All the wines produced at this boutique, farm gate winery are grown in a sustainable vineyard and created with minimal interference. Every aspect of the wines’ evolution is natural. This is a winery that allows the quality of the grapes to speak for themselves.
Medal-Worthy Nocturnus
This September, Nighthawk Vineyards introduced its latest release: Nocturnus, a beautiful Bordeaux-style blend of 65 per cent Merlot, 25 per cent Malbec and 10 per cent Cabernet Franc. Named in keeping with the winery’s theme, Nocturnus is the Latin for “of the night”— a name that conjures up late-night, romantic dinners under the stars with the perfect bottle of wine. And Nocturnus is that wine. Rich and full bodied, terroir driven, it’s the product of a very hot dry summer, exceptional for grape growing. This wine pairs exquisitely with anything barbecued, like thick marbled steaks or rack of lamb with roasted rosemary potatoes. As we head towards cooler months, add Nocturnus to any meal featuring comfort foods, like braised short ribs or beef bourguignonne.
The wine critics loved this wine — it received a Bronze at the Wine Align National Wine Awards of Canada (NWAC), one of Canada’s most influential competitions, this is an impressive beginning for an unreleased wine. This a limited release so be warned: it won’t last long. Get your orders in now.
Award-Winning Pinot Noir
Another Nighthawk Red that fared well at NWAC was Nighthawk’s 2015 estate-grown Pinot Noir. “This wine is a great reflection of our terroir,” says winery owner, Daniel Bibby. “It features the earthy characteristics of Pinot, with a distinctive minerality and a hint of spice.” A complex wine, the Pinot Noir was finished in Tuscan concrete tanks, producing a wonderfully textured mouthfeel. Daniel, a former executive chef, suggests pairing it with wild mushroom risotto or duck confit with lemon thyme polenta. The combination possibilities are endless.
Bronze and Silver Chardonnay
Nighthawk’s fabulous 2016 Chardonnay recently won two medals: a Bronze at NWAC and a Silver at the British Colombia’s Wine Awards — the province’s oldest and largest competition. This wine is causing a sensation overseas as well; the Norwegians love it. It’s now available at 59 stores throughout the country. This fine, estate-grown Chardonnay was aged for eight months in oak and features aromatic sophistication and mineral complexities characteristic of Nighthawk’s high-altitude vineyard. Imagine a silky-smooth mid-palate with a crisp, lengthy finish: delicious. Try it with tarragon lemon chicken, a Bay scallop chowder with bacon and potatoes or take it on a picnic and enjoy it with one of the Okanagan’s famous views. There’s no wrong way to drink a wine, so hurry and buy a couple of bottles while supplies last.