Terroir
Originally, the word terroir has its derivations from the word terre which is a French word used to denote land. The term is used to give an explanation of the characteristics that are specially meant to give a description of the climatic, geographical and geological conditions that of an area where different varieties of the mentioned crops can be grown. In this view, it is important to know that this agricultural area has similarities in the farming techniques used, weather conditions and also the soil where the crops are grown. These factors play a part which contributes to the unique qualities of the variety of crops grown.
Is there a Unique Terroir for the Okanagan Region?
Yes there is. The terroir of the Okanagan region is unique as compared to other parts where growing is done. The reason for the uniqueness of the area is that the area has climate whose soil conditions emanate from glacial movement from events that are considered as pre-historic. These conditions favor the region as it is considered to be a desert area. Its location is to the North of the Sonoran Desert (Wine X Magazine, 1997)
Major varieties of grapes (cepages) grown in the Okanagan region
With the area being extremely productive, there are a variety of grape fruits grown in this region. These crops are grown based on the importance and demand and therefore the tones produced and acres of planting matter when it comes to the varieties. The varieties are as follows: merlot, chardonnay, Pinot noir, Pinot Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Shiraz/Syrah. With this as the major varieties, the region also produces other varieties making the total count of grapes as 38. These means the Okanagan region produces 38 varieties of red grapes and 39 varieties of white grapes.
Difference between Coastal British Columbia Wines from Interior British Columbia
The wines in these regions differ due to the growing process right into the wine processing. This means the variations of weather and soil difference in these areas are a factor in the growth of grapes and the processing of quality grapes. These diverse factors differentiate the growth grapes and the quality of wine produced. The Okanagan and Simillkameen valleys are the oldest growing fields in the region and thus there is also the existence of the Coastal British Columbia which lies on the Southern part. The grapes grown in these two regions are chosen from the conditions that widely favor their proper growth hence production is conducted through a team of knowledgeable craftsmen who ensure that the standards of wine are truly authentic thus the quality of wines produced from the Coastal British Columbia result from the newer ideas that have been coined since the interior British Columbia region of Okanagan and Simillkameen have preserved their traditions in the making of wine. The quality of the wine product is ascertained through having the products registered as trademarks with the wine descriptions being considered as crisp and fruity for the wines in the Coastal British Columbia and scrumptious dessert wines for the wines grown in the Interior British Columbia
Price quantity and Quality
The Price quantity of wine in these regions must conform to the agreed standards of quality production of wine. The VQA which is a symbol that ensures the quality of wine products from British Columbia gives assurance that wines processed in the region are from 100% British Columbia grapes. The wines undergo testing and any wines found to be faulty are rejected and are neither considered as VQA wines therefore their sale is prohibited (British Columbia Wine Institute, 2010).
Difference of Wines produced in Northern Okanagan from those in Southern Okanagan
As said earlier, the northern part occupies a dessert so the wines from this area are usually processed from grape fruits that have been grown under climatic conditions which are different from those on the Southern part of Okanagan. For example, grey monk wines from the Northern region have a slightly different way of preparation so that they attain the quality standards expected. The grapes also grow in different soils which is also a key factor when it comes to the taste of these wines.
Jobs in the Wine industry (British Columbia)
The wine industry has created over a thousand employment opportunities for inhabitants in the region. Though permanent jobs are hard to find, the industry has come up with numerous other jobs which are seasonal. These jobs are considered as volunteer jobs while others are internships. This has been as a result of the number of wineries that have come up in the area thus increasing the level of employment opportunities. These jobs include: wine harvesting, employment for tour consultants which is an indirect employment et cetera.
Two largest Producers of Wine in Okanagan
The two largest producers of wine in Okanagan are the Grey Monk Estate Winery and the inniskillin Okanagan. The two wineries have expanded greatly since their inception and have continued with their tremendous growth through processing of quality wine.
Number of Wineries and Vineyards in Okanagan
Okanagan has a cool climate and accommodates over 200 vineyards and 120 wineries. This gives the region an advantage as the climate favors the growth and production of wine processed.
Consumption of Okanagan Wine
Most of the wine produced in Okanagan is consumed locally. This is due to the culture of the inhabitants within the region as the inhabitants of the area consume a significant amount of the wine produced on an annual basis.
Prices of wine
Normally, the British Columbia Wines are nurtured from the best qualities of grapes and are processed through the knowledge of skilled craftsmen who ensure that the wines are 100% authentic and are worth the price. The reason as to why the prices of wine at the winery and state liquor remain the same I because there are no taxes charged at liquor stores just the same way as the wineries do not have charges.
Wine Flavor Associated with Ageing
Just as it is said, chocolate helps from improve once health thus reducing the ageing ingredients within the body. This therefore means that the wine flavors in chocolate help prevent one’s ageing rate as it rejuvenates the skin and makes one age at a slower pace than usual.
References
British Columbia wine Institute, 2010. Quality Assurance. Web.
Wine X Magazine, 1997. Uniqueness of Okanagan region. Web.