One of the first wineries to beckon visitors arriving to Okanagan Wine Country from the east on Highway 3, Adega on 45th has plenty to make sure their stay is memorable. The large and gorgeous Mediterranean-style wine shop is the first indicator of what’s to come—a lineup of exceptional wines from family owners whose roots stretch back to Portugal.
A nossa casa é a tua casa—Our house is your house—is the slogan at Adega, where the Farinha and Nunes families are eager to share six red wines and five white wines. Each is a reflection of the Osoyoos terroir and the expertise of the long-time fruit-growers in the vineyards.
The 2011 vintages of Malbec and Syrah are terrific expressions of the varietals. Silky and soft, the Malbec has subtle flavours that bring to mind tobacco, vanilla and white pepper. The Syrah is alluringly floral on the nose, with plenty of tannins and a full, round body that will have you thinking steak dinner. The 2011 Cabernet Franc is spicy and tannic, earthy with a hint of anise. Cellaring recommendations for all are 4-7 years.
White wines available at the wine shop include 2012 vintages of un-oaked Chardonnay, Viognier and Pinot Gris, each clean and crisp. Don’t dismiss the 2012 Rosé as a summer-only wine—it will pair beautifully with many meals.
Finally, winter weather and Port-style wines are a perfect match. The 2009 Portao is expected to cellar for more than a decade but it’s drinking very nicely right now!
2012 Viognier
Increasingly popular among BC growers and wine lovers, Adega’s version is a complex blend of citrus and soft fruit flavours with the expected hint of musk.
2011 Quinteto Tinto
A classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec, this is a big and full-bodied red that celebrates the grapes’ characteristics.
~ Lorne Eckersley