There's nothing like a milestone birthday to make you reflect on who you are and how you got there.
There’s a lot to ponder with 150 years, so you might want to pour yourself a glass – or, as this is Canada, a frosty beer. However, our burgeoning wine industry has given the nation a taste for the fermented grape and wine consumption is on the rise.
Canada's industry may seem very young, but the foundations were laid before Confederation. In Ontario, Johann Schiller established a vineyard just west of Toronto in 1811. In BC, Father Charles Pandosy planted the first vines at the Oblate Mission in Kelowna in 1859.
Those early plantings were based on native Vitis labrusca varieties and French hybrids that were cold and disease resistant. The wines they produced were mediocre at the very best. It wasn't until Vitis vinifera vines were introduced in the 1970s that Canadian wine started to improve. Varieties like Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Blanc were trialled to see if they could survive our winters and ripen properly. Clearly, they did.
In 1988, the North American Free Trade Agreement gave a huge extra nudge to continue improving our local wine. The industry has increased significantly since then. In March of this year, a study published by Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP reported that the Canadian wine and grape industry had a total economic impact of more than $9 billion in 2015. We've sure come a long way.
The weekend promises plenty of celebratory barbecues. So, toast 150 years of Canada with our home-grown wine – just one of the many things we can be proud of.
N/V Summerhill, 'Cipes' Brut Rosé Sparkling, Okanagan Valley, BC VQA $30 at private wine stores such as Everything Wine
A complete and welcome departure from Baby Duck, that sweet, pink fizz popular in the 1970s. Cipes' traditional method sparkling Pinot Noir is dry, toasty and laden with strawberries and red currants. Summerhill, by the way, is just a few short kilometres away from the Oblate Mission which was ground zero for BC wine.
2014 Tantalus, Old Vines Riesling, Okanagan Valley, BC VQA $39-41 at private wine stores such as Legacy Liquor Store, Kitsilano Wine Cellar and Liberty Wine Merchants
Tantalus boasts some of BC's original Riesling vines, dating back to 1978. Super intense lime, mineral and stone with herb blossom, lemon peel, white peach and a touch of honey, this spine-tingling Riesling is linear, lingering and ageworthy.
2014 The Similkameen Collective, Roussanne, SimilkameenValley, BC VQA $34-42 at private wine stores such as The Gull Liquor Store and Liberty Wine Merchants
Rhône variety Roussanne is a relatively new grape to BC. Though typically blended, both in its homeland in France and locally, here it appears stunningly on its own. Rich, layered and seductively textured, this gorgeous white offers apricot, butterscotch and nuts. A reminder that the best is yet to come.
2015 Liquidity, Pinot Noir, Okanagan Falls, BC $27-30 at private wine stores such as New District, Everything Wine and Legacy Liquor Store
Pinot Noir has firmly established itself as one of our calling cards internationally. Liquidity is a lovely example with fresh Bing cherries, pomegranate, clove, subtle vanilla and a silky texture. Of course, it would be perfect with salmon on the grill.
2015 Le Vieux Pin, Cuvée Violette, Okanagan Valley, BC VQA $30-35 at private wine stores such as New District and Kitsilano Wine Cellar
There was a time when full-bodied reds seemed liked an impossibility in our climate. Now Merlot is BC's most planted variety. Personally, I have a preference for our Syrah and the Cuvée Violette is always one of my faves. Lifted violet and sage brush aromas lead to a soft plush palate with ripe plum and a kick of black pepper on the finish.
Prices exclusive of taxes.
