Vancouver Island Winery Releases Traditional Method Sparkler

Duncan, BC (August 12, 2016) The journey began with the 2010 vintage… a mild summer and cool, dry autumn allowed for extra hang time on the vine with lower sugars and more acid retention than typical. The result was excellent fruit for Averill Creek Vineyard’s first Traditional Method sparkling wine – Averill Brut.

Averill Brut was inspired by winery co-owner Wendy Johnston’s love of sparkling wine. She describes the wine as “delicate complex, refined yet lively. It opens with aromas of toasted brioche, lemony citrus & hints of spice. The palate is rich with flavours of golden apple, walnut & creamy vanilla, enhanced by a vibrant mousse and finishing with a crisp freshness.”

Averill Brut 2010, Traditional Method sparkling wine will be available to purchase, winery direct beginning Sunday, August 21st.

Already known for excellent growing conditions for Pinot Noir, (Averill Creek’s Raison d’Etre), Vancouver Island is also emerging as a sparkling wine region. The Island’s cool climate provides tremendous potential for sparkling wine production when the correct varietal clones are planted.

The base wine for the Averill Brut 2010 was composed of a blend of their estate grown Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris, barrel fermented and aged, sur lie in French oak for 1 year. Second fermentation occurred at Summerhill Pyramid Winery in the Traditional Method. The wine aged in bottle at Summerhill three and a half years prior to dégorgement, with dosage added before final corking. The Brut is joining the Averill Creek Charme de L’ile in their sparkling line-up, a Prosecco-style wine crafted using the Charmat method.

Founders, Andy and Wendy Johnston operate their 30-acre estate vineyard on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, in the heart of the Cowichan Valley. The winery is dedicated to producing hand-crafted, single-vineyard wines uniquely expressive of the region’s cool climate terroir.

The winery tasting room is open daily in the summer from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm at 6552 North Road, Duncan, BC. For more information on tasting, tours and purchasing, please call (250) 709-9986 or visit www.averillcreek.ca.