Planning a wine trip this summer? Let me suggest one “must-do” for you.
Every month it seems I taste something new from Similkameen, which yet again reinforces that this small valley with big features may well be the province’s most exciting and very much still-emerging region.
It’s not as if the Similkameen Valley is new or even remotely recent. However, there’s no question that this remarkable stretch of rocks and soil, which for so long has existed in the shadow of the Okanagan, has very much begun to spread its wings.
What Similkameen may lack in numbers or volume, it more than makes up for in quality. Names that come to mind include Orofino, Clos du Soleil, Robin’s Ridge, Seven Stones, Little Farm, Forbidden Fruit, and so on.
My latest discovery, or (more accurately) reminder, came with a taste of wines from Eau Vivre Winery.
This small producer has flourished on the original site and is properly established by Herder Vineyards. Every year their wines seem to be more mature and polished, a fact not overlooked in tough competition, such as the Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in B.C. Wines, which has twice recognized Eau Vivre Pinot Noir. (Full disclosure: I’m on the judging panel.)
Right now, I would be hunting down Eau Vivre Pinot Noir 2013. In my mind this is classic Similkameen Pinot: up-front crushed berry notes followed by a generous but balanced palate of juicy strawberry and raspberry notes with approachable tannins, well-managed oak, mouthwatering acidity and a lengthy close (92 points, $21.90 at the winery).
I’d be tempted to put a bottle aside for the first sockeye of the season.
More proof that B.C. does Cabernet Franc increasingly well comes with Eau Vivre 2012 Cabernet Franc, which sports forward damson and raspberry notes before a plush palate with a pleasing earthy edge, definite but balanced tannins and a rich lingering finish (91 points, $22). Think wild mushroom risotto or braised shank.
Increasingly, it seems that B.C. Gewurztraminer is flying under the radar, which is strange when you consider it was once one of our more widely planted whites. Here again Eau Vivre does it justice with their 2013 Gewurztraminer. Off dry, it sports more citrus and apple hints on the nose before showing off a lush and textured orchard fruit palate with mineral undertone and a touch of spice. Whip up a medium-heat curry and it will really shine (90 points, $17).
All prices mentioned are at the winery. You’ll likely pay a little more at the store.
Find lots of Similkameen info at similkameenwine.com.
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Book now for the much-anticipated, second-annual B.C. Distilled festival, which promotes British Columbia micro-distilleries. Hosted at CBC Studios, a score of craft distilleries will showcase their wares at two public tastings: 4 p.m.-6 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18.
In fact, emphasizing the boom in distilling, there’ll be 11 newcomers at this year’s festival, with a wealth of distinctive gins, vodkas, and other fine spirits and liqueurs. In addition ,you’ll find the likes of Bittered Sling Extracts, Walter All-Natural Craft Caesar Mix, SIP Soda, and Dickie’s Ginger, plus bites from Koko Monk chocolates, Forage restaurant, the Donnelly Group and others. Proceeds benefit The B.C. Hospitality Foundation. Tickets from eventbrite.ca.
Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: [email protected].
