Hailed as the Okanagan Valley’s great wine pioneer, Harry McWatters marked his 50th vintage with the very first crush at his new Time Winery facility in downtown Penticton.
McWatters is credited with laying down the foundation that would build B.C.’s wine industry into the award-winning, internationally-recognized, $3 billion industry it is today.
Here are five wines from McWatters’ winery to enjoy this autumn. Your “Time” starts now:
Time 2016 Viognier, $22.99: It’s a delicious example of this exotic fragrant grape. Expect a mandarin orange and tropical fruit bouquet, with flavours of nectarine, pineapple, orange and vanilla. The Viognier has a full body thanks to its high alcohol level. Enjoy with chicken paprika and peaches or duck breasts with honey and ginger.
Time 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, $22.99: Unlike many SB’s, this is barrel fermented. Along with a gentle nutty character, the oak adds a creamy mouth feel. But the wood is well balanced with the lemon, pineapple, and mango elements and the bright lime finish. Pair with mushroom and goat cheese bruschetta or a Caesar salad.
Time 2016 Riesling, $22.99: Like most Rieslings, this example is almost colourless in the glass. Despite its lack of colour, it has a gorgeous fresh tree fruit and citrus aroma. And there’s plenty of golden delicious apple and lemon zest flavour with the acidity and minerality that Alsatian Rieslings are famous for. I loved the dry finish that persists. Serve with Choucroute, the smoked pork chop, sausages, sauerkraut and apple casserole of Alsace.
Time 2014 Chardonnay, $25: Grown on the Black Sage Bench in the South Okanagan, this is Time’s biggest white in terms of body, bouquet, and flavour. Chards enjoy a deep yellow colour and that hints at the depth of character it displays. On the nose there’s a wonderful balance of oak and fruit. On the palate there is a rich honeyed apple, butterscotch, toasted nut taste, reminiscent of a white burgundy.
Serve this sophisticated and vibrant Chardonnay with a crab, jicama, and mango salad with lemon-curry dressing.
Time 2016 Syrah Rosé, $22.99: If you think rosés are wimpy wines, taste this flavourful one and you’ll change your mind! Marvel at the gorgeous salmon colour, feel the great mouth feel, and enjoy the tropical fruit and strawberry and raspberry personality and its extended finish.
Pair with eggplant tomato and spinach pizza, bacon potato salad with soft-boiled eggs, or salmon with dill pesto.
Time wines are on sale at Save-On’s VQA store in Ironwood.
Eric Hanson is a lifelong Richmond resident, retired teacher and wine enthusiast
