If you’re planning on touring the Naramata Bench, make sure that you pencil in a visit with Sal at D’Angelo Winery. Sal’s winemaking philosophy puts a great deal of stock in quality viticulture, as well as good, old-fashioned patience. The 2008 Pinot Noir displays a nose that is firm and warm with notes of toasted nuts and black cherry. On the palate this wine is smooth as silk, understated and austere. Fine tannins followed up with notes of black cherry and marmalade would make this wine an excellent companion for food.
Their Bordeaux style blend goes by the old family nickname of Sette Coppa. If this piques your curiosity, you should definitely Google it. After 20 months of aging in mature oak barrels, this dark purple wine is redolent of vanilla and ripe, dark fruit. The palate is juicy and ripe with smooth tannins and notes of ripe blackberries, fresh tobacco and spice.
Take time as well to enjoy their licensed picnic area in front of the wine shop. It offers up sweeping views of Okanagan Lake that will be tough to tear yourself away from. The wine shop will be selling 375ml bottles of their wines, as well as snack items all summer.
~ Courtney Fossett