Spring Picnics with a new sparkling wine at River Stone Winery
Owner and winemaker Ted Kane and assistant general manager Julie Planiden at River Stone have reason to celebrate and, as of this season, they now have a new sparkling wine to celebrate with! For the first time, River Stone will release a very unique sparkling wine made from Merlot. The grapes were pressed immediately so that the juice received very little colour. The Sparkling White Merlot NV is a slightly off-dry, Provençal-style rosé with the added bonus of bubbles. It is packaged in a beautiful bottle with a crown cap and available for $22.90. With a total production of only 140 cases, this wine will be a special treat for those who are able to visit the wine shop as well as for members of the River Stone Wine Club. It is a perfect spring wine and River Stone’s patio is the perfect setting for a spring picnic. Being positioned on a south-facing slope in the middle of the valley means that when the sun is up, it warms the patio. Being surrounded by grape vines while picnicking is also a beautiful bonus. There is plenty of room with patio chairs and tables available and a beautiful view at every time of day. There is also wine by the bottle or by the glass.
The 2013 vintage of their red blend, Corner Stone was released earlier in the spring. This is the 5th vintage of their signature wine to be released and is the first to contain Petit Verdot in the blend along with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. With each new vintage, Corner Stone is fast becoming a favourite among collectors looking for serious age-worthy BC wines.
(pictured: Winemaker Ted Kane)
~ Luke Whittall