Deep Roots, Naramata

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: Gamay 2016

Winery: Deep Roots, Naramata

Why drink it? Gamay is one of those reds that does two things: first, if you are a white wine purist, it’s light and fruity enough to ease you into reds; second, if you are a red drinker but desire a bottle that doesn’t require meat or cheese, this is a good choice. Farming for several generations on the Naramata Bench, hence the name, the family at Deep Roots knows that a good wine begins in the vineyard. On the nose, fruits from cherries to blueberries, and a hint of violets. A drier red, yet fruity, the tannins are light, the finish is crisp, bordering on a refreshing “aaahhh”.

Price: $24

Pair with: This wine isn’t built for anything heavy, but works well with “beer butt” chicken (google the recipe). Take the leftovers and make a fancy chicken salad with goats cheese and dried cranberries, and for dessert, fresh blueberries or cherries.

Pair with: Classic cancon music pairing: My Music at Work, The Tragically Hip

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