Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a baby yet, with perfumed quince, pear and a bump of sweetness that is noticeable. In 2016 the fruit came from Cerqueira Vineyard, the special calcium carbonate studded site north of Oliver. Whole cluster pressed and native fermented, this spent seven months in stainless before bottling. The core is yeasty and round with yellow fruit: apples and apricots, and finishing with ginger spicing and gentle honey.Tasted: 18 July 2018Tasted by: Prices: BC 17.99 winery direct, private and VQA wine shops
Producer: Bartier Bros.Distributors: Stile Brands Grape: SémillonCSPC: 245910UPC: 628055147152
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Cerqueira Vineyard is one of those magical spots in the Okanagan that speaks to place. The land slopes gently to the west collecting the late day sun on the lower side of Black Sage Road between Oliver and Osoyoos. Winemaker Michael Bartier speaks lovingly (and long) on the granite cobbles coated with calcium carbonate dictating his main job, namely to let the site’s distinctive character shine through the wines. Semillon is an outlier in BC but when it's done right, it shines. Bartier employs a wild yeast, partial concrete fermentation to coax the complexity from this ‘oily’ grape. The nose in '16 is strikingly fresh yet infused with that south Okanagan medicinal herb-laced, yellow fruit, with grass, fig, nectarine skin, and mineral, salty notes. The structure is tight, the acidity firm and the length long. It’s still youthful but it will no doubt flip over to the nutty, honey, quince affair with time. I love this style now but you can forget this in the cellar for twenty years too. Real wine.Tasted: 04 April 2018Tasted by: Prices: BC 17.99 winery direct, private and VQA wine shops
Producer: Bartier Bros.Distributors: Stile Brands Grape: SémillonCSPC: 245910UPC: 628055147152