Sandhill Pinot Gris 750ml

FLAVOUR PROFILE

Bright straw yellow colour with a clean fresh aroma of yellow plum, melon, pineapple, peach blossom and tangerine. At first sip this light to medium-bodied wine has a slightly rich mouth-feel, then refreshing juicy acidity zips across the palate with flavours of green apple, pineapple, melon, orange and a touch of white pepper spice. Green apple, grapefruit and lemon freshness lingers on the finish. Serve lightly chilled at 12 to 14˚C.  Pairs well with smoked salmon dishes; quiche; sautéed scallops; crab cakes; pork tenderloin with apricot stuffing; grilled chicken with an almond, apricot rice pilaf; butternut squash soup with toasted almonds.

GROWING CONDITIONS

Noteworthy of the 2012 growing season was the month of June when frequent rain resulted in twice the normal monthly average, producing very vigorous growth, particularly in the mid to north valley. This required our growers to do extensive shoot thinning and fruit removal to maintain quality. 
July, August and September were back to normal, with dry, sunny, warm months. The growing season finished with just above the average heat units expected in the Okanagan Valley. This was very welcome compared to the very cool 2011 vintage. 
Ripening proceeded almost linearly, with most whites ripening nicely starting mid-September, followed by reds throughout October. Quality of both whites and reds are above average.

WINEMAKER NOTES

“The King Family Vineyard is located in a cooler area of the Okanagan, close to Naramata. Grapes grown in cooler soils have a more intense and edgy fruit character with a certain amount of fresh liveliness to them. The 2012 vintage is clean, crisp and vibrant on the palate with only a slight hint of tropical fruit flavours.”