By Roslyne Buchanan
Three single-vineyard Syrah wines are offered at Rust Wine Co. from their 2017 vintage. This is a continuation of Rust Wine’s top-tier “wines of purpose” – small-lot, single-vineyard wines such as Syrah and Merlot.
Each of these Syrah wines are crafted as similarly as possible. Major differences that shine through the glass are strictly related to the terroir of their respective vineyards. The vineyards are in the Okanagan Valley, Golden Mile Bench and the Similkameen Valley. Why not showcase the distinct qualities of extraordinary vineyards planted as far back as the late ‘60s? In one, find bold ripe black fruits, pepper and olive; in another, raspberry, cola, cherry, plums and vanilla; and in another, dried fruit such as figs, prunes and spices. Taste them to detect the differences.
New Winemaker, Great Wines
New winemaker Ryan de Witte just released his 2019 wines, done in his signature artisan style. There’s an unoaked Chardonnay with no malolactic fermentation, a Pinot Grigio with a bit of skin contact, a Gewürztraminer from the property’s own 50-year-old vines, and an all-new Gamay, released in 750-ml and magnum sizes, where $5 from each bottle goes directly to the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF).
BCHF, especially after the last few months of COVID-19 conditions, has proven itself as a great organization and Rust Wine was keen to support it. The 2019 Gamay is a departure from previous vintages, with lower alcohol and a slightly lighter body, while still displaying notes of cracked pepper, red fruits and tobacco.
The 2019 Pinot Grigio, with aromas of lemon, pear and peach, was chosen for BC Liquor Stores’ Wine Enthusiast program. The 2019 Gewürztraminer shows classic notes of ginger and florals with an unctuous mouthfeel. Of the 2019 Chardonnay, noted wine reviewer and author John Schreiner said, “The wine is reminiscent of Chablis: crisp, fruit-forward, with citrus and green apple on the palate.”
Coming most recently from Niagara’s Leaning Post Wines as assistant winemaker, de Witte has spent time in New Zealand and has a passion for single-vineyard wines. Known for his spirit of experimentation and palate, he achieved WSET Level 3. Rust Wine fits with his goal of “crafting small-lot wines with a strong sense of place.”
Rejuvenation and Change
The name Rust is a nod to the rejuvenation and change of the former winery and the unscripted evolution of rust as a metaphor for wine. People can nudge the process along its way, yet the final product is determined by the vines, the development of the vintage, and memories of its enjoyment.
A comfortable and casual setting with enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols in place, Rust Wine is open daily from 11 am to 7 pm. Learn more at rustwine.com.