On a Friday in April Oleg Aristarkhov and winemaker Jacq Kemp tasted from each barrel of Malbec from Moraine Estate Winery’s 2012 harvest. Jacq’s smile grew wider with each sample, her eyes glistening with approval.
Owner and winemaker have been smiling a lot these days, pleased with the prospect of opening the newly-renovated tasting room and offering a fine lineup of ten wines from 2011 and 2012 vintages.
“We are also introducing our new Wine Club this spring,” Oleg said.
Free membership in the Moraine Wine Club includes exciting benefits like free tastings of new releases, free shipping of wine in BC and Alberta, free invitations to winery events that will include barrel sampling and vertical tastings, free private vineyard and winery tours and a 15% discount on wine purchases. Oh, and did we mention it’s free!
Back to the wine that Aristarkhov and Kemp have been smiling about.
Viognier 2012
An outstanding example of why this grape is increasing in popularity, and a hot topic among consumers.
Rosé 2012
A true patio sipping and dining treat, this Malbec-Merlot blend is a fruit basket of aromas, including raspberry, strawberry and plum with a hint of rhubarb.
Cliffhanger Red 2012
Merlot and Malbec aged four months in French oak. Match with rib-eye steak, prosciutto and pizza.
Cliffhanger Red 2011
A blend of Gamay and Shiraz. Spicy with raspberry and blackberry notes. Serve with barbecue favourites, game birds and spicy Asian cuisine.
Rounding up the wine lineup are 2012 releases of Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Viognier and Red Mountain 2011, a classic Merlot-Cab Franc-Malbec Bourdeaux blend that cries for Cornish game hen, lamb shanks or chocolate soufflé.
And, finally, Jacq Kemp’s “sticky”–Late Harvest Merlot 2012.
Dark and dried fruit flavours with a hint of cinnamon. Serve with fruit salad, chocolate and cheesecake.
~ Lorne Eckersley