Established in 1981, Sumac Ridge is the oldest operating winery in British Columbia. It also was one of the first wineries in the province to start making sparkling wines, way back in 1985. Since it is now part of Vincor, the Canadian arm of wine giant Constellation, this bubbly expertise was called upon as part of Vincor’s sponsorship of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, resulting in two special bottlings called Tribute – a Silver and a Gold.
Ironically, even though Québec acrobatic skier Alexandre Bilodeau provided Canada with its very first Olympic gold medal on home turf, Quebec only received the Silver bottling, as part of a special SAQ release of British Columbia wines celebrating Vancouver 2010.
One can be content with the silver, in this case. It is a pleasant, crisp traditional method sparkling wine, made from 100% chardonnay. Lemon and citrus aromas, with a touch of toasted bread, on the nose, and apple and a touch of pear on the palate, with plenty of lively bubbles to give it a true sense of celebration. Not terribly complex, but neat and well-made enough to keep you smiling through the final hockey game – where silver, however, will not keep Canadians content.
You can read more tasting notes by Rémy on The Wine Case.
WHO: Sumac Ridge Estate Winery
WHAT: Chardonnay
WHERE: VQA Okanagan Valley
WHEN: N/V
HOW MUCH: approx. $30
