Today we feature four wines recently released by Township 7 Vineyards & Winery. The selection is part of the Provenance Series showcasing the winery’s beginnings, origins, and authenticity. Through the winemaking of Mary McDermott and her team, sustainable viticultural practices, and deliberate vineyard site selection, they create distinctive wines echoing their terroir.
Township 7 was started in 2000 in the seventh township of South Langley. Described as “Metro Vancouver Adjacent,” the Fraser Valley winery is set in a picturesque agricultural landscape on 16th Avenue. There you can leave the city behind and enjoy the winery experience in less than an hour.
Another vineyard property was purchased in 2003 on McMillan Avenue in Naramata. By 2004, the Naramata winery and tasting room were completed. The majority of Township 7’s wines are crafted there, offering visitors the opportunity to view the workings of the winery firsthand.
Township 7 2020 Chardonnay (92 points, $25.97)
This elegant Chardonnay has a lemon colour with a bright citrus, toasted oak and vanilla aroma. With its 12.5 per cent alcohol content, it enjoys a graceful body with lemon, peach, pineapple and mango flavours and a rich texture on the palate. Well-balanced with gentle acidity and a lengthy finish punctuated with hints of spice and vanilla.
This well-integrated Chardonnay was predominantly sourced (75 per cent) from the Hidden Terrace Vineyard in Oliver with small additions from other select sites including the Naramata Bench Estate. Half the wine was fermented in French oak barriques (225 litre neutral barrels) with the remaining 50 per cent in stainless steel.
A 7-day fermentation at 18C contributed to a roundness of texture. The wine in the barrel then underwent malolactic fermentation to further enhance the texture and complexity, while the stainless-steel portion maintained the natural acidity.
Serve with grilled citrus-spiced chicken wings or a savoury peach tart with goat cheese.
2020 Township 7 Pinot Noir (88 points, $41.93)
This sustainable single vineyard Pinot Noir was produced from grapes from long-time growers in Okanagan Falls. Ripe, dark fruit and firm tannins are developed in the warmth of the south-facing hillside site.
This vintage displays aromas of dark cherry and fresh cranberry, complimented by a delicate earthiness of mushrooms and beets with a kiss of cloves.
As the wine was decanted and aerated, the nose became more evident. The tannins were quite grippy at first, but after decanting and pairing with a rack of lamb with mustard, they softened and became silky.
In addition to being a tasty partner to a rack of lamb, pair the Pinot Noir with a wild B.C. salmon and pearl couscous, or a truffle mushroom risotto.
2020 Township 7 Cabernet Sauvignon (91 points, $33.97)
This red was crafted with 100 per cent Cabernet from their Blue Terrace Vineyard in Oliver and from Raju Vineyard in Osoyoos. The Oliver grapes have a rich fruit profile to balance the intense tannins from the Osoyoos vineyard. A 21-day maceration period promoted rich fruit and tannin extraction. Gentle pressing and malolactic fermentation in primarily French oak barrels (one-third new) enhanced softening of the mouthfeel.
The Cabernet is a fruity red with generous ripe plum, cassis and vanilla aromas, along with whiffs of tobacco and cedar. The palate has blackberries, refreshing acidity and grippy tannins with a long black currant finish.
This is a food wine and when paired with a meat protein, the tannins become softer. Enjoy with full-flavoured dishes such as braised beef short ribs or grilled Portobello burgers with sun-dried tomatoes and Stilton blue cheese.
Township 7 2020 Merlot (92 points, $29.97)
This vintage was crafted with Merlot from the North Oliver Bench’s Blue Terrace Vineyard and Front Yard Vineyard in Naramata. In Oliver, the rich, rocky soils provide a foundation for superior grape quality. The grapes from the Naramata Bench add complexity and dimension to the blend. Two to three weeks of maceration time resulted in a wine with rich fruit extraction and satisfying tannins.
The Merlot’s aroma displayed generous plum and black cherry with chocolate and tobacco, while on the palate it had refreshing acidity, smooth tannins and nicely balanced flavours of raspberry.
Aged in American and French barrels for 18 months added caramel and vanilla notes which mellowed the mouthfeel.
Overall, the grapes from this harvest were really nicely balanced, with good acidity and slightly lower sugar levels making for wines with great balance, finesse, and age-ability. However, lower yields meant that there was not as much wine made as the winery would have hoped.
Serve the Merlot with filet mignon, Peking Duck, or roasted pork loin with plum sauce.
The South Langley winery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Naramata winery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Feb. 9. Reservations are recommended for wine tastings.
All of today’s wines are available at both wineries and online as well as at select restaurants and wine shops in the Lower Mainland, Okanagan and Vancouver Island.
