8th Generation Vineyard Chardonnay Sparkling 2009 VQA

Okanagan Falls, BC
$20-25
Available at the winery & select private wine stores

The buzz about this family winery isn’t just about their labels (though they are highly striking). And I don’t use the term ‘family’ lightly – Bernd Schales is an 8th generation winemaker and his wife, Stefanie is a 10th generation winegrower. Lifetimes of history and years of winemaking/winegrowing study throughout Germany (where their family still owns vineyards), New Zealand and South Africa lead the Schales to set up shop with their young family in the Okanagan in 2003. They are currently exposing and involving their children to their craft – will we see a 9th Generation Vineyard in the future?

This frizzante-styled Chardonnay was much talked about and hotly anticipated over the past few months. The wait was worth it – their new release was a Bronze winner at the recent Fall Okanagan Wine Festival. Lightly effervescent, this chardonnay is freshly sweet, with white peach, citrus and melon notes. Big and creamy mousse fills the mouth, and zero oak treatment keeps the fruit bright and lively. This would make a lovely brunch bubble – and – bonus – you can use the stunning bottle as the centerpiece.

So WHY a CO2-infused Prosecco style Chardonnay?  According to Bernd, it’s “to get an affordable way to cover our own consumption.”  Germany has the highest sparkling wine consumption on the globe, and fresh, fruity Prosecco is huge in Europe.  The Schales grew tired of searching over here, so in 2008, with a mix of their emigrant adventurous spirit, decided to make it themselves. First of this style in BC (Canada?). I’ll toast to that!

Rating:  (click here to see what our wine ratings mean)

—by Treve Ring, Online DRINK Editor

October 22, 2010