My inspiration for our Quails’ Gate summer sipping choice came from a wine loving friend.
Just yesterday a wine friend posted on his social media about doing a blind tasting of BC Chardonnay. There are so many to choose from that it is almost too hard to begin. So I decided I would go with the Chardonnay I tasted most recently. That would be Quails’ Gate Chardonnay 2016. I have also included the Stewart Family Reserve and the Rosemary’s Block Chardonnay. Any one of these Chardonnay wines is a good summer sipping wine and you can choose which one is right for you and the occasion. Our #FavouriteThings are wines we have tasted, enjoyed and recommend.
2016 Chardonnay
kept in stainless steel to maintain the bright, fresh, vivid fruit notes. A small percentage was kept in older oak to add texture, mouthfeel and subtle oak influences.
Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay
As our flagship white wine at Quails’ Gate, our Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay has a reputation for its quality and consistency, and the 2015 is no exception. It is rich with a palate bursting with vibrant orchard fruit and an elegant creamy charm.
Our 2015 vintage is brimming with ripe orchard fruits of apple, pear and peach, and hints of vanilla, spice and butter. It is very well balanced with alluring fruit aromas, a refreshing acidity and lingering stony minerality. We suggest serving lightly chilled (10 to 12°C), slightly warmer than most white wines, to fully enjoy its elegance. Pair alongside rich seafood dishes, such as BC Halibut, lobster with butter and bacon wrapped scallops. Excellent with roast chicken and creamy cheeses too.
Available: $39.99 on the online store.
Rosemary’s Block Chardonnay
Our Rosemary’s Block Chardonnay is dedicated to our Mother Rosemary and her role in creating our Family’s winery. This beautifully crafted Chardonnay is graceful and refined with an impressive intensity at its core.
Made in a Burgundian style, this wine is beautifully complex with aromas of stone fruit and white flowers as well as toasted almonds and brioche. On the palate, there is a mouth-watering freshness that is elegantly balanced with subtle toasty notes and an elongated mineral finish. Our recommendation is to serve this Chardonnay at 10 to 12°C, slightly warmer than most white wines.Try pairing with roasted halibut, shellfish ceviche, linguine & clams or a roasted chicken with lemon and thyme.
Available: $44.99 on the online store.
When visiting the Okanagan, before you go: Do your homework and a bit of research about the wineries you wish to visit. Check the winery website to find out their months, days and hours that their Tasting Room is open. Know if you need to book your tasting in advance of your visit. Many wineries are now so busy there may be times that they are unable to accommodate you. It will be a much better visit if you have a confirmed appointment. Be on time. Expect to pay for your tasting, some, but not all wineries refund all or a portion of the fee if you purchase wine. Plan ahead for a designated driver or use the services of a wine tour company. Limit the number of wineries you visit in a day. A more leisurely timeline will increase your enjoyment. For the best overall experience, I like to limit my daily visits to no more than three maximum, and if a winery lunch is on the agenda, no more than two winery tastings.
Tasting notes courtesy of Quails’ Gate.
Quails’ Gate Winery
3303 Boucherie Rd., West Kelowna, BC, Canada
About Quails’ Gate Winery: As one of Canada’s foremost family owned and operated estate wine producers, we are dedicated to crafting exceptional quality wines and creating memorable wine and food experiences for our guests. With luxurious lake front accommodations, an award-winning restaurant and a variety of tour and tasting experiences, we look forward to helping our guests create their perfect Okanagan moment.
