Enjoy Wine, Food, and Travel with Karl MyWinePal
2021 was a year of extreme weather conditions in BC, which had an impact on BC grapes and wine production. Temperature records were shattered in many regions. I’ve been told that Kelowna, Kamloops, Osoyoos, and Lillooet were among 60 cities that broke temperature records. The heat dome in the summer causes grapevines to shut down until the weather cools off. …
Mother’s Day is this weekend. Have you bought your mom a bottle of BC sparkling wine yet? Here are two bottles that she should enjoy from Okanagan Crush Pad. The Free Form Blanc de Noir 2018 is made from organic Pinot Noir grapes and zero dosage (no added sugar before the bottle is sealed for sale), and the Narrative XC…
I did not realize that Niche Wine Company in West Kelowna has kept their Farm Gate closed for over 10 years to the public, but I am glad to hear that they are opening up this Spring, and offering you 4 different wine tasting package experiences. Here is their announcement. ~~~ KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA—For the first time in over 10…
Sparkling wine is very versatile to pair with food. It also makes any occasion seem more celebratory. I have two sparkling wines from Okanagan Crush Pad’s Haywire Winery. Their Haywire Vintage Bub 2014 and Haywire The Bub 2017. The Vintage Bub is made with 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay grapes. After 5 years of aging en tirage, the wine…
Clay and concrete vessels are two more historical materials that have been used to ferment grape must into wine. But both have been having a comeback in the last few years. I have two wines from Okanagan Crush Pad. The Haywire Pinot Noir 2020 is fermented in concrete and stainless steel vessels, and Narrative Syrah Viognier 2018 is fermented in…
Have you heard of Frind Estate Winery before? They are one of the newer wineries, located in West Kelowna. Eric Von Krosigk, their winemaker, comes with lots of great knowledge. He is originally from Vernon. In 1983, Eric moved to Germany to apprentice and work at wineries in the Mosel and fell in love with sparkling wines. In 1991, Eric…
Today I have two wines from Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery in Creston to taste. Their Chardonnay 2018 and Terraces Pinot Noir 2020. Did you know that Chardonnay is an offspring of Pinot Noir with Gouais Blanc? Both these wines come with oak ageing and went through malolactic fermentation. Isn’t it interesting that Chardonnay, a white grape, is vinified the same as…
Astrolabe Sleepers Vineyard Kekerengu Coast Pinot Noir 2019 (NZ $50) Grown on coastal, limestone-laden soils 50mins drive south of Blenheim, this pinot noir treads softly on the palate yet is underpinned with exotic, savoury spices, baked tamarillo and wild raspberry notes from woah to go. Paired with: Roasted Eggplant with Spiced Lamb and Harissa dish Magazine Issue 102. There is nothing…
You can enjoy sparkling wine anytime. No occasion is needed, but if there is an occasion, like Valentine’s Day or a birthday, it can make it more special. I opened these two bottles of BC sparkling wine from TIME Family of Wines; their TIME Brut 2018 and Chronos Brut, with friends to enjoy being with them after COVID has kept…
One last suggestion for Valentine’s Day are these two Pinots from Marisco Vineyards from Marlborough, New Zealand: The Ned Pinot Noir 2019 and The Ned Rosé 2020. The Pinot Noir is a bit bigger than BC Pinots or from Burgundy, but it is very seductive. Reminds me more of a Pinot Noir from Oregon. That seduction may be what you…
Video Guide Uncorks the Story of British Columbia Wines. Buy Now.
