If you can make it on the world stage you can make it anywhere, and Meyer is proving out its forays into markets such as the UK, China, Japan, the Philippines and Norway by taking home a gold medal for their 2015 Pinot Noir in the International Wine Challenge in London, England. The challenge, owned by William Reed Business Media, now in its 34th year, is accepted at the world’s finest and most meticulously judged wine competition. Throughout the rigorous processes, each medal-winning wine is tasted on three separate occasions by at least 10 different judges.
London-based Marks & Spencer carries only one Canadian wine, Meyer, and they entered it into the competition. The winning Pinot Noir was described by the judges as: “Classic varietal nose, layers of cherries and coffee. Elegant, supple tannins, well integrated.”
“An international third party endorsement like this really validates our approach to making wine,” says Janice Stevens-Meyer. “It’s also a tribute to the skills of our winemaker Chris Carson and his focus on single vineyard wines and hands-off natural approach to wine making using organic practices in the vineyard.”
Two new releases are already generating buzz. The 2016 Pinot Noir Saignée Rosé was sourced from four vineyards, each having their own unique aspect, elevation and soils resulting in a complex, elegant wine with plenty of finesse. Produced using the traditional saignée method of draining off juice from Pinot Noir ferments in the early stages of cold soaking and then transferred to seasoned older red wine barrels.
The 2016 Steven’s Block Chardonnay is made from grapes grown on the family-owned Old Main Road Vineyard on a terrace on the famed Naramata Bench. One of the four acres has the steepest slope and is the coolest part of the Old Main Road site. As the vines have matured this section of the vineyard has developed its own unique terroir. The fruit was fed directly into the press for a long gentle whole cluster press. Only the finest, purest juice from the early stages of the pressing was used for this special wine.
Those lucky enough to pay Meyer Family Vineyards a visit will enjoy the tasting room, patio, expansive lawns and sheltered garden overlooking the vines and can extend their visit by enjoying a lovely lunch of charcuterie, cheeses and other light fare where wine, cider and beer is available by the glass.
If a visit isn’t possible, the Meyer Wine Club gives participants access to small production wines, new releases and wines only allocated for sale through the club.
For those looking for a more in-depth and intimate tasting, a private VIP tasting will offer more of the Meyer Family Vineyards story. Guests will sample the estate’s premier and library wines. Book ahead by email at wineshop@MFVwines.com or by phoning 250-497-8553. www.MFVwines.com