Adding another world-class-level medal to its impressive list of accolades, Kalala Organic Estate Winery stepped to the podium again at the Chardonnay du Monde competition in France. The 2016 Chardonnay Icewine won second among 679 competitors from 39 wine-producing countries at the 2018 competition. Top gold medal was awarded to Liquidity Estate Winery of Okanagan Falls.
According to Kalala founder and owner Karnail Singh Sidhu, “Chardonnay du Monde is our Olympics and we’re proud of our second and of Liquidity’s first place. Shining the light through being judged the world’s two top Chardonnays is good for the Okanagan and BC wine producers and Canada’s entire wine industry.”
Located on West Kelowna’s upper bench, Kalala, started by Sidhu and family, has made award-winning, reasonably priced wines since July 2006. The vineyards were deemed certified organic in September 2010. Kalala, which means “Miracle Place,” is a symbol of the commitment to harmony with nature, organic viticulture and winemaking practices.
“Honestly,” admits Sidhu, “being recognized among the best winemakers in the world is not surprising. We’ve learned from each other the secrets to making good wine, which starts with growing good grapes. Then, rather than hurry, extend the aging and fermentation process to enhance the flavour and raise the alcohol level a little higher.”
He credits Okanagan wine industry consultant Alan Marks with encouraging Kalala’s ongoing pursuit of excellence. Marks says watching Kalala’s medal count rise in a highly competitive field is not surprising. Sidhu also attributes the growing conditions of West Kelowna, which features good soil with good exposure to the sun.
While some grape varieties come and go, notes Sidhu, Chardonnay is never out of fashion. Kalala’s Chardonnay Icewine is renowned for its cool-climate flavours and aromas such as honeysuckle, lemon and apricot. For more information on the wines and Kalala Winery visit www.kalala.ca