More ‘Zoom’ than ‘Bloom’
Well over a year into the pandemic, who’d have thought we’d still be Zoom tasting? But we are. And now it’s spring—almost summer. That means, instead of packing in to Vancouver Convention Centre for Bloom (BC wine spring tasting), we did it all online. Again.
And—touch wood—I have yet to spill BC wine on my keyboard. Talk about tempting fate!
That said, never again will I complain about in-person tastings. Whether they were too short, too long, too crowded, too gossipy or too sloppy, it doesn’t matter. I miss them.
Not to suggest Zoom doesn’t have its benefits. It certainly does. After all, who doesn’t like to taste wine in comfy slippers? ;-) Another up-side of Zoom is that you do get to actually ‘see’ people you normally might not. And, as long as you’re careful, you can gossip in the chat bar. Not that I would, ever…
However, at the end of the day, nothing compares to tasting in person with the winemaker. Not to mention swirling, spitting and exchanging opinions with a whole bunch of other winelovers.
In May the BC Wine Growers (fka BC Wine Institute) twice Zoomed in to convey a sense of the 2020 vintage. Each tasting featured three winemakers who presented one wine. Hosted by Barbara Philip, MW, one session focused on the Okanagan while the other looked at Emerging Regions.
Okanagan 2020—from the winemaker’s perspective
Overall, the consensus is that it was a pretty challenging vintage for BC wine …
Kitsch’s Graham Pierce says the early frost and a much colder 2019 winter took its toll on the vineyard. Recently arrived at Kitsch, Pierce had to contend with dead buds and even some dead trunks. Bud-break came late. Spring was warm and wet; and so was bloom. But, he says, “smaller berries yielded concentrated flavours and quenching acidity.”
Hillside winemaker Kathy Malone says the vintage was cooler overall. The lack of heat early in season had an impact—in a good way. “We didn’t have to be concerned about high alcohols and sugars going through the roof. That helps preserve aromatics in the white wines. Then we had late season warmth which is the best thing for red wine. So I think the whites speak for themselves and the reds will show that it was quite an exceptional season.”
2020 turned out to be a great year for reds, says Gold Hill’s Val Tait. But the late winter big freeze and a tremendous amount of rain made for a “nerve-wracking spring.” Despite that “I was surprised by beautiful acidity and small berries,” she says. “Yields were down by 15%. Summer didn’t start until mid-July but then it was really warm. Veraison was delayed,” … everything was delayed—by at least two weeks. Only a frigid cold snap seemed eventually to hasten final ripening. But in the end it’s always a case “of dealing with what the climate gives you.” Such is the way with BC wine.
Here’s what you can find in the bottle…
Kitsch Block Party 2020 (Okanagan Valley BC VQA)
A blend of Riesling and Chardonnay, with Pinot Gris, Gewurz. and a splash of Pinot Noir for colour. Hand-harvested over six weeks, fermented separately. Up front citrus and tropical hints. A burst of bright acidity and puckering citrus that settles down to juicy but crisp finish. A summer quencher, for sure. $22 89 pts.
Gold Hill Cab Franc Rosé 2020 (Okanagan Valley BC VQA)
Forward red berries with some herbal and earthy hints. A full-bodied rosé with generous mouthfeel and balanced acidity. Excellent varietal character defined by cherry and strawberry with spicy hints through the close. Think grilled meats and pasta dishes. $25.99 91 pts.
Hillside Gewürztraminer 2020 (Naramata Bench BC VQA)
Sourced from five Naramata Bench vineyards with vines up to 45 years old. A seriously intense Gew with inviting tropical and rose petal aromas. Grapefruit, guava and more rose petal on the complex and layered palate with a lovely streak of ginger and more spice notes through the finish. 91 pts
Stay tuned for Emerging Regions!
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