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: Chardonnay, 2016
Winery: McWatters Collection
Why drink it? The McWatters family seems to have every member involved in food and wine, with patriarch Harry having just wrapped up his 50th Okanagan vintage. This collection, so far, includes a red blend and this balanced chardonnay. Balanced between reflecting the fruit characteristics from a vineyard near Oliver, and embracing the tradition of using oak. As to the latter, the wine was fermented and aged in French barrels, giving it a toasted brioche nose, and a satisfying creamy “mouthfeel” paired with hints of tropical fruit and a buttery finish.
Price: $25
Pair with: A balanced chard can be very versatile, but stay away from anything super spicy. The creamy-buttery element works well with creamy pasta with some seafood in the sauce, chicken pot pie, juicy roast turkey, a big bowl of popcorn with butter (of course), or a fresh croissant.
Classic CanCon music pairing: I Am by Your Side, Corey Hart
Have a wine you'd like to suggest? Contact us at [email protected], and we will put you in touch with our wine writer.