With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time for some turkey talk with the proprietor of Tappen’s Recline Ridge Winery, Graydon Ratzlaff.
Graydon and Maureen Ratzlaff have owned Recline Ridge in Tappen since June of 2010, and have been busy selling their unique local wines ever since. He is also a very strong proponent of the Shuswap region, and works hard to develop awareness of this beautiful vacation destination with tourism groups in that area.
This year, Ratzlaff offers up some great product pairings to accompany the perfect bird. Try their 2012 Shuswap Serenade, the driest of their white wines, which is a blend of Madeleine Angevine and Madeleine Sylvanner. This fruity, crisp delight is filled with hints of apricot, melon, strawberry, cinnamon, cloves and caramel.
For something a little different, the Ratzlaffs suggest their 2011 Rosé, Make Me Blush. A Pinot Noir blend, this perennial favourite is prepared in the traditional style. Look for strawberry and peach in the background, which is wonderful with roast poultry.
Red wine aficionados need not miss out on their preferred wine during Christmas dinner. The Ratzlaffs offer up Recline Ridge’s 2011 Gamay Noir as an alternative to the more traditional whites. Light-bodied and fruity, the Gamay Noir is reminiscent of sour cherry, black pepper and dried berries.
Recline Ridge is celebrating their recent Silver Medal from the BC Wine Awards, which was given to their 2011 Hawk’s Haven. You’ll find Recline Ridge wines in cold beer and wine stores, VQA wine shops throughout BC and restaurants in Tappen, Salmon Arm and the Shuswap area.
~ Deanna Rainey