The Niche Wine Company is a family affair with the winery operated by James and Joanna Schlosser. The estate’s 8-acre “Hugh and Mary” vineyard is located on a high ridge in West Kelowna, at the base of the McDougall Rim Trail, overlooking Lake Okanagan. They produce around 1000 cases annually.
The Winemaker
James Schlosser is the Co-Founder and Winemaker for Niche. He received his Masters’s degree in Oenology and Viticulture from Brock University in Niagara. This, followed by another 15 years of winemaking experience has taught James that although it’s important to be attentive throughout the process, ultimately wine is an expression of the things you can’t control!
Harvest 2020
“We kicked off this harvest with a bottle of bubbles to celebrate 10 years of harvest for Niche! Almost exactly 5 weeks later, we’ve crushed 12 tons of grapes from our own farm and an additional 6 tons from neighbouring farms in Osoyoos and Naramata— a far cry from the 3 tons we crushed in 2010.
You may have heard already that grape volumes were down almost 30% across the Valley but when it comes to grapes, a lower yield is not always bad news. The 2020 vintage delivered healthy fruit with beautiful flavour profiles. This confirms something we’ve known for quite some time — small can be mighty.
We picked the last of the Pinot and not a day later Mother Nature delivered almost a foot of snow. Timing is everything! The Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot blanc, and Riesling are happily fermenting in the winery and the Pinot noir and Merlot are cold-soaking snow-side. All’s well that ends well and most importantly… wine is on the way! “
Joanna Schlosser
The Niche Wines
Niche Wine Farm Fresh White 2020 ($22)
“Our small blocks of Gewurztraminer and Riesling live side by side so they’ve basically grown up together and blending them just felt right. The bold acidity of the Riesling and the freshness of the Gewürztraminer join forces in the fight against monotony. The fruit was just the right amount of ripe making it easy to work with (we just love it when the grapes can get along). The secret sauce? 30% aromatic Riesling, 70% of our glorious Gew.”
This easy-sipping wine is perfectly layered, showcasing the true characteristics of each varietal. From nose to palate, enjoy notes of peach, floral, lemon, and spice. This three varietal blend creates the perfect wine to pair with an Okanagan beach. And if you’re hungry take out the barbecue, and serve it with a grilled peach and burrata salad, or Hawaiian chicken burgers on a brioche bun.
Niche Wine Gewurztraminer 2020 ($24)
Prominent aromas of lychee and floral notes rise from the glass. Each sip will have you picking up new flavours like honey, mango and lemon. Enjoy this wine with a traditional pairing of Thai peanut rolls, or go outside of the box and try it with mango gelato (local Kelowna shop QB Gelato never disappoints) or cardamom creme brulee. You can’t Gew wrong!
Niche Wine Pinot Noir 2020 ($28)
“Once the grapes hit the crush pad they were fermented in small, ½ ton lots and cold-soaked for 10 days. They were punched down three times a day and then gently basket pressed and aged in 25% new French Oak for 10 months. These barrels were then given a lot of attention (think gravity flow and little-to-no pumps)”
Only 12% Alcohol. Fruit forward, balanced, and bright—this Pinot’s got it all! This Pinot noir was made in the vineyard and once harvested was made with minimal intervention and maximum farming effort. This pinot delivers loads of raspberry on the nose with hints of tobacco and pepper. The palate is all kinds of cherry, spice, and well, everything nice. This is a great example of an elegant Okanagan Pinot Noir.
For the complete portfolio of Niche Wine Co. wines please visit their website.
Note: The original 2018 article was updated to include the current vintages.