Tinhorn Creek, Oliver

Photo: Contributed

For Canada’s 150th birthday this year, Castanet is featuring an Okanagan wine each week, celebrating the bottles of our Valley and the diversity of the Canadian wine industry, including suggested food pairings and Canadian music artist to listen to while enjoying a glass. For current availability, consult the winery.

Wine: 2016 Two Bench White (blend)

Winery: Tinhorn Creek, Oliver

Why drink it? Blends are always interesting, lending themselves to discussion amongst wine lovers as to what, exactly, is in them. This “Oldfield Reserve” is a mélange of almost 50 percent sauvignon blanc, with touches of semillon, viognier, chardonnay and a hint of muscat for just a bit of floral lift on the nose. Sauv blanc translates into a refreshing wine on its own, but with its partners in this bottle there is some body and weight, and enough complexity to create pleasant chatter on the patio. Tropical fruit, honeydew melon, vanilla, and a fresh finish. Chill well and keep the bottle on ice.

Price: $20

Pair with: A true patio wine for summer, keep a bottle in the fridge for unexpected visitors, next to a few lighter cheeses (Boursin shallot and chive, Havarti, gouda). Throw together a homemade chef’s salad cradled in butter lettuce with a side of Granny’s coleslaw, and you’re good.

Classic cancon music pairing: Surely, Colin James

Have a wine you'd like to suggest? Contact us at [email protected], and we will put you in touch with our wine writer.