Moraine Estate Winery at only four years old has garnered enough international and local awards and accolades that would make any winery proud for a lifetime. But they are just getting started. Winemaker Jacq Kemp has excelled and continues to excel in creating award winners, and this will only increase as her knowledge and comfort level working with the vines grown on the estate has become intimate.
In early April at the 2016 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Moraine won big again beating out many different varietals from around the world– 3824 to be precise! Winners: Riesling 2015- Gold, Cliffhanger Red 2014- Silver, and Gewürztraminer 2015- Bronze.
The high quality of wines being produced at Moraine are a combination of the unique terroir achieved in their glorious sloping vineyards facing Okanagan Lake on the Naramata Bench. The soil conditions work in concert with the sunshine hours and reflection off the lake, and Jacq’s gentle yet firm touch, especially needed to craft the persnickety Pinot Noir grape, is indeed a gift.
Proprietors Oleg and Svetlana Aristarkhov moved to wine country from Alberta. The winery is a family business with the Naramata estate vineyards, named for their two daughters Anastasia and Sophia, producing a range of varietals, two very popular and affordable blends (Cliffhanger White and Cliffhanger Red) as well as an icewine.
2015 Riesling – $23.90
Whole bunch pressed and fermented at cool temperatures, this multi award-winning Riesling is exclusively available on-line, at tasting room and for wine club members. Find hints of dried apricots and orchids. The natural acidity of this wine is balanced well by the natural residual sugars.
Cliffhanger Red 2014 – $18.90
This version of Cliffhanger Red is comprised of Malbec and Merlot grapes that were produced on the Anastasia vineyard. Bottling took place after 4 months in French oak, creating mouthwatering aromas of raspberries, blackberries, and cassis married together with mocha and milk chocolate. The tannins are quite soft and easy to approach. Allow your palate to navigate a firm acidity without the presence of sour undertones. Be sure to take notice of the fruitful flavors of cherries, both red and black, swirled in with mocha and chocolate.
~ Jennifer Schell