Sep
22
Written by:
John Gerum
9/22/2010 10:03 AM
Founders Claude and Inge Violet have passed on the reign to new owners, but many of the principals such as the winemaker and the vineyard manager have been with Domaine since the beginning. The winery produces outstanding whites from its Langley vineyards that qualify for 100 mile status wines. Add to that a large and interesting tasting room, and one of the best winery restaurants in BC, and you have a true Okanagan experience an hour's drive from Vancouver. The Bistro Restaurant overlooks the vineyards, and the cuisine is as genuine French bistro as I have ever experienced.
At many winery tasting rooms around BC, I have noticed that the tasting staff does not have the knowledge to discuss the wines in depth. This is not the case at Domaine, where the staff are extremely well versed with not only wines from BC but from around the world.
The only new wines released since the new owner took over, are the Canoe Cove line of wines which continue to sell well. These wines reflect a new world style that sets them back from the traditional Germanic wines that Domaine produces.
The Bacchus vine produces outstanding wine from the local vineyards. Domaine has produced two versions, one an off-dry style and the other a dry style, both equally impressive. The Bacchus shows green apple, pear, and peach flavour that marry well with the slightly floral nose.
Also a 100 mile wine the Madeleine Sylvaner is an impressive array of peach, pear and citrus with hints of sweet herbs and a touch of clover honey.
The Pinot Gris is sourced from the Okanagan, but is a good example of the BC style of this grape. Light lemon and tropical aromas with a bit of vanilla from partial oak aging. The acid levels are brisk but bright and crisp.
The founders, Claude & Inge Violet, realized that the cool and short summers in the Fraser Valley would not produce grapes that could be made into full bodied reds. So, they ventured up to the South Okanagan and convinced an orchard farmer to pull out the trees and plant Syrah vines. To this day that vineyard still supplies Domaine with grapes for its Syrah. The wine shows black berry, smoke, cedar and a touch of cardamom spice, and is an excellent pairing for BBQ ribs.
So explore your own backyard and visit this winery gem in the heart of the Fraser Valley. You will be amazed, as were the tour participants, who had no idea this wonderful winery existed.