With this hot, sunny weather, sipping a more fruity, lower-alcohol, drink is probably high on your list. Fortunately, I received a bottle of ORCHARD + FIELD, from Garnet Valley Ranch in the Okanagan. This drink is a blend of organically grown heritage apples and berries (there is no full description of the blend) at Garnet Valley Ranch to make this sip at just 5% alcohol. I tried it on-the-rocks and then mixed with a splash of soda. Let me give you my take on this drink.
ORCHARD + FIELD On-The-Rocks
It is quite bubbly, leaving a frothy bright cherry red foam on top that slowly subsides. The drink itself is a clear red cherry colour. A fruity nose, showing apples, red berries, and cherries. It has a medium-minus body with a lean mouthfeel and a mix of apple and tart red berry flavours. Medium acidity and subtle bubbles. Medium length with a tart red berry finish. Quite refreshing.
ORCHARD + FIELD With Soda
Adding soda water, about half the amount of the ORCHARD + FIELD in the glass, the aromas and flavours are just a little lighter. You get bubbles from the soda water. I think adding a wedge of lemon or some frozen grapes would add some variety to this drink.
Either way, on-the-rocks or mixed with soda, this is an easy to sip drink on a hot day. You can purchase this as a 6-pack (it comes in a standard wine bottle with a screw cap) for $105++ from the Okanagan Crush Pad website. Check out your private wine shop to see if you can purchase it there, one bottle at a time, for $17.50 plus taxes.
You can enjoy this with some lighter dishes, like a salad, accompanied by some seafood, like a ceviche, oysters on the half shell, or lightly grilled fish with Greek spices and lemon. I think grilled chicken with Greek spices and lemon would also work with this drink.
Thanks to winemaker, Matt Dumayne, and winery founder, Christine Coletta, for putting together this alternative for people to enjoy when they want something lighter in alcohol that is locally produced. ORCHARD + FIELD is also listed as being vegan-friendly.
