This is the third set of Township 7 wines we have been fortunate to taste this year and the first trio of traditional sparkling wines.
The “seven stars” Vision
“Over two decades ago, we had a vision to craft a sparkling wine of distinction. Township 7 was amongst the first wineries in BC to create a méthod champenoise wine with our inaugural seven stars 1999. Since then we have won innumerable awards – highlighted by Best Canadian Sparkling Wine at the prestigious Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships 2019 in London, England.
With winemaker Mary McDermott’s passion and extensive expertise in traditional method wines, we have expanded our growing collection of small lot cuvées: Polaris, Equinox, Sirius, Vega and Eclipse. We hope you enjoy tasting our stars!”
Township 7 seven stars Equinox 2018
This alluring, single-vineyard sparkling Brut Rosé is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes sourced from Stoneridge Vineyard in Okanagan Falls.
Situated on a southwest-facing hillside overlooking the meandering Okanagan river by Vaseaux Lake, the climate here is ideal for sparkling grapes. The intense south Okanagan summer heat is tempered by the coolness of its elevation and proximity to the river. The good acidity that is maintained accentuates aromatics and fruit flavours within the finished wine. The wine was left en tirage for 30 months to ensure the development of autolytic characters. After riddling and disgorging, a small amount of our proprietary dosage was added for complexity and depth of flavour.
12% Alcohol | pH 3.1 | TA 9.1 g/L | RS 6.4 g/L | Vegan
A fabulous pale salmon-coloured Brut Rosé sparkling wine. Equinox is inspired by the date when day and night are of equal length. The wine is complex due to the extended aging on the lees and tannin profile.
Aromas of fresh strawberry and rhubarb dance from the glass with a breath of brioche and Meyer lemon. Flavours of strawberry, rhubarb, citrus and ripe apple. The mousse is creamy, the body of the wine has refreshing acidity and the bubbles have amazing length. 94 Points
Township 7 seven stars Vega 2020
Seven stars Vega is a Viognier-based sparkling wine. The grapes from the Fool’s Gold Vineyard in Oliver were picked with high natural acidity which is maintained throughout time in the bottle. The wine was left “en tirage” for 12 months so the aromatic character of the variety was maintained and a small amount of autolytic character was present. After riddling, the wine is disgorged and a proprietary dosage is added for varietal character and aroma.
12.5% Alcohol | pH 3.2 |TA 8.3 g/L | RS 5.7 g/L | Vegan
Another terrific sparkling wine. Aromas of pink grapefruit and Mandarin orange mingle with brioche. Creamy on the palate with a long finish. 92 Points
Township 7 Rigel seven stars 2020
Sourced from a block of clone 21B riesling at Fool’s Gold Vineyard in North Oliver. The Western sloping vineyard is comprised of sandy clay loam soil, with abundant rocks and gravel, providing excellent drainage.
The fruit was gently pressed and fractioned off to separate tanks for free-run and gently pressed portion. Only the free-run juice was used in the cuvée. The juice was then cold-settled before fermentation in stainless steel. The ferment was cool, enabling the retention of the most delicate fruit aromatics. En tirage was for 12 months prior to disgorging and adding a proprietary dosage, for an expressive, bright and delicious sparkling wine.
12.0% Alcohol | pH 3.1, TA 8.9 g/L, RS 12 g/L | Vegan
Rigel is named for a blue supergiant star in the constellation of Orion and this sparkler does shine. Aromas of lime zest and stone fruit with flavours of lemon, green apple, white peach and biscuit. Beautifully balanced with crisp acidity and a long creamy mineral finish. 93 Points
Winemaker’s Dinner
Wineclub members can enjoy these wines at the BlackDog winemaker’s dinner to be held November 4th and 5th at Salt & Thyme Catering in Willoughby, Central Langley.
Other Township 7 Wines
For the tasting notes on other Township 7 new releases see Red Wines and Whites and Merlot.
Here is the link to purchase these BC wines from Township 7 Vineyards & Winery