Montalvino Wineries have scored a vinous coup.
They have landed award-winning French winemaker Caroline Schaller as the new winemaker and general manager of its three properties -- Uppercase Winery in Okanagan Falls, High Note Estate Winery on the Naramata Bench and gadZook Vinery (yes, vinery, not winery).
Born and raised in Toulouse, in the south of France, Schaller has a masters degree in plant chemistry and biology and a specialty in oenology.
She worked in wine in France, Chile and California before moving to the Okanagan in 2017 to be winemaker at Osoyoos Larose, the South Okanagan winery owned by French wine conglomerate Groupe Taillan that makes only Bordeaux-style red wines.
Along the way, Schaller was knighted to the Ordre du Merite Agricole, which is one of France's highest honours recognizing leaders in agriculture, food and wine in relation to how important each is to France's history, economy and culture.
"I am more of a winegrower than a winemaker," said Schaller.
"For me, it starts in the vineyard, which is really where the wine is made. The chance to steward nine estate vineyards at Montalvino, each with its own distinctive terrior and exceptional potential, is what made this such an exciting opportunity."
Schaller oversaw the grape harvests for Uppercase, High Note and gadZook in the fall of 2023, so her mark on the wines will first be tasted by the public later this year as 2023 vintage wines start to be released.
"Although the (2023) crop may be small, our vineyards were resilient and rewarded us with pristine, concentrated fruit," said Schaller.
"We're really excited by what we're tasting in the cellar, even at this early stage. They are characterful wines that uniquely express our estate vineyards from Naramata to Osoyoos."
In the meantime, the three Montalvino wineries are selling a wide range of quality wines from their websites.
Uppercase has White Meritage ($30), Viognier ($30), Petit Verdot ($46), Chardonnay ($25), Malbec ($35), Foundry Red Bordeaux Blend ($50), Cabernet Franc ($35), Pinot Gris ($25), Axis Chardonnay ($35), Serif Red Bordeaux Blend ($23) and Rose ($25).
High Note produces Mediterranean-inspired wines, including Patter Brut ($30), Capriccio Riesling ($28), Soubrette Pinot Grigio ($25), Continuo Rose ($25), Verismo Syrah ($35) and Cadenza Red Blend ($40).
gadZook Vinery is the fun and approachable brand with bright, graphic labels on Zounds White ($13), Rose ($15), Cabernet Franc ($25), White Bubbles ($22), Rose Bubbles ($22) and Merlot ($25).
"We are thrilled to bring Caroline on board as winemaker," said Montalvino director of sales and marketing Levi Gogolinski.
"Her experience in Napa Valley, Chile, southwest France and the Okanagan will only help to build upon the quality and identity we've established at all three properties."
Check out www.montalvino.com.
Whisky from Vancouver Island
For a sensational sip other than wine, let me introduce you to Macaloney's Island Distillery's Na Braiche Whisky from Victoria.
The Na Braiche ($85 for a 750 ml bottle) is a premium single-malt whisky made with Scottish methods and pot stills by Scot ex-pat Graeme Macaloney.
It's matured in Portuguese red wine barrels, so there is a wine tie-in.
And as we do with wine, this whisky gets an array of aroma and flavour descriptors from red berries, dried fruit and brown sugar to oak and honey framed by smooth, creamy layers.
Such a quality whisky is meant to be appreciated and savoured and sipped neat or with a splash of water or on the rocks.
You could also use it in any cocktail that calls for whisky or mix it with Coke or ginger ale, but that might be considered sacrilege for a premium whisky.
Na Braiche is newly available in select BC Liquor Stores.
Steve MacNaull is a NowMedia Group reporter, Okanagan wine lover and Canadian Wine Scholar. Reach him at [email protected]. His wine column appears every Friday afternoon in this space.
