Celebrate Canada Day with a selection of Grand Crew wines
Happy Canada Day!
I hope you are all toasting our beautiful country today with a glass of B.C. wine — or a variety of wines — and I have a grand idea of how to do that.
Five of B.C.’s top small producers have formed a new cooperative.
“Grand Crew is a collective of fiercely talented Okanagan wineries, committed to sustainable farming and exceptional small-lot winemaking. We have collaborated to offer a unique sampling of hand-crafted, limited-edition wines that express the diversity of the Okanagan Valley, and offer a taste of something exciting," a Grand Crew media release reads.
The first Grand Crew collection of wines (list below) are available at Public Liquor at 301 - 1750 Pier Mac Way in Kelowna or online here (for BC residents).
THE WINERIES
Black Market Wine Co.
Rob Hammersley and Michelle Shewchuk are passionate about crafting distinctive small-lot wines. Their winery rests on a bench overlooking Skaha Lake in picturesque Kaleden. These wines are artisan-inspired and unconstrained by tradition.
Nagging Doubt Wines
Nagging Doubt is a true, artisanal winery that demonstrates a rigorous passion for wine and winemaking. Rob Westbury and his team make their wines by hand, start to finish, using a combination of modern and centuries-old winemaking techniques. The results? Delicious, sophisticated wines that captivate the attention of dreamers.
naggingdoubt.com
Niche Wine Co.
Small Batch. Big Love. High Altitude. This family-owned and operated winery run by Joanna and James Schlosser is nestled in the hills of West Kelowna, produces complex, aromatic wines that showcase the nuances of the north Okanagan. A combination of homegrown, handmade wines paired with a limited, high-quality production make these wines both sought after and hard to get your hands on.
nichewinecompany.com
Tender Hope Winery
Efi Perel, owner and Winemaker believes wine is made in the vineyard. These wines reflect the tastes and smells of the land in which the grapes grew. Traditional winemaking, minimum intervention, and a natural ageing join forces to take you on an adventure of special vineyard sites, grape varieties and microclimates.
tenderhopewinery.com
Winemaker’s CUT
Like a director's cut, an edited version of a film that represents the director’s unique point of view, Winemaker’s CUT is influenced by the winemaker and his unique style of making Okanagan wine. The grapes that shape CUT wines are hand-harvested at Deadman lake Vineyard just south of Oliver. With the utmost respect to nature, while honouring traditional winemaking methods and sustainable farming that results in naturally expressive wines, initiative of the Okanagan Valley.
winemakerscut.ca
THE WINES
Black Market Wine Co.
2019 Omerta | Syrah Rosé
A crisp, dry rosé made from 100 per cent Syrah, this wine is fruit-forward with amazing depth and complexity. The vibrant nose has the hallmark aromas of wild strawberries, cherries and a hint of watermelon. On the palate, the entry is bright and juicy, dominated by wild red berries and rhubarb. Crisp acidity with only the slightest hint of sweetness, this wine finishes dry.
Nagging Doubt Winery
2018 Sallows Rd Vineyard Chardonnay
This estate-grown Chardonnay shows incredible citrus, pear, and mineral notes with a subtle touch of vanilla that comes from aging in 25 per cent new French oak puncheons. On the nose and palate, lemon, green apple, and lovely mineral notes prevail. A true cold climate Chardonnay, this wine offers beautiful balance, crisp acidity, and a surprisingly long finish.
Niche Wine Co.
2018 Pinot Noir
This Pinot noir was made in the vineyard. Think minimal intervention and maximum farming effort! The unfiltered nature of this special release gives this pinot a beautiful, soft texture and an explosive flavour profile. Hints of Sandalwood and vanilla on the nose and flavours of redcurrant and strawberry on the palate make this the kind of wine that really gets along with everyone.
Tender Hope Winery
2018 Fire Dance Meritage
This wine is made up of a ripe and balanced blend of 50 per cent Merlot, 21 per cent Cabernet Franc, 15 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, and 14 per cent Malbec sourced from the southern limit of Canada’s pocket desert. Rich dark fruit, blueberry, chocolate, wood spice, and sous-bois on the nose and palate give this wine a dry, velvety smooth mouthfeel and a spicy finish.
Winemaker’s CUT
2019 Grüner Veltliner
Grüner is a rarity outside of Austria, and this one is a fine example. Peach, pear and citrus aromas along with beautiful minerality and a touch of white pepper and marzipan make this an exotic alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. Think of this bottle of wine as a sun-drenched deck companion and a sure sign of summer.
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