discover - British Columbia Wine Institute

DISCOVER
THE WINES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
THE WINES OF
BRITISH COLUMBIA
British Columbia is a very special place for wine. The Wines of British Columbia
truly reflect the land where the grapes are grown and the people who craft
them. Our vineyards benefit from a growing season with longer hours of
daylight and greater intensity of light than other regions, which is critical given
our short growing season.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE WINES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
• British Columbia’s wine industry has grown from just 17 grape wineries in 1990
to over 230 today
• There are over 9,800 acres (3,946 hectares) of vines in British Columbia’s
five designated viticultural areas (Okanagan Valley, Similkameen Valley, Fraser
Valley, Vancouver Island, and the Gulf Islands) and beyond
• Warmer and more arid than Napa Valley, the Okanagan Valley gets nearly two
hours more sunlight per day than Napa during the peak of the July and August
growing season
• The most produced red wines are:
oMerlot
o Syrah/Shiraz
o Pinot Noir
o Cabernet Sauvignon
o Cabernet Franc
o Gamay Noir
• The most produced white wines are:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Pinot Gris
Chardonnay
Gewürztraminer
Riesling
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Blanc
Viognier
• BC wines are frequent winners of prestigious international awards, receiving
more than 2,100 awards in 2013
• The BC Wine Industry contributes $2 Billion annually to British Columbia’s
economy
• Each year, BC’s wineries welcome over 800,000 visitors
• WineBC.com offers wine tourists an interactive tour guide to make planning their
next wine country getaways easier than ever
WINERY
ACCOMMODATIONS
To make the most of your wine
country experience, you’ll want at
least a weekend. After spending
a long day on your wine and dine
excursion, relax and recharge while
taking in sweeping vineyard vistas
and perhaps even a spa treatment
or two. No matter which region you
are touring, you will find a range of
quality accommodations to fit every
traveller. From campgrounds (even
some yurts) and bed and breakfasts
to luxurious villas and resorts, it’s
easy to find the perfect place to rest
your weary head.
Here are just a few of the spectacular
winery accommodations to checkout:
• Therapy Vineyards & Guest House,
Naramata
• The Villas at Hester Creek Estate
Winery, Oliver
• Burrowing Owl Estate Winery,
Oliver
• Spirit Ridge Resort & Spa,
Osoyoos
• Damali Lavender Winery & B&B,
Cobble Hill
• Salt Spring Vineyards B&B,
Salt Spring Island
DINING AMOUNG THE VINES
It’s widely known that British Columbia makes world class wines, though the word is
not yet out about the mecca of world class restaurants. With ‘celebrity’ chefs setting
up shop in BC, our province is fast becoming a top culinary tourism destination. Not
only can you find this high-end cuisine in the Vancouver area, but also at the heart
of BC’s wine country.
A mere 10 years ago, most winery restaurants were simple patios serving bread
and cheese; recently Mission Hill Family Estate Winery’s Terrace Restaurant was
named one of the Top Five Winery Restaurants in the world by Travel & Leisure
Magazine. In addition to the numerous winery restaurants that serve up seasonal,
local dishes from spring to fall across the province, renowned chefs also create
succulent dishes year-round at several Okanagan wineries, including Quail’s Gate
Winery’s Old Vines Restaurant, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards’ Miradoro, Hester Creek
Estate Winery’s Terrafina, and Summerhill Pyramid Winery’s Sunset Organic Bistro,
while top Okanagan Valley restaurants like Waterfront Wines, RauDZ, and Local
Lounge • Grille serve up fresh, local cuisine with some of the best BC wine lists in
the province.
EXTREME WINERIES NORTH OF 50°
Almost all grapegrowing takes place between 30 and 50 degrees latitude in both
the northern and southern hemispheres. In many regions of the world, planting
vines north of the 49th parallel would be a hopeless endeavour, but here in
British Columbia something magical happens. We are pushing the extreme of
that grapegrowing latitude with several wineries (including Harper’s Trail Estate
Winery in Kamloops and Fort Berens Estate Winery in Lillooet) north of 50
degrees; however, the unique combination of environmental factors creates a
habitat for vines which is unlike any other in the world.
NORTH AMERICA’S FIRST ABORIGINAL WINERY
Many British Columbians are unaware that the Sonoran Desert extends as far north as
Osoyoos in the South Okanagan. Here, the sagebrush and prickly pear cactus‑covered
hills might suggest Arizona or California instead of the Okanagan Valley. In this part of
the desert you must look out for rattlesnakes and bighorn sheep.
North America’s first Aboriginal winery, Nk’Mip Cellars (pronounced ‘inkameep’) was
established by the Osoyoos First Nation in 2002. Winemaker Randy Picton produces
the award-winning wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Merlot. The
grapes are grown on a spectacular 300-acre vineyard on a bench above Osoyoos Lake.
Building on the success of Nk’Mip Cellars and the Desert Cultural Centre, the Osoyoos
Indian Band further developed Nk’Mip Resort which saw the addition of a stunning golf
course, Sonora Dunes, a year-round resort hotel, Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa,
and, most recently, the Nk’Mip Conference Centre. Nk’Mip Resort is a beautiful place
to stay, taste and play while learning about one of North America’s most culturally,
geographically and oeneologically fascinating regions.
ADVENTURE WINE TOURING
For wine lovers who also crave a bit of adventure, BC has some amazing options.
Love water sports? Try a kayak wine tour in Penticton or standup paddle board wine
tour in Osoyoos. Aerial explorer? Why not join a helicopter or float plane wine tour of
the Okanagan? Or perhaps you would just love to hop on a bike and pedal between
wineries in the Okanagan Valley, Fraser Valley or Vancouver Island. Tours are available
for any level of expertise and, whatever your adventure style, your journey will always
be rewarded with a well-deserved glass of BC wine.
BRITISH
COLUMBIA
DISCOVER BC
IN EVERY BOTTLE
Behind every bottle of BC wine is a place and a face; the Wines of British Columbia reflect
the stories of the land where the grapes are grown and of the people who craft them.
The variety of soils, the slopes of the vineyards, the weather and proximity to water
(whether lakes, rivers or the ocean) all contribute to the variety of styles in BC wines.
The spectacular summers, followed by warm days and cool nights in the fall, allow grapes
to ripen slowly and develop balanced fruit with complex, exceptional flavours. The wine
styles are uniquely BC. From our cool climate varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to
warmer climate varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Our wines are fresh,
bright, lively and exceptionally food-friendly.
Calgary
Vancouver
Our grapegrowers and winemakers are skilled craftsmen and craftswomen with a deep
appreciation for the land. They farm sustainably to ensure that land is fruitful for years
to come. They recognize that place matters and truly believe our distinctive geology,
topography and micro-climates produce award-winning, distinctive wines. BC’s thriving
wine industry attracts winemakers from all across the globe including Germany, France, New
Zealand and Australia. Each of these talented individuals has brought something unique to
our community and helped to shape a style that is distinctly British Columbia.
VANCOUVER
ISLAND
The Wines of British Columbia truly are making history. With each new accolade and
achievement, our wine regions continue to solidify their place amongst the best in the
world. Each year BC wineries receive more awards than ever before, winning thousands of
trophies and medals in national and international competition. When it comes to wine,
place matters. With each new vintage, every bottle offers you the opportunity to discover
a new, slightly different taste of what makes 100% BC VQA wine so special.
Black Creek
Courtenay/Comox
Alberni Valley
Pender Island
Richmond
Parksville
Saturna Island
Delta
Cowichan Valley
Hornby Island
New Westminster
Nanaimo
Lasqueti Island
Surrey
Saanich Peninsula
Quadra Island
Pitt Meadows
BC VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) is the appellation of origin and quality standard for
the Wines of British Columbia. Established in 1990, BC VQA certified wines must meet
specific standards with respect to origin, vintage and varietals. These wines are also
tasted by a qualified panel for quality characteristics prior to being able to use the BC
VQA symbol. To put it simply, when you see BC VQA on a bottle, it is your guarantee that
you’re sipping a wine that is 100% from British Columbia.
GULF
ISLANDS
FRASER
VALLEY
SIMILKAMEEN
VALLEY
OKANAGAN
VALLEY
Thetis Island
Sechett
Keremeos
Salt Spring Island
Vancouver
Cawston
Lake Country/
Okanagan Centre
Victoria
Langley
Sooke
Abbotsford/
Aldergrove
Kelowna
West Kelowna
Peachland
Summerland
Naramata
Penticton
Kaleden
Okanagan Falls
Dewdney
Oliver
Lindell Beach
Osoyoos
EMERGING
REGIONS
Shuswap
North Okanagan
Lillooet
Cash Creek
Thompson-Nicola
West Kootenays
CLIMATE
SUB-REGIONS
The Okanagan Valley lies in a rain shadow between the Coastal and Monashee mountain
ranges. This results in very low annual average rainfall. The area between Oliver and the
Canada-US border is the northernmost tip of the Sonoran Desert, which stretches north
from the Baja Peninsula in Mexico through the US and into BC.
The Okanagan Valley contains five
sub-regions which have significant
climatic differences.
Summers are generally very hot: average temperatures in July and August are warmer
than in the Napa Valley. Summer daytime temperatures can reach the upper 30s, and are
often above 30°C (86°F) for several days in a row.
Summer daylight hours are extraordinarily long and the light is extremely intense due to
the northerly latitude. In late June, daybreak is as early as 4:00 AM and nightfall as late
as 10:30 PM. This results in prolonged daytime photosynthesis and grape ripening.
KELOWNA / LAKE COUNTRY
Heavier soils with sandy loam, clay
and limestone.
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris,
Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, others.
NARAMATA / PENTICTON
In summer, there can be a four-degree average daily difference in temperature between
Kelowna and Osoyoos. This leads to prevalence in later ripening red varieties in the
south and white varieties in the cooler north. Precipitation is spread evenly throughout
the year and wind is not a major concern. Okanagan Lake provides a moderating effect
that prevents damage to vines from freezing.
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris,
Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, others.
SOILS
OKANAGAN FALLS
Mapping of the soils, vineyards and local climates of each area shows widespread
differences throughout the valley. The southern part of the valley around Osoyoos has
deep sandy soils, while the northern area around Kelowna is alluvial and volcanic with
nutrients laid down over a period of 50 million years.
Diverse soils and aspects, with some
vineyards on terraced slopes.
TOPOGRAPHY
The Naramata Bench area, near Penticton, is marked by sloping vineyards in close
proximity to the lake, with excellent exposure to the afternoon sun. The sandy bench
provides the well-drained soil environment that vines love.
Higher-altitude vineyards, some of which are planted on slopes, mark the Okanagan
Falls area. A few vineyards are planted on terraces.
From Oliver to Osoyoos, the valley fans out with flatter land in the Black Sage Road
area. Most of the region’s grapes and wineries are located here.
OKANAGAN
VALLEY
Long frost-free autumn due to lake
proximity and sloping aspect.
Grape Varieties: Riesling, Gewürztraminer,
Pinot Noir, others.
ACCOLADES
Decanter World Wine Awards 2013
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery 2011 Martin’s Lane Pinot Noir, International
Trophy for Best Pinot Noir under £15
Nk’Mip Cellars 2011 QwAM QwMT Riesling Icewine,
Regional Trophy for Best Sweet Wine over £15
JoieFarm Winery 2011 En Famille Reserve Chardonnay, Gold
Quails’ Gate Winery 2010 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay, Gold
OLIVER
Well-drained gravel, clay and sandy soils.
Grape Varieties: Merlot, Chardonnay,
Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, others.
See Ya Later Ranch 2011 Riesling, Gold
Chardonnay du Monde 2013
Quails’ Gate Winery 2010 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay, Gold
Sandhill 2011 Block B11 Small Lots Chardonnay, Gold
OSOYOOS
Soils are very deep sand.
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon,
Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay,
Syrah, Zinfandel, others.
44th International Wine & Spirit Competition
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery 2011 Reserve Vidal Icewine, Gold Oustanding
Inniskillin Okanagan 2011 Riesling Icewine, Gold
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery 2011 Select Lot Collection Riesling Icewine, Gold
See Ya Later Ranch 2010 Syrah, Gold
ACCOLADES
Named “one of the world’s 5 best
wine regions you’ve never heard of”,
by enRoute Magazine
HISTORY
Vineyards extend from Keremeos to Chopaka on the US border. Keremeos Vineyards
(now called St. Laszlo) was the first winery to open in the valley, in 1984.
LOCATION
The Similkameen Valley lies to the west of the southern Okanagan Valley,
connected by the Richter Pass.
CLIMATE
Winters in the Similkameen can be colder than the Okanagan Valley because of the
absence of a lake to moderate the temperature. Due to the high mountains on both sides
of the narrow valley, and the radiation of heat from adjacent rock faces, summer heat
is held in the valley long after sunset. The valley is arid with persistent winds that can
reduce the moisture in the vines and the soil. The wind minimizes mildew, and vineyards
generally don’t require frequent spraying.
SOILS
Various soil types, including stony, gravelly, and silty loams from glacial rock formation.
TOPOGRAPHY
Features a long narrow valley with spectacular, steep mountainsides.
No lakes of significant size but the Similkameen River runs through the valley.
GRAPES GROWN
Merlot, Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay, along with some very
fine Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
SIMILKAMEEN
VALLEY
THE WINES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
GRAPE VARIETALS
MANY WELL-KNOWN GRAPES FLOURISH IN BRITISH COLUMBIA, ALONG WITH SOME INTERESTING HYBRIDS.
OF THE 9,866 ACRES (3,946 HECTARES) PLANTED, 48% ARE WHITE GRAPES AND 52% ARE RED GRAPES.
WHITES UNDER VINE
PINOT GRIS
23%
CHARDONNAY
19%
GEWÜRZTRAMINER
15%
RIESLING
9%
SAUVIGNON BLANC
8%
PINOT BLANC
VIOGNIER
OTHER
WHITES
Ortega 1.5%
Ehrenfelser 1.4%
Muscats 1.26%
6%
4%
Bacchus 1.1%
Semillon 1.0%
Auxerrois 1.0%
Siegerrebe 0.9%
Vidal 0.75%
Kerner 0.5%
Schönburger 0.6%
Chenin Blanc 0.4%
Müller Thurgau 0.3%
REDS UNDER VINE
MERLOT
31%
PINOT NOIR
18%
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
15%
SHIRAZ / SYRAH
11%
CABERNET FRANC
GAMAY NOIR
OTHER
REDS
Maréchal Foch 2.7%
Malbec 1.9%
10%
3%
Petit Verdot 1.3%
Zweigelt 0.8%
2011 BC Wine Grape Acreage Report. MT. KOBAU CONSULTING
Zinfandel 0.4%
Pinotage 0.3%
Tempranillo 0.3%
Baco Noir 0.2%
Pinot Meunier 0.2% Sangiovese 0.2%
HISTORY
The first winery to establish the Fraser Valley as a credible wine-growing region opened
in 1991 south of Langley and close to the US border. Since then, several wineries
including Township 7 Vineyards & Winery, Vista D’oro Winery, St. Urban Winery, Lulu
Island Winery, River’s Bend Winery and Backyard Vineyards, now call the region home.
CLIMATE
There are climatic variations across the Fraser Valley with certain areas receiving lower
rainfall than others. While there is significant precipitation in the fall and spring, July
and August can be very dry and growers must practice irrigation.
Frost is not a major concern and this is an excellent climate for early ripening varietals.
Given that the region is in the coastal area, humidity can present disease pressures
requiring careful vineyard management.
SOILS
The fertile delta south of the Fraser River is Vancouver’s agricultural hinterland.
Soils are predominantly silty and high in organic matter.
TOPOGRAPHY
Generally flat, but with occasional rolling hills.
GRAPES GROWN
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Germanic white grapes, others.
FRASER VALLEY
HISTORY
Winemaking began around 1920 with wines produced from loganberries by the Growers’
Wine Company. The first modern commercial vineyard began in 1970, just south of
Duncan.
A provincial government-funded trial, named the Duncan Project, assessed about 100
different varieties between 1983 and 1990, and identified Pinot Gris, Auxerrois and
Ortega as promising grapes.
Zanatta Winery opened in 1992 and was the first of the modern wineries.
SUB-REGIONS
There are wineries spread over the southern half of Vancouver Island. Several wineries
are in the Cowichan Valley, close to the town of Duncan. There are also producers close
to Nanaimo, as well as in the Saanich Peninsula, with some close to the city of Victoria.
CLIMATE
Several areas have local climatic conditions conducive to grapegrowing. Wineries in the
Cowichan Valley are generally shielded from Pacific Ocean storms by nearby mountains
and have a long growing season with low frost risk. Although there are high amounts
of precipitation from November through April, the summers are dry enough to require
irrigation in most vineyards.
GRAPES GROWN
Varietals planted on Vancouver Island include Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Ortega, and
Maréchal Foch, among others.
VANCOUVER
ISLAND
GULF
ISLANDS
HISTORY
This is an exciting new region
for viticulture. There are now
vineyards and wineries on many
Gulf Islands including Salt Spring,
Saturna, Quadra, Thetis, and
Hornby.
CLIMATE
The mild climate of the Georgia
Straight is very conducive to
grapegrowing, although scarcity
of water and extreme aridity in
summer present challenges.
Like the Okanagan Valley and Fraser
Valley, the Gulf Islands have had a
well established fruit-growing and
market-gardening tradition since the
late 1800s.
GRAPES GROWN
Ortega, Zweigelt, Pinot Gris and
Pinot Noir.
HISTORY OF THE WINES
OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
2011:
Grapes have been grown and wine made in BC since 1859, when Father Charles Pandosy planted the first vineyard near present-day Kelowna
in the Okanagan Valley. The modern era in British Columbia winemaking began in 1990 in response to the General Agreement on Tariffs and
Trade (GATT), when grapegrowers and wineries pulled out less-desirable labrusca grapes and replaced them with premium vinifera plantings.
>
1859:
Father Charles
Pandosy plants
vines at the
Oblate Mission
in Kelowna.
1907:
1912-22:
Earliest record of a
serious attempt at
grape production
in Salmon Arm by
W.J. Wilcox.
1977 - 1982:
Becker project - 33
vinifera varietals proven
to ripen and produce
premium quality wines
in the Okanagan - a
turning point for the
industry.
1984:
13 wineries in
operation in BC.
1921:
Canadian
Prohibition
1974:
The federal
government brings
in 4,000 vinifera
vines to experiment
with new varieties
at 18 different sites.
1988:
The General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
opens the market and puts
pressure to focus on
quality. Roughly 2,400
acres of labrusca and
French hybrids are removed
leaving 1,000 acres of
premium vinifera vines.
Growers’ Wine
Company of
Victoria uses
loganberries and
then labrusca
grapes for wine
production.
1966:
Total BC vineyard
plantings reach
2,000 acres.
1990:
VQA (Vintners Quality
Alliance) standards are put
into place in BC.
1926:
J.W. Hughes
planted vineyards in
the Kelowna area.
There are now over 200 grape
wineries in British Columbia.
BC VQA wine sales exceed
$196 million CAD.
The first French
hybrids are planted
by Stewart and
Capozzi families.
1992:
In their first year, sales
of BC VQA wine in BC
top $6 million CAD.
2013:
There are now over 215
wineries in British
Columbia.
1930 - 1960:
2014:
Mission Hill Family Estate
Winery receives an
International Trophy for
Best Pinot Noir under 15£
at the prestigious
Decanter World Wine
Awards. This is the first
time a Canadian Winery
has won an International
Trophy at these awards.
BC now boasts over 230
wineries and sales of BC
VQA wine exceed $220
million CAD.
Extensive planting
of labrusca
varietals.
2010:
1962:
2012:
1931:
Calona opens as
the first
commercial winery
in the Okanagan.
1993:
Sales of BC VQA
wine in BC top
$10 million CAD.
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan
Estate announced Best
Canadian Wine Producer of
the Year for the second time
at the London International
Wine and Spirit
Competition.
1994:
BC wines begin to win
medals and awards. Mission
Hill Family Estate’s Grand
Reserve Chardonnay 1992
wins the Avery Trophy for
“Best Chardonnay Worldwide”
at the International Wine and
Spirit Competition in London,
a significant accolade.
2009:
Sales of BC VQA wine
in BC surpass $166 million
Cdn. 174 wineries in
operation.
1995:
An estimated 30
wineries are in
operation in BC.
2005:
2006:
Sales of BC VQA wine in BC
surpass $134 million CAD.
133 wineries in operation.
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan
Estate’s Grand Reserve
Shiraz wins the prestigious
Shiraz/Syrah of the Year at
the International Wine and
Spirit Competition in
London - a first ever for a
North American winery.
1998:
Sales of BC VQA
wine in BC top $40
million CAD.
2003:
Sales of BC VQA wine in
BC top $63 million. An
estimated 81 wineries
in operation.
Sales of BC VQA wine in BC
top $120 million CAD. BC
VQA wines become the
number-one selling premium
wine category in the province
for the first time ahead of all
other wine-importing
countries. An estimated 81
wineries in operation.
2004:
Awards and medals continue,
with Jackson-Triggs Okanagan
Estate’s winemaker Bruce
Nicholson being named
Winemaker of the Year at the
prestigious San Francisco
International Wine Competition.
BC ICEWINE
The folklore of Icewine suggests that its first production in 18th century Germany was a
happy accident. A German vineyard owner away on business at the end of harvest came
home to a frozen vineyard. He harvested and processed the grapes anyway, and what
was then called Winter Wine was born. In Canada, Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery in
Peachland produced the country’s first Icewine in 1978. Canada is now recognized as the
world leader in Icewine production.
Icewine is produced by many British Columbia wineries, but the only wine regions of BC
where the winters are cold enough to provide the necessary conditions for Icewine are
the Okanagan Valley and Similkameen Valley. Even there, the conditions for harvesting
and pressing Icewine grapes generally only happen several times per winter. In a given
year, anywhere from 15 to 25 wineries will leave grapes on the vine in anticipation of an
Icewine harvest.
ICEWINE PRODUCTION STANDARDS
In British Columbia, the growing conditions and production standards that produce
Icewine are rigorously protected by the BC VQA standard.
Icewine must be wine produced from grapes naturally frozen on the vine, harvested and
pressed in a continuous process while the air temperature is -8° Celsius (17.6°F) or
lower. This means harvesting and pressing usually takes place in the middle of the night.
OTHER SPECIALTY WINES
PRODUCED IN BC
ICEWINE BY THE NUMBERS
-8˚ Celsius (17.6˚ Fahrenheit)
The minimum temperature required
to produce Icewine
1978
Hainle Vineyards in Peachland
produces Canada’s first Icewine
35˚ Brix
The minimum sugar content to be
considered an Icewine
25 Wineries
Produced Icewine in 2013
960
Tons of Icewine grapes were
harvested in 2013, yielding an
estimated 288,000 litres.
Late Harvest wines are produced
from grapes naturally harvested on
the vine in the fall, but later than
the normal harvest; this allows
the grapes to lose moisture and
increase their sugar content. These
wines achieve a minimum sugar
content of 26 Brix*.
Botrytized wines are produced
from grapes affected by
Botrytis cinerea, also known
as “noble rot”. The wine must
show a predominant character
of naturally botrytis-affected
grapes, as determined by the BC
VQA tasting panel.
Sparkling wines are produced
when the wines become
effervescent; this is derived from
secondary fermentation by one
of three authorized methods:
champagnoise, transfer or
charmant. The method used must
be clearly stated on the label.
Icewine must be made of grapes pressed within the recognized Designated Viticultural
Area in which the grapes were grown and meet the requirements of a varietal wine. The
pressing must take place immediately following the harvest in a continuous process.
Brix* must be 35 degrees or more.
Artificially-induced freezing is prohibited. The grapes, juice, must or wine may not be
artificially refrigerated at any point in the manufacturing process, except for tank cooling
during fermentation and/or during cold stabilization prior to bottling.
*Brix is a measure of sugar in grapes:
One degree Brix equals 18 grams of sugar
per litre. Mature grapes are typically
21 to 25 Brix, equating to 11 to 13 percent
alcohol after fermentation.
ICEWINE HARVESTED AT NIGHT,
IN THE SNOW, IN A COUNTRY
FAMOUS FOR ITS WINTERS.
TASTING BC
THE WINES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
THE TASTE OF BC, IN THE WINES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
...reflect British Columbia’s agricultural and natural heritage. When you’re smelling and tasting them, you’re experiencing something
uniquely BC. Recognize these four flavour and aroma profiles and you’re on your way to understanding what makes our wines special.
HERBAL AROMAS & FLAVOURS
SAGE, CLOVER, HONEY, ELDERFLOWER
TREE FRUIT AROMAS & FLAVOURS
APPLE, PEAR, PEACH, APRICOT
RED FRUIT AROMAS & FLAVOURS
PLUM, CHERRY, RASPBERRY, BLACKBERRY
EARTHY AROMAS & FLAVOURS
STONE, GRAVEL, MINERAL, DUST
These fragrances can occur in any BC wine. Sagebrush is the
dominant native shrub on dry Okanagan hillsides. Its intense
sweet, herbal smell permeates the Okanagan air, and is perhaps
the definitive BC wine aroma. Elderflower is a common native
shrub with a very distinctive green, pungent aroma. Another
classic BC smell is clover, the bright green crop that grows all
over the province. Its sweet green-pea smell is a quintessential
memory trigger for anyone who has driven a BC back road in
summer. Honey may not be a truly ‘herbal’ smell, but BC’s bestknown honey is clover honey and the two flavours invariably
occur together in BC wines.
When you taste BC white wine, think roadside fruit stand. Many
BC whites have a green, earthy tartness reminiscent of Granny
Smith apple skin. The sweet, almost perfume-y fragrance of ripe
pears is equally common, especially in Pinot Blanc and Pinot
Gris. Peach and apricot aromas and flavours are hallmarks of
BC white wines, occurring in virtually any grape in both dry and
sweet versions. Dessert wines (Late Harvest, Icewine) invariably
have a distinct dried apricot aroma and flavour.
BC red wines typically exhibit a mixture of red fruit associations.
Isolating a single one is quite often impossible, which is why
French tasters came up with the tasting term ‘petits fruits
rouges’. Note that plums, cherries, raspberries, and blackberries
all have an undertone of tartness. This is important because
it provides a note of counterpoint that brightens and enlivens,
making our wines more attractive with food. Our petits
fruits rouges normally include cranberries, red currants and
huckleberries, and sometimes salmonberries and salal berries.
Earthy aromas and flavours are tremendously important
in wine, if not always primary. Without an underpinning of
earthiness, otherwise attractively floral or fruity wines can
seem hollow, dull, and empty. Many delicately fruity BC wines
benefit enormously from an underlying jolt of minerality. It
is interesting to note that in the Okanagan, sagebrush occurs
most frequently on volcanic soils; thus sage-y wines typically
have a corresponding note of that pungent earthiness.
THE BRITISH COLUMBIA
WINE INSTITUTE
The British Columbia Wine Institute’s
many winery members and grapegrower
partners represent over 95 percent of
BC’s production of BC VQA wines.
The province’s lead wine industry trade
association since 1990, the BCWI has
played a pivotal role in taking BC’s
wine industry from a vision to an
internationally-recognized niche region
producing premium wines and providing
quality wine tourism experiences.
The BCWI is responsible for marketing
the Wines of British Columbia brand
by creating strategic and effective
retail marketing campaigns aimed at
consumers; delivering quality trade,
media and consumer tastings; telling
the story of BC wine through proactive
media campaigns and hosting media
in the Wine Regions of BC; and acting
as the voice of BC’s wine industry and
advocating to government on wine
industry issues on behalf of its members.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
WINE INSTITUTE
www.winebc.com
info@winebc.com
@WineBCdotcom
facebook.com/winebcdotcom
@WineBCdotcom
Tel (250) 762-9744
Fax (250) 762-9788
Toll-Free 1-800-661-2294
Suite 107-1726 Dolphin Ave
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1Y 9R9 Canda
March 2014