Naramata Bench Wine Tasting
Published on May 24, 2011
Recently, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra hosted a successful fundraiser focusing on the Okanagan’s Naramata Bench wines. The Bench is just about the perfect growing area for raising vines. The land is in a pocket of sundrenched heat. The soil is the right type for grapes to thrive. The bench is just south of Kelowna, so you must visit when in the area!
Here are some of my favourites.
- Hillside Pinot Gris Reserve, 2008. CSPC#536219 I thought of mangoes and melons when I tasted this wine. It has a hint of pink from the skins of the grape. The wine actually sees a bit of oak, but it is not apparent. The oak gives the wine a bit more body in the mouth.
- Elephant Island Sparkling. This wine is not quite in Alberta yet, but should be here soon. It is a granny smith apple and cassis, [blackcurrant] wine made in the traditional method, as Champagne is made. It is crisp and delicious. Extremely well made and I cannot wait to get my hands on some!
- Kettle Valley Winery, Old Main Red, 2007, CSPC#553123. This is a very high quality winery. Old Main Red is a rich and complex blend. It is a red wine lovers, red wine! It can be served now, or thrown in a cellar for a few years to develop. Bob Ferguson and Tim Watts the winemaker/owners were on hand to share their craft. It is a great benefit to have the “hands on” people there to speak with.
All in all the Naramata Bench has terrific wines to buy and try. Find the wines. Go to the Alberta Liquor Guide and follow the directions.
You can find the wine close to your postal code. Call the store first to make sure it is in stock!
