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Summer 2012: With several 2011 wines now on shelves, we know that the quality is excellent, but how much of it is there to go around? Compiled annually, the 2011 BC Wine Grape Crop Report was released in early May and shows a positive trend for consumers wanting more B.C. wines.
The 2011 Crop Report shows that the total tonnage* has increased by a whopping 28 per cent over last year from 17,732 tons in 2010 to 22,722 tons in 2011.
This may come as a surprise to some as 2011 was certainly one of the coolest vintages on record with just 1,400 growing degree days.
It is interesting to note that, according to John Simes, winemaker at Mission Hill Estate Winery in West Kelowna, nearly 50% of the heat, or 685 degree days, were between August 1 and October 1, when it was really needed.
Winemakers agree that it is exceptional for the whites, but the 2011 reds are also showing great promise.
At a tasting held by the BC Wine Institute this spring, several winemakers from across the province came out to chat about vintage 2011 and showcase some new releases. To no surprise, the whites and rosés, including some outstanding wines from newer wine producing regions like Baillie-Grohman in Creston and Fort Berens in Lillooet, all showed exceptionally well, but there was one wine that encouraged a fair bit of discussion: the 2011 Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate SunRock Vineyard Shiraz.
Although it was a barrel sample (the completed wine is set to be released in approximately 18 months), seminar attendees were very impressed with the ripe fruit and depth of the wine.
With respect to the 2011 reds, Sandra Oldfield, winemaker and CEO of Tinhorn Creek Vineyards in Oliver, noted that phenolic ripeness occurred even before the grapes reached optimal sugar levels, which allowed for winemakers to pick earlier and at lower sugar levels which resulted in lower alcohol wines with no loss of flavour development.
With its recent surge in popularity, it may come as no surprise that Cabernet Franc has entered the top 10 this year. Notably absent is Syrah/Shiraz, having dropped from 7 in 2010 to 11 in 2011.
The 2011 BC Wine Grape Crop Report was compiled confidentially by BDO Canada LLP from information collected from 119 wineries across the province.
To view the 2011 BC Wine Grape Crop Report, visit winebc.org.
*Note: Tonnage reported in short tons. Participation in this survey is voluntary; therefore the tonnages reported here may differ from actual industry tonnages