Charles Smith ‘s Third Jet City Rose Experience in Seattle.
( Ann Sperling stays home and makes New Direction wines)
THE SHOW
Charles Smith – Founder Wines of Substance
Charlie is the founder of Washington’s largest winemaker owned winery and the 4th largest wine producer in Washington State.
Charles Smith
He created and then sold Charles Smith Wines, and five other wines to Constellation.
His new company, Wines of Substance made 53 different wines last year in their Seattle Jet City facility. 51 were single varietal.
Today he has a portfolio that includes
K Vintners – The original. Royal City. The Creator. The Boy.
SIXTO – High Elevation Chards. Uncovered, Moxee Vineyard, Frenchman Hills
CasaSmith – Italian inspired. CasaSmith Sangiovese, Barbera, Primitivo
Substance – Cabernet Sauvignon is the star.
B Leighton – By winemaker Brennon Leighton. From Olsen Hills in Yakima.
Wines of Substance showcases Charles Smith’s dedication to producing the very best wines. From vineyard to glass.
Charles built and opened Jet City in Seattle. It’s the largest urban winery on the West Coast.
When I saw the artists that would take the stage in the cellar..Rev Horton Heat and Har Mar Superstar – I realized none of my questions or their answers would be heard.
Guests from this wild ride include
Charles Smith http://winesofsubstance.com/
Chef Stuart Lane http://www.spinasse.com/about/chef-bio/
Andrew Latta – Latta Wines http://www.lattawines.com/
Ann Sperling – Winemaker Sperling Vineyards
Sperling Vineyards (Tourism Kelowna)
Note – Sperling Vineyards 2015 Old Vines Riesling Estate Bottled. 95 Points Decanter Wine Awards. The only Gold medal winning still wine from BC
A true original.
Ann Sperling creates wines in Ontario, Nova Scotia and most importantly in her family’s home vineyard in Kelowna at a special piece of land called Pioneer Ranch.
It was established and planted in 1929.
Ann grew up in those vineyards but found herself pulled away as more and more vineyards sought her expertise.
She spent several years at Cedar Creek. Then headed back East to the organic and biodynamic vines of Southbrook Vineyards in Niagara.
Ann Sperling
Finally in 2008 Ann and her immediate family members decided to launch Sperling Vineyards at Pioneer Ranch.
So..here we are 11 years later and the wines are pushing the outer edges of what we know BC wine to be. Wines to keep an eye on.
Their portfolio has specific series called Heritage, Market and Late Harvest/Icewine.
The one series that is really game breaking is The Vision Series of wines.
That’s what Ann and I are going to be talking about .
Organic Natural Amber Pinot Gris 2017 – Like no other Pinot Gris you’ve tasted. Orange and made from 40% whole cluster, 40% whole berry and 20% pressed juice. Nothing added. Nothing taken away.
Vision Chardonnay 2016 (BC Left Gov Award) . Large French Oak barrels. Minerality and structure.
Organic Pinot Noir 2014 – Hand harvested Dijon clones 144. 777. 828
And the star of the show Speritz Pet Nat 2018. (Love and Labour)
Perle of Csaba grapes planted in 1934 – Honouring the Past.
8.3% alcohol. No fining, No filtration. Wild ferment. Bottled with lees.
Seek and enjoy!!
Many thanks to our great pal Tim Meeks, who suggested this event and ferried us around Seattle!
STORIES WE’RE WORKING ON
Tofino Food and Wine
A special feature on “field blends”
Fire Season in The Okanagan
The Wickaninnish Inn opens a spectacular cellar
Tofino mid-week experience. Chefs and more chefs
BC Shellfish Festival / Courtenay-Comox
Cowichan Valley Wine Festival
Chefs speak out on their/our role in saving fishery
