I first met Daniel Bontorin four years ago when he was the winemaker at Volcanic Hills Estate Winery in West Kelowna. Since then I have had the opportunity to try many of his excellent BC wines, including his own brands Bottega Wine Studio and Seven Directions.
The 2020 releases highlight his advancement as a winemaker.
You can also jump straight to the tasting notes in the highlighted section.
Here is a quick introduction to the two brands, followed by the tasting notes for the three wines.
Seven Directions Wine
Seven Directions Wine is a “rosé exclusive” brand, dedicated to producing single-vineyard, single varietal rosé wines from select varieties and sustainable purpose farmed vineyards. The namesake comes from their blended family of 5 children and the 2 of them. With their lives going in ‘seven directions’ this made for the perfect name. If you’re looking for some of the most sought after rosé for your patio relaxation time, a family turkey dinner, or just a fragrant dry glass of pink on any given day, then Seven Directions Wine is your rosé headquarters.
Daniel Bontorin & Kristine Little, Co-Owners
K Little Vintners™
K Little Vintners™. We are excited about our newest addition to our wine family. K Little Vintners pays homage to the family name behind Bottega Wine Studio, it’s brands and Kristine Little, our winemaker’s wife. Like the Littles, these red and white blends reflect their transparency, honesty and easy-going nature, while staying true to their roots. Similar to our viticulture and winemaking philosophy we used to grow these premium grapes, and create these delicious blends.
The Wines
Seven Directions Tractor and Vines Pinot Noir Rosé 2019 ($20.99)
Viticulture & Winemaking
Sourced from a single vineyard, the grapes for this Pinot Noir rosé were sustainably farmed on the Tractor & Vines Vineyard located in Summerland.
This tiny 1.1-acre parcel sits at lake level and faces perfectly East-West. The soil for these 12-year-old vines consists of rich organic matter, silty clay loam and Fluvioglacial deposits. Rooted on Riparia Gloire and grafted with close 667. An early growing season was experienced again this vintage but with a cooler overall year which resulted in lower Brix and alcohol.
We were blessed with a normal crop size of 4.7 tons in total with excellent balance. Using minimalist low intervention winemaking, these grapes were hand-harvested the earliest ever for this vineyard on September 30, 2019, at 21.48 Brix. Crushed, cold-soaked on the skins for a mere 2 hours, gently pressed.
Fermentation took place in 75% stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and aroma, as well as 25% in neutral French oak barrels for added creaminess and texture.
Daniel Bontorin, Winemaker
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Alcohol 13.0%, pH 3.12, TA 7.1g/L, RS 3.9 g/L. 250 cases
TASTING NOTES
A gorgeous grapefruit and melon hue.
On the nose, the wine is like walking through an orange grove bursting with springtime blossoms followed by a garden with roses and jasmine in bloom.
Flavours of strawberry, grapefruit and mandarin orange. Creamery, smooth finish with a slight hint of bitterness to keep the palate aroused. BC rose´ doesn’t get any better. 92 points
K*Little My White ($17.99)
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING
The white (mostly Gewürztraminer and a bit of Pinot Gris) is more Alsatian in style, smooth, lots of flavours but not over the top. Both grapes are from the Naramata Bench. It has 1 year aged in the bottle now and has gained some fatness.
TASTING NOTES
A lovely clear, light straw coloured white wine. This is a fruit-driven blend. Fresh floral and citrus blossom aromas. On the palate, ripe apple, Anjou pear, Meyer lemon, key lime, a rich mouthfeel and pleasant finish. Definitely a summer patio sipper. 89 Points
K*Little My Red ($18.99)
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING
The red wine is mostly Merlot and some Cabernet Franc. Aged 24 months in French oak, 50% second fill and 50% third fill. Aged as a blend. The Merlot is from Osoyoos and the Cabernet Franc from the same vineyard as the Seven Directions Cabernet Franc rose´.
TASTING NOTES
This is an easy-drinking red but with enough structure to be appreciated by the seasoned drinker. On the nose black fruit and chocolate are dominant. Flavours of blackberry, black currant and dark chocolate with black pepper and earthy notes. Good to drink now but will improve with cellar ageing. 88 Points.
To order this excellent BC Rosé please visit the Seven Directions Wine website.
You can find the links to previous Bottega Wine Studio vintages – Seven Directions Wine Vintage 2017 Rosé, Bottega releases Merlot and Viognier and Bottega Wine Studio / Seven Directions Releases
Sales
- Okanagan area & cellar door – Daniel @ Bottega Wine Studio 1-250-689-1439
- Vancouver area Rich @ Massey Wine & Spirits 1-604-454-4046
- Vancouver Island – Rayna @ Quench Wines 1-250-884-7497