B.C. appellation showcase: Monte Creek 2020 Sparkling Rosé (Thompson Valley BC VQA)

Monte Creek Sparkling Rosé (2020)

At BC Wine Lover we really want to learn about wines from all around the province of British Columbia, and in particular wines from newly named or emerging appellations — known in B.C. as “geographic indications” or G.I.s. A sub-region within a larger G.I. is, not surprisingly, referred to as a sub-G.I. Part of the reason B.C. has so many newly identified regions is because of the work a few years ago done by the BC Appellation Task Group.

The Thompson Valley wine region is one of those new geographic indications that came out of the Task Group’s recommendations. For more on the region, visit this link provided by winebc.com.

FACT: Nestled amongst the natural beauty of the North and South Thompson Rivers with semi-arid conditions and diverse microclimates, Thompson Valley wineries are expanding the boundaries of BC winemaking.

FACT: The most planted grapes in the Thompson Valley are Riesling, Marquette, Maréchal Foch and Chardonnay.

Monte Creek Winery is Kamloops’ largest winery, with 75 acres of vines planted at two estates vineyards, Monte Creek and Lion’s Head. Their tasting room is beautifully designed with an epic view of the Thompson River valley and highway one running along it below. Visit this link for more about the winery and the history of Monte Creek Ranch.

Tasting Notes — what Stacey and I experienced with this wine
Monte Creek Sparkling Rose — back label

We have to admit being delightfully taken aback by how approachable this bubbly was. The darker pink colour and unfamiliar grape (Marquette) had us expecting something much sweeter. Instead, they styling was very dry, with hints of ripe cranberry and finish reminiscent of a red jujube minus the sugary sweetness. Flavours we picked up:

  • Ripe pear
  • Cranberry notes
  • Subtle candy (red jujube)
  • Desert dry
  • Crab apple

We recommend that you get your hands on this 2020 bubbly as soon as it’s available in stores or online. Note the elegant Living Land Series front label above.

“DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED” — Quick Facts on this wine

Monte Creek is built on quality, innovation and sustainability, and our new brand aligns with all three. As part of our launch plan, you get a sneak peek into the next adventure for Monte Creek Winery. Check out our 2020 Living Land Sparkling Rose now available at BC Liquor Stores for a limited time.

This elegant, bubbly rose is make from 100% Thompson Valley BC VQA estate grown Marquette; to our know ledge we are currently the only winery in BC to grow and produce wines from this grape. This crisp and refreshing wine is loaded with notes of strawberries, citrus and stone fruit.

Living Land refers to the idea that great wines can only come from land that is truly alive. It speaks to the concept that in order to grow incredible fruit, you have to promote and maintain an environment that is healthy and working with nature, not against it. Biodiversity above and below ground helps to balance this environment strengthens the grapevine, and creates complexity in the fruit and wine.

What kind of grape is Marquette?

We didn’t know anything about the Marquette grape before we tasted this Monte Creek Ranch bubbly, but the always fun and knowledgable Madeline Paquette, co-founder of Wine Folly, does a great job explaining more about this grape.