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: Quill White (blend), 2015
Winery: Blue Grouse, Vancouver Island
Why drink it? Blue Grouse Estate Winery is a Vancouver Island gem, with a new line called Quill made with some of B.C.’s best grapes: high acid grapes from the Island, fruit-forward grapes from the Okanagan. The best of both worlds, or in the case of this surprising blend, the best of Schonburger, Pinot Gris, and Müller-Thurgau. A lot of care went into this vino, making it a bargain at under $20. Ripe pear and floral notes on the nose, and a ripeness that leads into an unexpectedly light but complex sip, with Granny Smith apple, Meyer lemon rind, and a very refreshing finish. Worth seeking out.
Price: $18
Pair with: A prawn or seafood salad dressed with something citrus-y (try adding fresh mandarin orange slices, tuna or salmon sashimi, roast chicken or turkey, or a creamy and warm chicken pot pie. Nice with just about any soft, mild cheese as well.
Classic CanCon music pairing: I’m Like a Bird, Nelly Furtado
Have a wine you'd like to suggest? Contact us at [email protected], and we will put you in touch with our wine writer.