Sparkling wine is always a pleasure for me to enjoy. I shared this bottle of Narrative Sparkling XC Method wine, from Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland, with a few friends on their garden patio, with the appropriate social distancing. It was a nice way to experience this wine. There is no description on the grape(s) that went to make this wine on the label but I spoke with the winemaker, Matt Dumayne, and he indicated that it is a Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend with a couple of aromatic varieties in tiny amounts.
This sparkling wine was crafted from grapes grown on their Summerland and Oliver vineyards. What does the XC mean on the label? It could be Xtra Classy, but what is the real answer? XC stands for the Roman numeral 90. Secondary fermentation took place in state-of-the-art charmat tanks for 90 days. The tanks were designed to lie on their sides like traditional bottle-fermented sparkling wine is aged. The wines were stirred daily to add texture and weight.
Narrative Sparkling XC Method (BC $24.90) – This wine has a pale peach colour. It has very nice aromas of stone fruits, strawberries a citrus edge along with some lees. It tastes slightly off-dry yet has 22 g/l so it hides it’s sweetness very well. It has a medium-minus body, lower acidity and fine creamy bubbles. Bright tart red fruit, strawberries, red cherries and crisp delicious apple, along with a touch of floral and minerality. Lingering tart red fruit finish. This wine is deceptively easy to drink.
Rating:
This sparkling wine has very nice red fruit aromas and flavours, and a fine creamy bubble. It is deceptively easy to drink.
Where Can I Buy This Wine?
You can order the Narrative XC sparkling wine on their website. Okanagan Crush Pad’s website does provide a web search for private shops and restaurants offering their wines.
