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Brix: A measure of sugar in grapes: one degree Brix equals 10 grams of sugar per litre. Mature grapes are typically 21 to 25 Brix, equating to 11 to 13 percent alchohol after fermentation.*

More awards: Jackson Triggs - Okanagan won the 2006 Rosemount Estate Trophy for Best Shiraz/Syrah of the year at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London, England. A first for a North American Winery since they began awarding the trophy in 1994!

History: In 1931, Calona Vineyards opened as the first commercial winery in the Okanagan.

Geography: Lake Okanagan, at 144 kilometres long and 3.5 kilometres average width, is the source of much-needed water for irrigation for vines in the Okanagan Valley.

Terroir: The Okanagan Valley has five officially recognized sub-regions — Kelowna, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, Golden Mile, and Black Sage/Osoyoos.


*Schreiner, John - British Columbia Wine Country, Whitecap Books Ltd., 2003

  
 
 

Intimidating, isn't it? All those books and wine experts telling you exactly which wine must go with which dish, as if one false move could completely destroy an entire meal.

Don't believe it. The only one rule about matching food and wine that deserves to be carved in stone is: THERE ARE NO RULES. So relax. Experiment. Enjoy yourself. Isn't that what sitting down to a good meal with wine is all about?

Of course, a little knowledge can be a fascinating thing. Like the first time you try a crisp, dry Riesling with smoked salmon, for example, or an earthy, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon with rack of lamb and rosemary - all it takes is one terrific match, and you're hooked. You begin to understand how different foods and flavours can bring out the best in a wine, and vice versa.

 

  
© 2006 British Columbia Wine Institute.  All rights reserved.