Zweigelt 2020 (Library Wine)
Background
Pronounced 'ts-vi-gelt', this grape variety was created by crossing the Austrian grapes Blaufränkisch and St.Laurent. We initially planted two acres in 1999 and, together with Ritchie Farm, have since expanded the plantings to six acres. It is one of a few varieties that can produce excellent red wines in a cool climate and we are one of a few BC wineries producing a varietal wine from it.
Where it was grown
Ritchie Farm, Lake Country, Okanagan Valley
When it was grown
2020 was a year of ups and downs in the vineyard. An unusually warm stretch of winter weather started the year off in a pleasant way until an arctic cold front moved in and damaged a lot of the fruitful buds on the vines. This resulted in a 40% reduction in overall yield. The silver lining, of course, is that with reduced yield generally comes exceptional quality. It turned out that the vines needed a light load this vintage as the summer and fall were cooler than normal causing the fruit to ripen late. All in all, 2020 is a stellar but scarce vintage.
How it was made
Harvested on October 27 at the very end of the growing season, the grapes were crushed and fermented for 15 days with regular pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation softened the acidity and the wine was aged in French and Eastern European oak barrels (17% new) for one year. The wine was lightly filtered and bottled in the spring of 2022.
How it tastes
Red cherry, dark chocolate, black pepper with subtle notes of violet. Medium-bodied on the palate with well integrated tannins and richly concentrated fruit on the finish. 🌱 Vegan Wine
Shipping Information:
Shipping rates apply
Must be 19+ years to place order
Background
Pronounced 'ts-vi-gelt', this grape variety was created by crossing the Austrian grapes Blaufränkisch and St.Laurent. We initially planted two acres in 1999 and, together with Ritchie Farm, have since expanded the plantings to six acres. It is one of a few varieties that can produce excellent red wines in a cool climate and we are one of a few BC wineries producing a varietal wine from it.
Where it was grown
Ritchie Farm, Lake Country, Okanagan Valley
When it was grown
2020 was a year of ups and downs in the vineyard. An unusually warm stretch of winter weather started the year off in a pleasant way until an arctic cold front moved in and damaged a lot of the fruitful buds on the vines. This resulted in a 40% reduction in overall yield. The silver lining, of course, is that with reduced yield generally comes exceptional quality. It turned out that the vines needed a light load this vintage as the summer and fall were cooler than normal causing the fruit to ripen late. All in all, 2020 is a stellar but scarce vintage.
How it was made
Harvested on October 27 at the very end of the growing season, the grapes were crushed and fermented for 15 days with regular pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation softened the acidity and the wine was aged in French and Eastern European oak barrels (17% new) for one year. The wine was lightly filtered and bottled in the spring of 2022.
How it tastes
Red cherry, dark chocolate, black pepper with subtle notes of violet. Medium-bodied on the palate with well integrated tannins and richly concentrated fruit on the finish. 🌱 Vegan Wine
Shipping Information:
Shipping rates apply
Must be 19+ years to place order
Background
Pronounced 'ts-vi-gelt', this grape variety was created by crossing the Austrian grapes Blaufränkisch and St.Laurent. We initially planted two acres in 1999 and, together with Ritchie Farm, have since expanded the plantings to six acres. It is one of a few varieties that can produce excellent red wines in a cool climate and we are one of a few BC wineries producing a varietal wine from it.
Where it was grown
Ritchie Farm, Lake Country, Okanagan Valley
When it was grown
2020 was a year of ups and downs in the vineyard. An unusually warm stretch of winter weather started the year off in a pleasant way until an arctic cold front moved in and damaged a lot of the fruitful buds on the vines. This resulted in a 40% reduction in overall yield. The silver lining, of course, is that with reduced yield generally comes exceptional quality. It turned out that the vines needed a light load this vintage as the summer and fall were cooler than normal causing the fruit to ripen late. All in all, 2020 is a stellar but scarce vintage.
How it was made
Harvested on October 27 at the very end of the growing season, the grapes were crushed and fermented for 15 days with regular pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation softened the acidity and the wine was aged in French and Eastern European oak barrels (17% new) for one year. The wine was lightly filtered and bottled in the spring of 2022.
How it tastes
Red cherry, dark chocolate, black pepper with subtle notes of violet. Medium-bodied on the palate with well integrated tannins and richly concentrated fruit on the finish. 🌱 Vegan Wine
Shipping Information:
Shipping rates apply
Must be 19+ years to place order
