Aug 4th is International White Wine Day, making it the perfect excuse to celebrate BC white blends. — uncorkBC
Nighthawk Vineyards 2025 Viognier Roussanne Marsanne
Sourced from VRM vineyard in Osoyoos, this debut release from Nighthawk features Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne (21/52/27 split), all stainless fermented except for a portion of Roussanne in neutral oak. Roussanne and Viognier go through full malolactic conversion. Ripe apple, pear, papaya, and orchard blossoms on the nose are complemented by hazelnut cream, dandelion, and whipped marshmallow. The palate is as soft and creamy as it gets, yet retains freshness and displays good fruit/non-fruit balance through to a delicate, bitter finish. Strong potential here.
MT Rating: 88/100
Hidden Vines 2025 Farmhouse White
Estate-grown Riesling and La Crescent from the East Kelowna Slopes form this off-dry blend. These two varietals offer similar characteristics, yet with enough subtle distinction to assemble a sophisticated blend. After the nose of mango, melon, pear, mandarin, honeysuckle, and yogurt, a steely structure steps forward. Green apple acidity swells over the saline palate, heralding cool climate identity and unassuming depth. A great way to introduce a cold-hardy hybrid grape in an expressive blend.
MT Rating: 89/100
Intersection Estate Winery 2022 Mile’s Edge White
The house white from Intersection on the Golden Mile Slopes combines estate-grown Riesling (58.2%), Viognier (26.9%), and some reserve Pinot Blanc from 2020 (14.9%), allowing the wine to still be labeled a 2022 vintage. This wine features most obviously the hallmarks of Riesling, with pronounced lime, peach, petrol, honey, and jasmine. There are touches of dried lemon peel and smoke showing signs of development, and a promising future. Fresh, youthful brilliance.
MT Rating: 90/100
Moon Curser Vineyards 2025 Roussanne Marsanne (Bronze, National Wine Awards of Canada)
Planted on the Osoyoos East Bench in 2004 before it was cool, Moon Curser uses Roussanne (71%) and Marsanne (29%) for this Rhône blend. Intense South Okanagan heat and savoury nuance are on full display here, with a diverse and exciting breadth of aromas and flavours. And without any use of oak, this is all about fruit and site. Ripe melon, apple, pear, kiwi, and honeyed apricots are balanced by musk, beeswax, honeysuckle, and sage. Bright acidity balances slick texture on the palate, finishing with bitter phenolics that pair well with food. An exotic vibe with elegant execution.
MT Rating: 90/100
Rust Wine Co. 2025 White Crush (Bronze, National Wine Awards of Canada)
This blend brings together 30% Muscat, 26% Riesling, 24% Gewürztraminer, and 20% Pinot Gris. These vines are in Oliver and the Similkameen, with some being around 30 years old. Plenty of personality emanates from the glass, with intense aromas of lychee, melon, green pineapple, ginger, rose, and jasmine. The palate is off-dry, and stylistically highly approachable with soft, juicy texture and round acidity. The long finish echoes tropical fruit and florals.
MT Rating: 88/100
Deep Roots Winery 2024 R+M
A fleeting affair, the One Night Stand series is a love letter to the 2024 vintage, when Deep Roots sourced fruit from Washington due to extensive freeze damage. This Roussanne-Marsanne blend takes a very different direction, while maintaining Deep Roots’ signature full-flavoured style. A strong oxidative profile is revealed through intense citrus peel, custard, hot crossed buns, apple butter, sugar crusted pastry, and lemon curd. Fuller bodied with matching acidity, the champagne-adjacent flavours extend through a long, zippy finish. At under $20, this is an easy recommendation.
MT Rating: 89/100
Volcanic Hills Winery & Vineyard 2025 Magma White (Bronze, National Wine Awards of Canada)
An award-winning and excellent value ($20.09) blend of Pinot Gris (54%), Gewürztraminer (33%), Riesling (8%), and Viognier (6%), mostly from the West Kelowna estate. Bright, lifted aromas of apple, citrus, white peach, greengage, and tropical star fruit and lychee dazzle as florals unfurl. The harmony is complete and the flavours vibrant, with fresh acidity and a dry, saline finish. A stalwart BC blend for good reason.
MT Rating: 89/100
Blog post written by: Matt Tinney, Contributor, uncorkBC
