VQA – Save On Foods and select liquor stores.
Beyond the pale? Or merely alluring and appealing by its own nature. Uncomplicated yet luxuriously elegant.
Pinot Noir 2015 is made from one hundred percent estate grown Pinot Noir grapes. This wine has been aged in French Oak Barrels for 10 months.This medium bodied Pinot Noir has classic flavours and aromas of cherry and spice with a hint of violets. Pinot Noir pairs well with red meats, lamb, duck, salmon and pastas in a light tomato, wine or mushroom sauce.
This wine can be purchased directly from the wineshop, VQA – Save On Foods and select liquor stores. Price: $ 39.04 + taxes
Pinot Noir 2015 oh là là, no innuendo here. An exclamation of surprise with a sauve finish.
Website: Giant Head Winery
Facebook: Giant Head Estate Winery
Twitter: @giantheadwinery
Instagram: giantheadwinery
Our Sumac Ridge Estate Winery team offers one of the most celebrated winery experiences in Canada and, over the years, has been recognized for their passion, innovation and commitment to quality. Our setting is magnificent and we’ll go out of our way to make you feel relaxed and welcome. We’re open year round.
Please visit here for our latest wine tours and experiences.
Two Hoots: A Cabernet/Merlot blend specifically produced and priced for daily consumption. (really!) Although there are many reasons for the name Two Hoots, the main reason is to honor the return every year of the Great-Horned Owls to nest on the Fairview property. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc is fashioned to make the wine available to drink within 3 years of production yet be able to hold in the bottle for upwards of 10 years. Of course this varies with vintages.
Two Hoots makes us think of nature and hoots makes us think of Owls, Night Owls in particular. So if you’re looking for a wine that comes out at night and lasts till dawn then this is it. Two Hoots is for you.
The Bear: Part of the “Premier Series” of wines. A blend of five of the classic Bordeaux cultivars (Cab. Sauv., Merlot, Cab. Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot) with Cabernet Sauvignon being at least 50% of the blend, sometimes reaching as high as 75% of the blend in exceptional Cab. years. The best barrels are always chosen for this wine, with the Cab. Sauv. grapes usually coming from a later picking to add to the complexity. The wine is stored for longer periods of time in the barrel. (anywhere from 14 to 20 months) The time “on the skins” is usually longer, again to achieve higher extraction from the skins.
The Bear is brave and a little bit of a hero. The power of this red wine makes us weak in the knees. So if you’re looking for bold you’ll love The Bear.
2015 Juveniles Pinot Noir is made from Tantalus latest Dijon clone plantings, the Juveniles Pinot Noir was crafted with approachability in mind.A lovely, fruit-forward style Pinot, which expresses the bright and youthful character found in our youngest blocks. A light ruby red in colour – bramble berry pie, violet and a touch of brown sugar envelope the nose. The palate is lifted and juicy with cranberry and wild berry highlighting the red fruit profile of this wine. Bright raspberry and cherry are also present complemented by an undercurrent of mocha from the gentle French oak handling. A vein of minerality offers interest and complexity to the fresh finish.
($21.65 ex. tax) you should find it at Marquis, Liberty Point Grey, Legacy Wine. (call first) It’s all about the Pinots.
Juveniles Pinot Noir is surely a way to your heart. We had to mention the price point because it’s a deal. A perfect match for young love.
Pinot Noir – a beautifully frustrating study in patience, precision and, above all else, trust in the vineyard. We hope you’ll see our continued faith in the terroir of our very special site shine through in our latest release. A rich garnet in colour, the nose is bursting with lingonberry, Bing cherry and sweet anise alongside floral notes of crushed rose petal and violet. Ripe raspberry and dark plum emerge on the palate with an intriguing graphite minerality on the finish. All sourced from our single vineyard estate, select Pinot Noir blocks were handpicked and vinified in small lots using entirely wild fermentation.The small batches were then placed into a selection of new and seasoned French oak barriques for 12 months and blended, unfined and unfiltered, just prior to bottling. Although enjoyed in its youth we see this wine aging gracefully over the next 7 to 10 years.
Tantalus 2015 Pinot Noir for the more practised. This will not disappoint those looking for an adventurous daredevil to share their evening with.
2014 Boswell Syrah is a wonderfully complex and intensely flavoured wine reminiscent of the Syrahs grown in the Northern Rhone Valley of France. The glass is filled with aromas of jasmine, ripe black berried fruits, clove, white pepper and smoked meat notes. The palate is smooth, rich and full bodied with a delicious mouthfeel and smoothly polished tannins which linger seductively on the finish. We suggest pairing with an array of grilled red meats, braises, stews and aged hard cheeses.The vineyard where our Syrah is grown is perfect for this varietal, the natural air-conditioning of the Okanagan Lake to cool the ripening grapes each night create a perfect balance in the finished wine. The wine was aged 18 months in French oak and shows great varietal characteristics. Enjoy this wine today or cellar until 2022.
2014 Boswell Syrah 54.99 – available at the winery and through their website wine store
2015 Richard’s Block Pinot Noir is complex and multi-layered with aromas and flavours of violets, cherry and raspberry fruit, exotic spice, as well as notes of forest floor and earth. The mouthfeel is beautifully structured with polished tannins and a very long finish. We recommend serving this wine at 15°C to fully enjoy your experience. Pair alongside duck, venison, grilled BC salmon and dishes that include beets or wild mushrooms.The 2015 vintage was particularly warm, so picking dates had to be monitored meticulously to ensure the grapes were harvested at the optimal time. This wine is a blend of 4 different world-renowned Dijon clones, 115, 667, 777 and 828. Each block was handpicked and vinified separately in stainless steel tanks using a combination of indigenous and French cultivated yeast strains. After fermentation, the wine was aged in quality French oak barrels for approximately 10 to 11 months with around 30% of the barrels being new. Enjoy now until 2025.
2015 Richard’s Block Pinot Noir 54.99 – available at the winery and through their website store.
Richard’s Block Pinot Noir denotes experience. If you’re after seasoned and skilled this would be the perfect choice.
2015 Pinot Noiris intensely aromatic, brooding dark fruits intertwine with subtle toasty nuances. A poerful Pinot with a layered complexity of red berries and forest floog leads to a firm yet sensual structured finish. This wine will reward cellaring.
Pinot Noir that is elegant with a lingering finish. An excellent choice for even the most discriminating.
Forgotten Hill Pinot Noirour Pinot Noir is entirely estate-grown, on the highest elevation vineyard on the Naramata Bench. Nine-year-old vines stretch deep roots through sandy, gravelly soil, and are sparingly watered, yielding compact clusters brimming with intense flavours. Velvety and decadent, the Pinot Noir exhibits aromas of black cherry and red currant combined with black pepper, clove, juniper, leather & black tea.
Available exclusively at New District.
Forgotten Hill Pinot Noir at once traditional, a new classic that transcends its rivals in the pursuit of perfection.
2016 ROSÉThe Pinot Noir component of the Rosé was grown in our family vineyard, on our rough, gravelly soil, with a minimum of irrigation. The Merlot component was grown in Okanagan Falls, in a richer soil. Delicate and elegant in style, with the expected strawberry-rhubarb approach underscored with pink grapefruit, honey, orange blossom and a savoury note of herbes de Provence.
2016 Rosé exhibits traits of it’s background. Refined in structure and slightly sumptuous yet rugged in it’s nature suggestive of a more sublime finish.
2016 Rosé *
100% Marquette is used in our Rosé. This red wine grape with the French name is a new world creation that ripens early and is well suited to cooler climates. These small berries with pink pulp provide a nice skin-to-juice ratio and a pretty colour, ideal for our crisp and fresh Rosé.
The 2016 Rosé is intensely aromatic, with gobs of strawberry shortcake, cherry blossom, and rose water. The more savoury palate features flavours of hibiscus and rosehipand is texturally rich, yet elegant and sophisticated.
With aromas of wild strawberries, this one reminds us of a frolic in the summer sunshine and cool nights under the stars. Just a little bit of a sweetie as it gently passes our lips.
* Currently available in these liquor stores:
U District Liquor Store Kamloops
Valleyview Liquor Store Kamloops
Lansdown Liquor Store Kamloops
South Broadway Liquor Store Williams Lake
Maple Ridge Liquor Store
Havana Liquor Store Vancouver BC
Owl Liquor Store Osoyoos
Berezan Liquor Store Kelowna
Clayton Liquor Store Surrey
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