This will be the 6th year that Quinta Ferreira has been selling their wines from their beautiful wine shop with a commanding view of the town of Oliver and Macintyre Bluff. A lot of wines have won a lot of awards in those 6 years and it’s unlikely to stop this year with their new releases.
These new releases include the 2009 Merlot and 2011 Viognier, both highly acclaimed and wildly popular since their debut. The Viognier in particular has attracted attention as one of the best examples in the valley of this popular but still rare variety.
As well, the Ferreira’s will be releasing the 2010 Malbec and the extremely rare Zinfandel from 2009, of which only 25 cases are produced annually making it a true hidden gem in BC wine. To get your hands on a bottle of south Okanagan Zin, you’ll need to visit the wine shop and probably the sooner, the better.
A new gem in the collection this year will be a Late Harvest Cabernet Franc from 2011. Although not as rare a grape variety as the Zinfandel, it is not very common to see this dark grape dressed up for dessert. If you did not get to try the port-style wine, Porta D’Ouro 2009, there may still be some available in early summer. Though different in style, both wines will make excellent partners for after-dinner sweets.
Quinta Ferreira will be hosting their 2nd Annual Paella event on Sunday, July 14th from 11:30 to 4pm. This is a great outdoor event featuring paella prepared by Chef Jeff Van Geest, wine by the glass, and live music from The Gala Vanters, it promises to be an amazing wine country experience. Tickets are available at the wine shop and at the door.
~ Luke Whittall