Red Wine BTG

Question 1

How is the Averill Creek Pinot Noir fermented/aged and where is their vineyard site?

Answer 1

Whole bunch fermented, bottled unfined/unfiltered
10-12 months in French oak barriques (7% new, rest mostly neutral)
Vineyard is located on the steep aspect estate on the side of Mt. Provost in N. Cowichan. Dry farmed

Question 2

Describe some of the tasting notes of the Averill Creek Pinot Noir.
What would it pair well with?

Answer 2

Averill Creek Pinot Noir Tasting notes:
-med weight on the palate
-Bright acidity (thanks to cool climate+aspect)
-Silky Tannins and savoury red fruit flavours
-Spiced (clove, cinnamon) cherry
-Wild Black Raspberries
Slight Balsamic/wood note

Pairs with smoked salmon pate/albacore tuna and elk tartare highlighting that preserved berry component

Question 3

Who owns Mission Hill and what other wineries do they own?

Answer 3

Anthony Von Mandl

Other wineries include; Checkmate, Cedar Creek, Martins Lane, and Liquidity

Question 4

Describe the Kettle Valley Malbec and what it should be paired with

Answer 4

Coming from their Trovao and Crest vineyards in Naramata (aged 21 months in French oak)
Has a characteristics like stewed red plum, blackberry, with a savoury note whether dried meat or light smoke, medium acidity, and fuller body, very true to its varietal.
Pairs with elk tartare, beef

Question 5

Compare the Clos du Soleil Syrah with the Painted Rock merlot + tasting notes (Syrah)

Answer 5

Receives less oak aging then Painted Rock Merlot, stylistically it would be less heavy handed approach to the wine which stands out for freshness and taut acidity/minerality. 
Flavours of:
-Okanagan desert herbs
-Floral red cherry
-Black Raspberry
-Hint of peppery meatiness
Bonus: Pairs with lamb

Question 6

Describe the Painted Rock Merlot in terms of fermentation and aging

Answer 6

Winery located above Skaha Lake. Estate blend fermented for 3 weeks on skins before 18 months in oak (30% new)

Question 7

Give tasting notes for the Painted Rock Merlot

Answer 7

Painted Rock Merlot:

• Sapid, concentrated expression
• Dark Chocolate
• Cherry
• Vanilla
• liquorice
• Blueberry, earth and leather
• palate is rich with intense dark spicy fruit

Question 8

What should you typically pair the Painted Rock Merlot with

Answer 8

Pair with protein that has seen some charcoal, smoked beef brisket

Question 9

What is the La Stella “Fortissimo” inspired by?

Answer 9

The La Stella “Fortissimo” is inspired by a “Super Tuscan”. Regionally minded with some Italian winemaking practices and/or Italian grape varietals.

Question 10

What is the make up of the Fortissimo? (Grape varietals and their percentages)

Answer 10

La Stella “Fortissimo”
76% Merlot
9% Sangiovese
8% Cabernet Sauvignon
7% Cabernet Franc

Question 11

What are some tasting notes for the Fortissimo and what would it pair well with

Answer 11

Tasting notes:
-Bing cherry
-Black bramble fruit
-Grilled aromatic herbs need cured tobacco leaves
Pairs with: Risotto, gamier meats, roasted dishes with rosemary, sage, etc