Wine Picks

Shari’s Let’s Go West Pick! Quails’ Gate Chardonnay, VQA British Columbia, 2018.

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Quails’ Gate Chardonnay, VQA British Columbia, 2018

Since most of us are at home, I thought we could explore more wines from Canada. We should be very proud of our local wines. Many can easily compete on the world stage. So don’t be afraid to splurge a little!

I have selected a dry Chardonnay from British Columbia that really stands out for me, Quails’ Gate Chardonnay, VQA British Columbia, 2018 This is a cool climate, world class, white wine with aging potential. If you have the patience to store it for a few years, it will develop even more complex flavours and aromas.

Quails’ Gate vineyards.

Some of the finest (and most expensive) white wines in the world are born in Burgundy, France from Chardonnay grapes. In fact, serious wine makers look to this region for inspiration when producing their Chardonnay wines. This wine reminds me of the taste of Burgundian wines, it is not high in oak flavours, is fresh, balanced and understated.

I recently tasted Quails’ Gate Chardonnay, VQA British Columbia, 2018. Quails’ Gate Estate Winery is a multi-generational family owned winery founded in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia in 1956. This is a delicious Chardonnay. Lucky for us in Ontario, the wine is available here. It was recently released though VINTAGES. Many wines from British Columbia do not make their way to the wine shelves in Ontario due, in part, to a lack of supply and a strong local market.

Quails’ Gate Chardonnay, VQA British Columbia, 2018*| 750 mL bottle | 14% alc/vol | sugar 2 g/L | screw cap | VINTAGES +377770 | $24.95

*The vintage on the label in the photo is incorrect.


I found this wine to be fresh and rich. It has tropical flavours, fruit flavours while the minerality shines through. It has a subtle and soft finish.

This is a versatile food wine and can easily be served with pasta in light cream sauce, assorted poultry dishes and rich fish dishes.

You can travel to western Canada in your home, by tasting wines from the area!

Stay safe and enjoy home.

Cheers,

Shari

Outside Ontario? Try WineSearcher.

Winery photos courtesy of Quails’ Gate Estate Winery.

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