Viticulture and Composition Geographical Indication (GI): Vancouver Island Sub-GI: Cowichan Valley Ortega 100% | Cowichan Valley – Blue Grouse Estate Harvest Date: September 28, 2020 – Brix 20.5 · TA 4.5 Vineyard Notes Ortega is a cross between Siegerrebe and Müller-Thurgau (itself a cross between Riesling and Madeleine Royale). Most grapes come from vines at least 25 years old, fully mature and at the peak of their production, grown in Fairbridge soils that vary from fractured silt-loam to gravel and sand. However, young plantings from 2014 are starting to add fresh full clusters to the vintage. The grapes are 100% organically farmed using cover crop rotations, minimal irrigation, full leaf stripping and crop thinning to hit peak phenolic ripeness. The grapes were hand harvested with a yield of 2.49 tonnes per acre. Winemaker’s Notes The Ortega grapes were harvested over two days and pressed wholecluster into three tanks, with each tank following its own path through fermentation. All exhibited similar dynamics and finished fermenting between 2 and 3 weeks. The wine was left on lees for two months and then racked off to remain on fine lees for another two months to develop structure. No malolactic fermentation occurred. Profile & Food Pairing Ortega is Vancouver Island’s signature grape, and this wine is its perfect ambassador. It reflects the best that the Cowichan Valley’s warm summers can deliver. Whole cluster pressed, leading to a brighter, more fruit-forward wine. Medium-bodied, savory, and well- balanced, with ripe orange, caramel, and a long finish. Great with oysters or rockfish with a beurre blanc. ALC 12.0% — PH 3.4 — TA 5.0 — RS 1.0 — VQA BOTTLING DATE March 2021 — PRODUCTION 490 cases SKU 969600 — UPC 626990423591 VEGAN