Sandhill Wines Small Lots Program Barbera 2007 VQA

Okanagan Valley
$30 -$36

www.sandhillwines.ca

There are some grapes that are easily transportable – Chardonnay, for example. The reason it’s found everywhere is because it can grow anywhere. And then there are grapes that are so intrinsically tied to one area, that’s it’s almost a surprise that it would be found elsewhere. Barbera – one of the main grapes of Piedmont, and the third most planted red grape of Italy, is one such grape. I guess no one told Sandhill master winemaker Howard Soon.

Sure, there are smatterings of plantings of Barbera other places on the globe, notably in Argentina, Australia and California. Sandhill has the only commercial planting to date of Barbera in Canada. This vintage is blended with 9% Sangiovese, and aged in American and French oak for 18 months. Aromas of cocoa, cherry and sweet dusty plum entice to spicy flavours of leafy raspberry, bright black cherry and leather. Moderate tannins, medium body and a layered and lengthy finish just up the appeal. Note – only 27 cases were made (hence, Small Lots), so if you want to try this Piedmontese grape a la Okanagan, act quick.

Sandhill Winemaster Howard Soon is a legend in BC, rightfully honoured with Winery of the Year at the last Canadian Wine Awards.

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