Township 7 Vineyards & Winery has released three elegant wines to be enjoyed this fall and winter. A tasty Riesling and still and sparkling Viognier wines from the “Heat Dome” 2021 vintage. Before going to the tasting and background notes on the wine, here are the highlights of the unique 2021 season and harvest.
2021 Vintage Report
“The 2021 vintage is considered one of the most challenging growing seasons we have seen in the British Columbia wine industry. The warm spring led to a sweltering and dry summer. Record temperatures were set across the province and challenged us to keep the vines cool and watered. The heat dome struck the province just as the berries set and bunches were swelling, shutting the growth down. This resulted in much lower crop levels, varying by location, from 10-50% down. The lower yields meant earlier ripening and we started harvesting Chardonnay for sparkling on August 24 and completed our reds harvest on October 14, well ahead of usual.
We also had challenges with local smoke in certain South Okanagan regions. Most growers were unscathed, however, a few vineyards in Okanagan Falls and Osoyoos were affected by smoke taint, as they were extremely close to the fires.
Overall, despite the challenges from Mother Nature, the quality of the wine is great. We have maintained excellent acidity and balance within the wines. Yields were low but the quality was undoubtedly high.”
Mary McDermott, Township 7 Winemaker
Township 7 Benchmark Series Riesling 2020 ($29.97)
This single-vineyard Riesling is from the Fool’s Gold Estate in North Oliver, which is owned by Mark Antonello, a well-known vineyard manager. The property was planted over 2 decades ago by his father-in-law, Richard Cleave, the Okanagan’s most renowned viticulturist. The western sloping site benefits from the afternoon sun with the sandy clay loam soil containing a lot of rocks and gravel, providing excellent drainage.
The fruit was gently pressed and cold-settled before being fermented cold (10-12°C) in stainless steel and neutral oak barrels. The ferment was long and slow to retain the delicate fruit aromatics. The vibrant acidity ensures the wine will age beautifully in the bottle.
The sweetness of this Riesling is right on the border between dry and off-dry. Aromas of apple blossom and stone fruit and flavours of Key lime, Meyer lemon, golden apple, pineapple and apricot. This is a perfectly balanced riesling with an almost effervescent mouthfeel from the vibrant acidity. 91 points
Township 7 Benchmark Series Viognier 2021 ($30.97)
The 100% Viognier is from Fool’s Gold Vineyard in Oliver. The warm sites allow for full ripeness of this Rhone variety which enhances the fruit-forward aromatics and palate.
The Viognier was fermented in a stainless steel tank and 2 barrels to add texture to the palate. It was fermented between 16-18oC to allow for some roundness to be incorporated into the finished wine.
13.0% Alcohol | pH 3.4 |TA 6.5 g/L | RS 2.8 g/L | Vegan
The dry viognier has floral aromas with pink grapefruit, key lime and honeysuckle highlights. The palate is bursting with tropical flavour including passion fruit. Well balanced with good acidity and a refreshingly light touch of bitterness. 90 Points
Township 7 seven stars Vega 2021 (wine club exclusive)
The single vineyard wine, Vega is made with Viognier from the Fool’s Gold Vineyard. An ideal site, it slopes to the west to take full advantage of the afternoon sun. The sandy, clay loam soil is strewn with rocks and gravel, providing excellent drainage.
The grapes are picked with high natural acidity, maintained throughout the time in the bottle. The wine was left en tirage for 12 months to ensure the bright aromatics of this classic Rhône variety were retained, along with the development of some rich and creamy autolytic characteristics. After riddling, the wine is disgorged and the winemaker’s proprietary dosage is added to further develop character and aromas.
12.5% Alcohol | pH 3.2 |TA 10.1 g/L | RS 14 g/L | Vegan
A majestic sparkling wine. Aromas of pink grapefruit and Mandarin orange mingle with brioche. Creamy on the palate with a long finish and bubbles that last forever. 92 Points
Here is the link to purchase these excellent value BC wines from Township 7 Vineyards & Winery and information on Township 7 Summer Wines.