Top-shelf BC white wines are characterized by their exceptional quality, complexity, and expression of the region’s unique terroir. While individual wines may vary based on the grape variety, winemaking techniques, and specific vineyard conditions, here are some general characteristics that are associated with high-quality BC white wines:
- Crisp Acidity BC’s cool climate, particularly in regions like the Okanagan Valley, contributes to the retention of vibrant acidity in white wines. This acidity provides structure and freshness to the wines.
- Expressive Aromatics Top BC white wines often showcase expressive aromas with a focus on the specific characteristics of the grape variety. For example, Chardonnay may exhibit citrus, green apple, and minerality notes, while Sauvignon Blanc may feature herbaceous and tropical fruit aromas.
- Balanced Structure Well-crafted BC white wines typically demonstrate a harmonious balance between acidity, fruit flavours, and body. This balance contributes to the overall elegance and drinkability of the wines.
- Mineral Complexity Wines from certain regions may exhibit mineral notes, reflecting the influence of the soil and terroir. This characteristic can add depth and complexity to the wine.
- Oak Influence (if applicable) Some BC white wines, especially those made from Chardonnay, may undergo oak aging. The oak influence, when well-integrated, can contribute to the wine’s texture, structure, and nuanced flavours.
- Long Finish High-quality white wines often have a lingering finish, where the flavours persist on the palate after each sip. This is a sign of complexity and depth.
- Vintage Variation BC’s climate can vary yearly, leading to vintage variations. Top winemakers navigate these differences to produce wines that reflect the unique characteristics of each growing season.
- Attention to Terroir Wineries that focus on showcasing the terroir of their vineyards aim to express the unique qualities of the soil, climate, and vineyard practices in their wines. This can result in wines with a strong sense of place.
Here are a few from my Top Shelf.
Top Shelf BC White Wines
1. Tantalus Vineyards Old Vine Riesling
A benchmark wine for BC Riesling, renowned for its crisp acidity, complex minerality, and aging potential.
Pale lemon in colour, the aromatics are intense yet subtle and complex. From lime leaf and lemon zest to hints of wet slate and chalk, the aromatics are beautifully highlighted by a briny oyster character. The palate is juicy and developed with apricot, nectarine and fresh lemon all playing their part.
2.CheckMate Artisanal Winery (Chardonnay Series)
Exceptional single-vineyard Chardonnays like “Queen Taken” and “Little Pawn” (100 Points) showcase BC’s world-class potential in this varietal.
3. Quails’ Gate Chenin Blanc
A rare and distinctive varietal for BC, with bright acidity, citrus, and subtle honeyed notes.
4. Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay
Known for its Burgundian style, this wine consistently delivers finesse, balance, and complexity.
Meyer Chardonnay 2021
Four premium Chardonnays from Meyer Family Vineyards highlight the wonderful flavours from the 2021 vintage. The wines include fruit from the Naramata Bench and Okanagan Falls sub-GIs. For more information, see this post – Four Premium Chardonnays from Meyer Family Vineyards.
5. Coolshanagh Old World Chardonnay
Crafted with minimal intervention, this Chardonnay is a stunning example of BC terroir-driven, Old World-style winemaking.
Coolshanagh Chardonnay 2016
As determined by Pedro Parra, each block of Chardonnay grapes is hand-picked at a different time, with the first picking in mid-September and the last in early October 2016. Each section was treated differently to express each unique vineyard location optimally. For 11 months, a percentage of deeper, clay soil sections were whole-cluster pressed into new oak puncheons to ferment, with the remainder being fermented in a concrete egg.
The wine underwent minimal handling and had lees stirring and bottling without fining or filtration. The idea was to create three separate parts that were uniquely represented in the whole wine. Alone, the parts showed the different sections and together with the entire vineyard and all its nuances are brought into balance.
pH 3.67 | TA 5.5 | RS 0.2 | Alcohol 12.3%
Light straw in colour. Golden apple, lemon zest, white flowers and fresh bread aromas. A rich textured and layered mouthfeel with a limestone and granite backbone and a lively red apple and pear finish. 93 Points
The Chardonnay paired perfectly with sous-vide sockeye salmon.
6. Mission Hill Family Estate Chardonnay
It is a rich and elegant wine that seamlessly balances ripe fruit and oak. An iconic example from BC’s Okanagan Valley.
Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2016
Chardonnay is my go-to white when winter comes. A bright straw colour shade of yellow in the glass. Floral and citrus aromas delight you as the wine warms up.
The glass is full of tropical fruit salad, baked apple, lemon zest and lime notes with bright acidity. There is also some fine oak spice and vanilla sprinkled in there, adding complexity. It is medium-full bodied, a lightly butter texture adds the mouthwatering finish and a sense of lingering minerality. Excellent length with notes of Key Lime Pie on the finish. 92 Points.
7. Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars Chardonnay
It is elegantly styled with bright citrus and subtle oak, offering a Burgundian finesse.
8. Painted Rock Estate Winery Chardonnay
Full-bodied and luxurious, with a creamy texture and vibrant fruit flavours.
9. Church and State Viognier
A standout for this varietal in BC, showcasing lush tropical fruit and floral notes with a round, opulent texture.
Church & State Viognier 2019 ($27.60)
Hand-harvested and directly pressed in whole bunches. Fermentation in barrels for 3 weeks. Aged for 8 months in French oak barrels.
Alcohol 13.4% |TA 4.1 g/L | RS 8 g/L
It is a beautiful, light, straw-coloured wine. The Viognier burst forth with a floral aroma of jasmine, lychee and sweet grass. The wine has a light buttery mouthfeel with apricot, nectarine, honeydew melon and lemon flavours. 91 Points
10. Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc
It is a zesty, aromatic wine with bright citrus, tropical fruit, and a refreshing finish.
Wines Excluded from the Top 10 but Still Excellent:
- Culmina Family Estate Winery Whites (e.g., Grüner Veltliner or Riesling): These wines are unique and high-quality but less widely recognized than others.
- Blue Mountain Pinot Blanc is a delightful and distinctive wine but not as iconic as others.
I would love to hear your comments on the list and the ones I have missed!