Fall in the Okanagan is a magical time when the air is crisp and the appetites become more hearty. You reach for cozier sweaters, warmer and more full-bodied wines, and comfort foods like soups and casseroles. Fall also means it’s time for root vegetables and gourds to really shine. Pies, beverages, soups, and more – squashes and pumpkins are front and centre. Red wines are also popular with their bold, warm flavours. Let’s see what pairs well with one of our favourites – the 2018 Igneous Meritage wine.
Sourcing Your Gourds
There are plenty of places in the valley where you can get some great gourds for your next meal. Check out your local farmer’s market for something right from the source or head to grocery stores that get their produce locally. We enjoy visiting McConnell’s Fruit Market & Orchard or Nester’s Market, both located in the heart of Summerland.
Make sure your squash is ripe and ready for cooking. The skin should be full, non-glossy, firm, and rich in colour. Make sure there aren’t any blemishes, cracks or soft spots. The stem should be firm and dry.
Our Featured Fall Wine
2018 Igneous
Gold medal winner at the 2021 All-Canadian Wine Championships
Three grapes come together to create this beautifully balanced blend – Merlot, Malbec and Cab Franc. This wine’s complex flavours are experienced front to back with every sip.
Origins
As Merlot is one of the most popular red wine varietals in many markets, it’s one of the world’s most planted grape varieties. In BC, Merlot accounts for almost a third of all red wine grape plantings and is popular for blends like the Ingenous.
Cabernet Franc is believed to have been established in the southwest region of France sometime in the 17th century. As it ripens a little earlier than other grape varietals, it often fares better in Canada’s cooler climate than other red wine grape varieties.
In France, plantations of Malbec are now found primarily in Cahors in South West France, though the grape is now grown worldwide. It is increasingly celebrated as an Argentine varietal.
Tasting Notes
Being mainly Merlot, this blend is soft, smooth and velvety, with added notes of raspberries, blackcurrants, violets, and graphite. You may get hints of a spicy perfume thanks to the Cab Franc addition. It has a dark and juicy flavour, with unique notes of dark plum and cassis fruit.
The Name
This Meritage is named for the volcanic igneous rock scattered throughout our vineyard from Giants Head Mountain. Their addition to the soil helps to add a complex flavour profile to the grapes that we grow and the wines that we make.
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Perfect Food Pairings
This juicy and rich wine pairs well with other rich, vibrant flavours, such as:
- Roasted vegetables
- Leaner cuts of beef such as sirloin, flap, hanger, filet, and skirt steak
- Gamier meats such as lamb, bison, or venison
- Fattier fish like salmon
- Stronger cheeses such as Manchego, blue cheeses, and gorgonzola
A Trio Of Butternut Squash Recipes
Here are a few of our latest favourite recipes for you to try this fall. They play around with a variety of flavours and textures that pair well with this 2018 Igneous red blend.
Tried and True: Butternut Squash Casserole with Leeks, Prosciutto and Thyme
This butternut squash casserole recipe from Food and Wine is great as a side dish or can be paired with a nice salad to make it the main show. Combining salty prosciutto with the richness and light aromatics of squash creates a delicious flavour profile that’s sure to be a hit at family night or as a potluck addition.
Planning Ahead: Make-Ahead Roasted Butternut Squash Casserole
Take it from Angela, the founder of Oh She Glows – time savings are a key to having a successful holiday season. This casserole can store in the fridge up to three days ahead of your meal so no last-minute stress of pulling everything together on the day-of.
Reinventing a Classic: Butternut Squash Salad With Farro And Pepitas
Casseroles have been around for years in all shapes and forms. Smitten Kitchen has done a great job of reimaging this traditional dish with hearty grains, sweet flavours of the squash, and an added crunch of toasted pepitas.
Join our Wine Club
Want to make sure you always have wine on hand for your next dinner potluck, family gathering, or “just because it’s Tuesday”? Being part of our wine club gives you access to a host of benefits, including access to our member-only events and wines. Plus, both of our memberships are “User’s Choice,” so you get to choose the wines you want to drink – red, white, or rosé. Join today and get your favourites shipped to your door twice a year so you can enjoy wine for all seasons.
Visit Heaven’s Gate Winery This Fall
Heaven’s Gate Winery is located on Summerland, BC’s famous Bottleneck Drive. This family-run vineyard offers beautiful views of Okanagan Lake and a wide variety of unique and exceptional wines. During the summer you can walk along the property to explore our vineyard while enjoying a tasting. And don’t miss out on getting a taste of our vineyard all year round with our wine club that offers local delivery.