Township 7 releases two Reserve white wines from the challenging “heat-dome” 2021 vintage and the 2019 Polaris sparkling wine. Here are the winemaking and tasting notes for these premium wines.
Township 7 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2021
The 2021 vintage is considered one of the most challenging BC wine-growing seasons. The extremely hot summer, with late June temperatures as high as 47 0C meant the BC Harvest was started and completed several weeks earlier than normal. Although, yields were down again the fruit quality was high with very ripe, small berries, exploding with flavour.
This vintage is crafted with fruit from our estate Blue Terrace Vineyard in North Oliver. Its stony soils retain heat throughout the cool September evenings allowing the fruit to ripen thoroughly and providing a distinct minerality to the grapes. This 100% barrel fermented, and aged (7 months) Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in 15% new and 85% neutral French oak barrels all coming from the Bordeaux region. Lees stirring occurred weekly during fermentation on both batches contributing to the full mouthfeel and balancing the crisp acidity.
Alcohol 13.2% | pH 3.37 | TA 6.2 g/l | RS 2.6 g/l | Vegan
The wine rekindled fond memories of sipping California Fume´Blanc on the Santa Barbara pier.
The oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc is bright and aromatic with vibrant aromas of passion fruit, honeycomb and herbs. Flavours of green apple, gooseberry and Meyer lemon zest with perfectly integrated toasted oak. The wine has a wonderfully rounded mouthfeel. There are very few BC oaked Sauvignon Blanc to choose from and the Township 7 wine is perfection! 92 Points.
Township 7 seven stars Polaris 2019
The seven stars Polaris is a Blanc de Blancs Brut made from 100% unoaked Chardonnay. The grapes are handpicked with high natural acidity, which is maintained throughout an extended time in the bottle.
Crafted with fruit from two premium south Okanagan vineyards, Hidden Terrace in north Oliver delivers Chardonnay with excellent phenolic ripeness and the Naramata Bench estate provides ideal acidity and freshness to the finished wine.
The wine was en tirage for 21 months to ensure the development of autolytic attributes. After riddling, the winemaker disgorged and added a proprietary dosage for a beautifully complex sparkling wine with a depth of flavour. The wine was bottle aged for 9 months prior
to release.
Alcohol 12.5% | pH 3.04 | TA 9.8 g/l | RS 9.5 g/l | Vegan
The stunning, BC bubbly has subtle aromas of orchard fruits. The creamy mousse gives an elegant texture to the mouthfeel and enhances the flavours are apple and citrus. The high acidity is beautifully balanced and the energetic bubbles give this wine a fresh and crisp finish. 93 Points.
Township 7 Benchmark Series Reserve Chardonnay 2021
The grapes for this Chardonnay were selected from two premium Oliver vineyards, Hidden Terrace and Sunflower. This combines the warmth of the eastern valley floor and the cooler nights of the higher elevation McIntyre Bluff site to produce a balanced wine.
The wine was spontaneously fermented in 100% French oak barrels, of which 28% were new. The barrels were hand stirred for 8 weeks to increase lees contact and add roundness to the palate. This battonage process, as well as the malolactic fermentation, softened any harsh acids for a rich and textured mouthfeel. The wine was then barrel aged for 12 months prior to bottling.
Alcohol 13.2% / pH 3.67 / TA 5.9g/L / RS 2.4 g/L – Vegan wine
A bold and full-bodied oaked Chardonnay. Vibrant and rich aromas of green apple, lemon zest and vanilla. The mouthfeel is rich and creamy with flavours of apple, vanilla and caramel. A perfectly balanced rich wine with a clean persistent finish. 93 Points.
Pair the chardonnay with roasted chicken and chutney or grilled fish.
Here is the link to purchase these premium BC wines from Township 7 Vineyards & Winery
For information on other wines in the Township 7 portfolio see – The Township 7 Vineyards & Winery 2020 Vintage and A trio of seven stars sparklers from Township 7.