2013 Vaïla Rosé

2013 is a tale of two vintages in the same year. Dry and warm autumn is almost a sure thing in our region. 2013 was a rare exception. We had an unusual string of rainy days in the middle of harvest in mid September. The characteristic of the wines is as such dependent on if the grapes were picked before or after the rainy period. Wines made from grapes harvested before the rain virtually needed no sorting as they showed clean and robust flavors of a dry growing season with plenty of very hot days. The rain was a double edge sword though and a blessing in disguise if you will. On one hand it provided an opportunity for the vines to continue pushing forward for better sugar/acid balance and greater phenolic maturity but on the other hand it meant the arrival of rot (need for extensive sorting) and flavor dilution in less than ideal sites (not to worry we have no mediocre parcels). Sorting was the key word along with when the fruit was harvested and in which site it was grown. Buyers of Okanagan wines in general are best to shop by producer and well-known sites for their quick draining soil make up. Taste before you buy is our recommendation in general but in particular for 2013.

Made with the Burgundian method of Saigneé (literally to bleed) this rosé is produced from free run juice of Pinot Noir grapes and entirely steel tank aged. It is a fun, delicate wine absolutely perfect for the summer. The 2013 Vaïla presents as usual a pale salmon colour and explosive aromas of rhubarb sorbet, pink grapefruit and the amazing bright and crunchy red fruit BC rosés are increasingly becoming famous for.