The British Columbia grape harvest is in full swing and despite a wetter than average September, B.C. winemakers are remaining optimistic that this year乌鸦传媒檚 vintage will be another good year.
According to the British Columbia Wine Institute, vineyards are embracing the lower sugar and alcohol levels that they are seeing in grapes across the Okanagan.
乌鸦传媒淓very year presents challenges,乌鸦传媒� notes Grant Stanley, winemaker and general manager at Spearhead Winery.
乌鸦传媒淔or me, that乌鸦传媒檚 part of the fun of it. Particularly as cool-climate winemakers, adapting to the season is what we do.乌鸦传媒�
Stanley also credited the moderate climate throughout 2019 as particularly good for crops.
乌鸦传媒淲ithout a doubt, the moderate heat extending throughout the season has brought about grape ripeness without any sun burning or threat of over-ripeness. The yields have been similar to have what we乌鸦传媒檝e seen in the past as well. We had a lot of small berries and good pulp to skin ratio which is perfect for making Pinot Noir. I乌鸦传媒檓 really looking forward to the Pinot Noirs this vintage.乌鸦传媒�
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In Osoyoos, where it乌鸦传媒檚 much warmer than the rest of the valley, Chris Tolley, owner and winemaker at Moon Curser Vineyards said it was worrisome at first to see frost in September, but he is pleasently surprised with the harvest so far.
乌鸦传媒淲e乌鸦传媒檝e had a very good season. Our whites, the Arneis and Viognier, were all quite ripe in both sugar and flavor. I乌鸦传媒檓 happy so far with the reds as well. The Tempranillo came in really nice. I乌鸦传媒檓 happy with the Malbec and Carmenere as well. We haven乌鸦传媒檛 seen it all yet, but I乌鸦传媒檝e tasted the berries and I乌鸦传媒檓 pleased with the quality.乌鸦传媒�
In the Naramata Bench, Kathy Malone, winemaker at Hillside Winery, said she has seen lower sugars and alcohols in this year乌鸦传媒檚 vintage, which she is optimistic about.
乌鸦传媒淚 think vintage variation makes it more interesting for the wine drinker because they can look at what was happening during that year and experience it through what they乌鸦传媒檙e tasting in the glass. It adds an element of sophistication to the region.乌鸦传媒�
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daniel.taylor@kelownacapnews.com
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