The Fall release of BC VQA wines was in late September. Due to skytrain issues getting to the venue, I did not have as much time to taste the new wine releases, so I concentrated on white wines. There were also red wines, but not enough time to taste. There are a few sparkling wines on this list, which you may want to stock up on for the upcoming holiday season. Enjoy these white wine gems.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Arrowleaf Cellars Wildblume 2022 – a sparkling wine made with Vidal, Auxerrois and Petite Arvine grapes using the Charmat method. It has a nice stone fruit nose. It’s off-dry with high acidity and a creamy smaller bubble. Mouthfilling. Some bitterness on the finish. Yum. 
Arrowleaf Cellars Riesling 2023 – light lime aromas. Medium body, off-dry, smooth and round mouthfeel. Light juicy stone fruit and a touch of lime on the palate.
Backyard Vineyards Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022 – uses acacia barrels for this wine. It has a light toasty nose which continues to the palate. Medium-plus body with a smooth, thick mouthfeel. Subtle citrus flavour and a buttery texture. 
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Bench 1775 Winery Blanc de Blanc 2020 sparkling – A medium-intensity, leesy nose along with bruised apples. Dry, medium body with high acidity. A mix of small biting and creamy bubbles. Crisp apple flavour. Medium-plus length. –
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Blanc de Blanc 2019 – This sparkling wine has lasting bubbles on top of the wine after being poured. Light apple and honeysuckle aromas. Dry with a medium-plus to full-body, mouth-filling. Crisp apple, some tart apple and bitterness. Medium-plus length.
Blue Grouse Estate Winery Charme de L’ile NV – the first time for this sparkling wine from Blue Grouse. It is a blend of Chardonnay, Schönburger, Muller Thurgau, and Pinot Noir. It has medium-intensity aromas of nettles and green fruits. Dry, medium-plus body with high acidity. Lime, green fruits and a touch of peach on the palate. Smaller creamy and biting bubbles. Medium-plus length with lime skin bitterness on the finish. Fresh exciting flavours from this wine.
Da Silva Chenin Blanc 2022 – A light intensity but deep, ripe aromas of stone fruits and honey. Dry, medium-minus body with a lean, tart mouthfeel. Crisp apple, honey, and stone fruits on the palate. Needs aging to be fully enjoyed. –
Vanessa Vineyards V Series 2022 – a blend of Semillon, Marsanne, Viognier, and Gewurztraminer. It has a light floral and Gewurztraminer aromas. Lighter body, but lean and silky smooth. Low acidity. A mix of stone fruit, minty, and honeysuckle flavours. Medium-plus length with light pepperiness on the finish. An easy sipper. –
Where Can I Buy These Wines?
All these wines would be available at each winery’s website. I have not checked the BC Liquor store website, Everything Wine, or Save on Foods stores, but these would be the most likely places to also find these gems.
