I’d been planning a trip to Bartier Brothers in Oliver, BC for a while.  I drink so much of their Sémillon, I should own shares in the winery.  A visit was definitely in order.

No sooner did we step on property than we were greeted by the truly lovely Jodi Bartier (winemaker Michael Bartier’s other half) and Jeff from behind the tasting bar.  Tasting and spitting the wines got their attention, and soon I was knee deep into a palette of nine delicious samples.

Almost everything was open and available for a sip – from my favourite Sémillon, a delicate starfruit Sauvignon Blanc, a floral, green apple and butterscotchy Chard, and their crisp and refreshing Obrigado (Muscat Ottonel), to a petrol-laced Riesling, a seriously complex Rosé, and some reds (Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot).

The only one not on offer was the Granite – a Gewurztraminer – Pinot Gris blended (67-37%) orange wine that spent 19 days macerating on its skins before ageing four months on lees in stainless steel. Of course I took one home.

A deep shade of onion skin tangerine with yellow grapefruit, daffodil and lemon peel, this dry and edgy beauty also has crunchy herb and green tobacco leaf, black tea, cedar box, and pebbles.  A strong finish gives it great life and length.

What a treat it was to enjoy with aged cheddar and a plate of charcuterie.  Highly recommended if you can find some.