When Corcelettes Winery owners Jesce and Charlie Baessler were looking for a name for their new flagship wine they didn’t expect it to come to them on a river, on a rare day off.
“We were actually floating on the Similkameen River and enjoying a really different perspective of the valley. We were thinking about what might be a new, really sexy and exciting name for our next phase,” says Charlie.
“Then, as we were looking up at these really steep slopes—that speak so much to the geology of the Similkameen—“Talus” just popped up.”
“It nicely sums up everything, from those high bank vineyards and the alluvial fans that we’re situated on,” says Jesce.
Talus: a tale of shale
If you’re a bit of a rockhound or geology geek, you’ll know that “Talus” is the term used to describe the pile of rocks that accumulates at the base of a cliff or slope. What’s more, if you’ve been to the Similkameen you’ll know it’s a pretty distinguishing feature that’s not hard to find.
As for the rocks themselves? Charlie says the actual geological term that best describes them is ‘metavolcanic.’ “It speaks really accurately to a broken, sharp angular stone, which is higher in mineral content and, in particular, iron. That’s where we see a lot of this natural freshness coming from, as well as those signature Similkameen flavours. It’s not only about sun and growing units but also very much about geology,” he suggests.
“For us, it brings everything together. All of our vineyards have that Talus feature. But we had to get off the farm to actually look at it. It was kind of a zoomed out moment. So there we were on the river saying to each other ‘Look how unique this all is!’ That’s Talus!”
Sunshots and Stemwinders
Over the last few years Charlie and Jesce Baessler have laid the foundation for a formidable expansion that will see production grow from nearly 6,000 cases a year to over 9,000 cases in 2025. That’s a long way from the 200 cases produced in 2013, Corcelettes’ very first year (when they started out, across the valley, in Cawston).
First they purchased the neighbouring 132 acres. Then they planted Bordeaux varieties on seven acres of elevated Stemwinder soils, right on an alluvial deposit fan. Next, in 2021, on higher, chalkier slopes, will be planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The Baesslers named the vineyard “Sunshot,” reflecting both its high up sun-soaked southern exposure—and its immediate proximity to a firing range. “We also wanted to pay homage to the pioneering family who built the ranch and farmed the land over two generations,” says Charlie.
The acreage includes a two storey home, high up the slope, that enjoys panoramic views second to none across the valley. The couple have renovated it into a spectacular guest house with two full floor suites.
“But we’ve also kept it ranch-y and a little bit gritty so it feels authentic,” says Jesce. Corcelettes Wine Club members enjoy priority booking (among many other perks). However, non-members are also welcome to check availability and book on line.
A stellar cellar
One of the realities of growth is that it can be challenging to keep pace. Up until now, Corcelettes hasn’t been able to press its grapes inside or even under shelter. However, thanks to the addition of a new ‘primary fermenter / tank room’, completed in time for the 2020 vintage, that’s no longer the case.
“It’s situated just off our crush pad and gives us the ability to increase our tank storage for the expansion vineyards coming online next year,” says Charlie.
“With more vineyards comes higher cellar demand. These kinds of stepping stones are needed to accommodate the production that we’re going to get from Sunshot Vineyard next year, which we’re extremely excited about. It’s all about extra barrel and tank storage.”
A top drawer team
Along the way this dynamic young couple have not only built one of the area’s most noteworthy wineries but have also started a family. Running the winery and raising five year old twins comes with its own set of challenges. “But with a lot of juggling and precision planning, somehow it all comes together. It’s been an interesting journey,” laughs Jesce, who runs sales and marketing, while Charlie is winemaker and viticulturist.
“It’s really that we have a great team. From the cellar to the wineshop it’s all come together really well,” she says. “At first Charlie and I were just being pulled in too many different directions. And spread too thin… But we’ve been fortunate to filled those gaps with people who are highly skilled and just as able and excited as we are. And passionate… They too are very much part of Corcelettes. It’s their product just as much as it is ours.”
How to order
Corcelettes is offering free shipping within BC and Alberta on all orders of 12 or more bottles. Order here, using the promo code “COZYCHRISTMAS”
Corcelettes Talus 2018 (Similkameen Valley VQA)
A classic Bordeaux styled blend of mainly Merlot (38%) and Cab Franc (31%) with Cab Sauv (15%), Petit Verdot (12%) and a splash of Malbec (4%). Red current, mineral, camphor, oak, vanilla and spice notes add up to a complex, inviting nose; plush, generously textured palate, balanced and elegant; bright notes of mulberry, raspberry and blackcurrant mingled with char and chocolate notes, underpinned by that hallmark Similkameen minerality, all wrapped up in approachable, well integrated tannins. The freshness and vibrancy of the Cab Franc counters the darker, more herbal notes of the Merlot. A powerful drop with expansive mouthfeel, spice and textural balance; very drinkable now but will further reward in time, up to 10 years at least. 92 pts $49.90
Corcelettes Merlot 2018 (Similkameen Valley VQA)
Slightly dusty aromas of blue and black fruit with distinctive varietal character showing some herbal notes, the palate wrapped in juicy acidity with hallmark mineral undertones and a spicy finish. Firmly structured through good length through spice and pepper notes. Let it breathe in the glass or, better still, put it away for a few years. 90 pts. $23.39
Corcelettes Cabernet Franc 2018 (Similkameen Valley VQA)
Lovely up front red berry, anise and violet aromas with some spicy hints followed by a well structured, plush and plummy palate with prevailing pepper notes through and beyond the finish. Medium to full bodied, spicy and elegant, wrapped in approachable tannins through a lengthy end. 92 pts. $29.48
Corcelettes Chardonnay 2019 (Similkameen Valley VQA)
Inaugural release under the new Micro Lot Series. Floral, citrus and tropical notes on top with some flinty hints precede a creamy palate defined by well managed oak, balanced acidity, textured mouthfeel with overall excellent fruit acid balance and lingering mineral undertones through the finish. 90 pts. 195 cases made. $34.90
Corcelettes: gateway to the Similkameen
This post is sponsored by Corcelettes Estate Winery
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