Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGrant Biggs is the winemaker at Kitsch, and these early releases look promising. In 2017 he made 7 barrels of chardonnay and it's documented for all on the label. This is clone 95 planted on silty loam over sand. The winemaking begins with a whole cluster press, followed by a native ferment and ten months ageing in French oak; 69 percent of the wood is new. The result is a medium yellow colour with a vanilla baked apple nose. Thankfully it’s brighter on the palate with more citrus and savoury notes that tame the oak and the weight. A little less is more would take this wine to another level, but all in all, it’s an excellent start, and it’s a style many chardonnay consumers like. Try this with roasted chicken or crab.Tasted: 28 June 2019Tasted by: Prices: BC 40.00 winery direct, private wine shops
Producer: Kitsch WinesDistributors: Winery Direct Grape: ChardonnayUPC: 626990330103
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaKitsch came out of the gate strong four vintages ago with their laser rieslings, as well as their packaging progress (SAXX underwear are a past enterprise of 4th gen Kelownans Ria and Trent Kitsch). A smart hire of sommelier Grant Biggs as the winemaker has solidified the winery as one to watch. Some 169 cases (aka seven barrels) of this estate chardonnay was made, from clone 95 planted on silty loam over sand in 2013. This was whole cluster pressed, native fermented, and spent ten months in French oak (69 percent new), the latter of which is espied in the deeper yellow hue. Baked yellow apples, bright lemon is scented with wild thyme on a medium bodied, well-hemmed palate. The oak is well enveloped by the fruit, supporting, and just peeking out around the edges at this young age. There's a lovely savoury flintiness and spice that lingers on the finish. This northern Okanagan chardy will benefit from a couple of years in the cellar. Impressive showing.Tasted: 23 December 2018Tasted by: Prices: BC 40.00 winery direct, private wine shops
Producer: Kitsch WinesDistributors: Winery Direct Grape: ChardonnayUPC: 626990330103