Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Sperling sparkler is made with 22-year-old pinot blanc vines by the family winemaker Ann Sperling. The property has been inhabited by Sperling ancestors for some 150 years. You don’t see a lot of pinot blanc fizz, although the grape is authorized in the Champagne region. It could be that in warmer years it can be a bit fat for the French taste. Indeed, this bubble walks the tightrope of citrus and pear, with a dollop of dried herbs before finishing long and rich. The richness comes from 60 months on the lees and a mouthfilling, toasty finish before a final dosage of 6.5 g/l. Solid, but we would love to see an even drier, tighter version.Tasted: 31 July 2018Tasted by: Prices: BC 44.00 winery direct, private wine stores
Producer: Sperling VineyardsDistributors: Select Wines & Spirits Grape: Pinot BlancCSPC: 478669UPC: 627843118114
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis unique sparkler is a pristine and floral pinot blanc of 22-year-old vines, from winemaker Ann Sperling's family estate, one settled by her ancestors 150 years ago. Many folks don't know that pinot blanc is one of the grapes allowed in Champagne, though rarely seen. Here it gets the chance to shine on its own, with tight, lightly pixellated acidity, lemon pith, pear, sweet fennel, and a squeeze of gooseberry. This spends 60 months on the lees, so there is an ample rasp of toast to the spiced finish. To offset the riffing acidity, 6.5 g/l dosage is added before corking, giving this a pleasant, barely felt padding. Lovely finesse and interest.Tasted: 31 May 2018Tasted by: Prices: BC 44.00 winery direct, private wine stores
Producer: Sperling VineyardsDistributors: Select Wines & Spirits Grape: Pinot BlancCSPC: 478669UPC: 627843118114