Zweigelt is a rare grape variety in the Okanagan Valley and very well suited to the Okanagan’s dry, continental climate. A native to Austria, where it was developed in 1920 by crossing two local varieties: Blaufränkisch (also known as Lemberger) and St. Laurent, Zweigelt is now one of the most widely planted reds in Austria, but it hardly grows outside of that country. It was named after Professor Dr. Zweigelt, the director of the research institute where the grape variety was developed. The grapes for this wine were first planted in British Columbia in 1999 at our Deep Creek Estate property. Since then, the wine has started out as a light to medium body red. In the early years, it has been an unoaked spicy fruity wine. Today, this wine is a full body red, which tastes great when oaked. Its spicy-fruit forward-taste makes it a perfect candidate for pairing with all kinds of meats. Our favored pairing is with wild game. This wine won best of show in Los Angeles and was served at the 80th Oscars. The grapes were harvested in November 4th at an average of 24.3% sugar, and fermented on the skins for 14 days, giving the juice a deep ruby red color, with a characteristic bluish tinge. It was aged for 18 months in one vintage medium tossed Opus one French oak barrel, in which it went through malolactic fermentation. Raspberry, blackberry and cocoa notes dominate the aromas, with background hints of leather and nutmeg. Lightly oaked, it has a hint of vanilla with a dry finish and soft tannins. This makes it a natural match with many kinds of dishes. Its mouth-filling, smooth and yet fruit-forward character will make a wonderful match with many wild game and even seafood dishes, especially if the flavors are bold. Southeast Asian and Mediterranean dishes are also excellent companions to this unique wine. Sharp cheeses like aged cheddar and Asiago are also great companions to the wine. This marks Deep Creek’s fourth vintage of Zweigelt, in both the oak-aged and unoaked styles. The wine has enjoyed tremendous popularity among our customers, and has been a consistent medal-winner. When still young, it will benefit from some air contact, letting the wine breathe and decanting it will improve its flavors. Winemaker Walter Huber expects this wine to drink well and keep improving from now until at least 2020.

• Country of origin: Canada.
• Region: British Columbia.
• Grape varietal: Zweigelt.
• Alcohol % by volume: 14%.
• Capacity: 750ml.
• Vintage year: 2004.
• Age: 18 months.
• Name of chateau: Deep Creek Wine Estate.