Domaine du Fleuve (**CVQ)
Foxtrot Vineyards
Ernest Vineyards
O’Rourke Family Estate
Domaine Baud
Domaine du Fleuve (**CVQ)
Quebec, Canada
About Domaine du Fleuve (**CVQ)
The St. Laurent River and its banks are anchored in the heart of the family Thomas. Walks, outdoor meals and gatherings at the river inspired the name of the estate in tribute to these unique moments.
Paul Thomas and Lorraine Pelletier, both doctors, have acquired a land of 60 hectares in early 80s in Varennes, adjoining the St.-Laurence River, on the south shore of Montréal. That field was used for growing wheat, soybeans and corn. In the early 2000s, Ms. Pelletier was looking for a project related to agriculture. Passionate about wine and after visiting several vineyards, the idea of growing vines were launched.
The Domaine du Fleuve winery started as a mother, father and son (Louis Thomas) project in 2007. The estate began with the plantation of hybrid vines. Few years later,
after good agronomic results it was decided to plant viniferas. It is now their son, Louis Thomas, who cultivates the 4 hectares of vines: “We grow around ten grape varieties, from Pinot Noir to Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc to Riesling, on clay soils. We are proud to discover, year after year, a little more of the character of these grape varieties.”
Representative Biography
Louis Thomas, General Manager and Winemaker
Rigour, Passion, Devotion. This is what Louis Thomas is doing to ensure the vineyard produces wines of exceptional quality. He is the winemaker since the very first year. First introduced to winemaking methods through education programs in Quebec, he has developed wines made at the domain, with the help of the oenologist Richard Bastien (Oenoquebec). Driven by curiosity, Louis Thomas is always seeking to push the limits further every day.
He sometimes says he’s manic, but that’s because he doesn’t leave any detail behind!
“Cool Climate Chardonnay is exceptional and vibrant! They have a lot of character and that’s what I like!”
Why We're Cool
Located on the south shore of Montréal Island, the vineyard was developed right next to the St. Laurent River. This proximity with the water source and the Montréal agglomeration brings a rather tempered climate to the domain lands. The soil is composed of a first layer of silty clay (4–6 feet) and there are friable rocks under. As for now, the winery uses Chardonnay grapes to produce a still and a sparkling wine. As the Chardonnay seems very well adapted to our terroir, it will be a significant part of the future plantations.
Foxtrot Vineyards
Okanagan Valley, BC , Canada
About Foxtrot Vineyards
Foxtrot Vineyards is a boutique winery focused on crafting terroir-driven Pinot Noir and premium Chardonnay. Foxtrot has built a reputation as the premier producer of age-worthy Pinot Noir in the Okanagan Valley, BC by highlighting grapes grown from 24-year-old own-rooted vines in its estate vineyard — demonstrating what the Naramata Bench sub-region can achieve when a pure and subtle hand is applied.
Representative Biography
Andrea Barker, Winemaker & Vineyard Manager
Andrea Barker, our Winemaker, joined the Foxtrot team in spring 2019. After graduating in 2011 from the University of Maryland, where she majored in soil science, Andrea gained broad experience as a vineyard and cellar assistant at wineries around the globe, including not only British Columbia, but also South Africa, New Zealand, Germany, as well as California, where she was assistant winemaker for a notable producer of pinot noir and chardonnay in the Santa Rita Hills.
After the 2016 harvest, she returned to academia, obtaining a master’s degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Brock University in Ontario in 2019. Reflecting on the breadth of her experiences in the wine world, Andrea has commented that, “making wine in many different regions has given me a deeper appreciation for the potential we have at Foxtrot to produce pinot noirs and chardonnays that combine terroir character with exceptional finesse. My aim is to make wines that fully express this region’s unique attributes.”
Why We're Cool
“I love the versatility of cool climate Chardonnay, its ability to express terroir and the complexity of style simultaneously.”
Our Chardonnay program highlights the unique range of viticultural conditions across the Okanagan Valley, utilizing fruit from vineyards in both the north and south of the valley we are able to highlight the best of each terroir in our blends.
Our style is one of elegance and complexity, mineral driven, capturing the balance afforded by the extended daylight hours and strong diurnal temperatures unique to our northern climate.
Ernest Vineyards
Sonoma Coast, California, USA
About Ernest Vineyards
Erin Brooks and Todd Gottula founded Ernest Vineyards in 2012 to craft wines of integrity and restraint from the far reaches of West Sonoma Coast.
Ernest focuses on cool-climate, marine-influenced and undiscovered vineyards and produces small-lot wines that offer a sense of place in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
In 2018, Joseph Ryan joined as Winemaker bringing focus and finesse to the low-intervention method and style of Ernest wines.
Current production is approximately 6,000 cases annually.
Representative Biography
Joseph Ryan, Winemaker & Vineyard Manager
Ernest winemaker and vineyard manager Joseph Ryan always has understood the agrarian lifestyle.
He grew up on a farm in Iowa. He knew about land stewardship before he learned algebra. With this experience came the awareness that great product begins with careful, conscious work in the soil. This is the foundation for Joe’s approach to vineyard management.
Joseph carries this perspective into the winery, where he applies minimal intervention to his winemaking. Over the last decade he refined these techniques as assistant winegrower at Porter Creek, a family-run estate in the Russian River Valley.
He also worked as director of grower relations for Flowers Winery. This experience on both sides of the bottle gives Joe the mentality of a European vigneron.
The road to wine was circuitous for Joseph. He went to a theater conservatory in New York and discovered wine while working in restaurants during that time. Looking back, Joseph credits a handful of sommeliers with opening his eyes to his true passion in life. We’re glad they did.
"I love it because it’s the most dynamic expression of the grape. Chardonnay can handle a wide array of growing conditions but when it’s allowed to slowly develop, it’s capable of being one of the most complex wines there is." Joseph Ryan
Why We're Cool
We are excited to bring the story of cool-climate wines from the far western reaches of the Sonoma Coast - where the Pacific at a constant 50 degrees F makes our grape growing extreme and the minimal yields positively special. We believe in an alternate story for California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The hamlet of Freestone (38.3724° N, 122.9156° W) sits just 7 miles from the Pacific, it is one of the coldest areas in all of the west Sonoma Coast with the marine layer lingering well into mid-day and returning late afternoon. This cool, maritime influence prevents extreme seasonal and diurnal weather spikes and troughs while moderating temperatures and balancing humidity. This cool, maritime climate is unique in the world since most maritime climates are warmer and most continental climates extreme seasonal changes.
The extremely cool climate allows for extended hang time before harvest delivering deep complexity while preserving bright acidity. Balanced ripening is achieved with wet winters and constantly mild temperatures in the growing season.
Wilson Grove Formation (Gold Ridge), a fine grained, shallow marine sandstone, scraped up during subduction often covers the top of the Sonoma coastal ridges and is the primary soil type in the lower elevations of the southern West Sonoma Coast, where Freestone sits.
Ernest’s winemaking style is low-intervention with a focus on delivering the purest expression of the vineyard sites. All natural primary and malolactic fermentations with no additions. We do not filter or fine our wines and bottle with a minimal amount of sulfur. Our elevage incorporates over 80% large format French Oak puncheons that minimize distracting influence while providing architecture over approximately 16 months before bottling.
O’Rourke Family Estate
Okanagan Valley, Canada
About O’Rourke Family Estate
O’Rourke Family Estate in B.C.’s Okanagan Valley is Lake Country’s newest state-of-the art winery and culinary destination. Inspired by Dennis O’Rourke’s pioneering spirit and passion for innovation, this novel 200,000 square foot multi-purpose development will be opening its doors to the public in 2023. From indoor and outdoor concert arenas and restaurants, to luxury accommodations, to boat access and a tasting room on Lake Okanagan, this project provides attraction for everyone. Various private dining areas, boardrooms, and tasting facilities throughout the property will allow the culinary team to demonstrate the importance of local produce and perfect food and wine pairings.
The Carrs Landing Estate is a 300-acre property with panoramic views of surrounding orchards, vineyards, rolling mountains and the glistening water of Lake Okanagan. Inspired by Europe’s most famous wineries, the property features 110 acres of vines, 300 metres of winding tunnels and 12,000 square-feet of cave space to store and age wines. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sparkling Wine will be the focus of the O’Rourke Family Estate portfolio. Each year there will be an Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay produced, and depending on the vintage, the winemaker will decide to make clonal selections, block selections, or other premium wines released under our Gratitude Series labels.
Representative Biography
Nikki Calloway, Winemaker
Nikki Callaway joined our team in June 2019 and brought with her a serious winemaking pedigree. She completed a Masters in Enology from the prestigious Université de Bordeaux and gained viticulture and winemaking experience in various regions of France including Beaujolais, the Loire, and multiple appellations in Bordeaux (Margaux, Pessac-Leognan, Blaye and Cotes de Bourg).
Nikki returned to Canada 12 years ago to work in the Okanagan Valley, a region that was brand new to her at the time. Since then she has specialized in northern valley fruit including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and aromatic whites. When asked why she is so passionate about Cool Climate Chardonnay, she responded, “Chardonnay is known to easily adapt to the surroundings it’s planted in. It tells you what it wants to be, all I need to do is give it the resources to shine. In our northern Okanagan vineyards, it gleams with tension, acidity, fruit-forwardness and elegance, everything I love in a Chardonnay.”
Nikki has proven her talents through significant roles at major British Columbia wineries such as Mission Hill and Quails’ Gate. In 2011, a Pinot Noir she produced was awarded the ‘World’s Best Pinot Noir’ at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Nikki possesses a keen interest in both viticulture and winemaking. Her passion for small-lot premium production combined with her attention to detail make her the perfect match for our state-of-the-art project and 100% estate grown Lake Country fruit.
Why We're Cool
The viticulture region of Lake Country encompasses the west-facing slopes and benches overlooking Okanagan Lake in the central Okanagan Valley. It’s approximately 2500 ha along 20 km of eastern shoreline of the lake up to a maximum elevation of 650 m. The combinations of slope, elevation, and landscape position create a large range of mesoclimates. The predominantly western aspect, gently sloped topography, and close proximity to the Okanagan Lake create ideal climatic conditions for production of premium wines. This region has a relatively long, cool growing season and the excellent cold air drainage and temperature-moderating influence of the lake create a relatively low risk of frost and winter cold damage to vines. Lower elevations along the lakeshore are covered in fine-textured materials such as sand and silt, basically anything found on the ancient lake bottom. At higher elevations are gravelly glacial till materials deposited directly beneath glaciers during the last ice age.
Chardonnay makes up 23% of our 110 acres planted at our Carrs Landing Estate Vineyard. The Chardonnay plantings are at higher elevations of our property (400-470 m), where the soil is composed of stones within a matrix of sandy loam texture. The majority of our vineyards were planted in 2013-2016, and 4 clones of Chardonnay (76, 95, 96, and 548) are planted throughout the various blocks.
2020 was the inaugural vintage at O’Rourke Family Estate, as this was the first year the winery was built and commissioned. Our winemaker wanted to ensure indigenous yeast from our surrounding vineyards populated this virgin winery and the use of pied-de-cuves was implemented. As the Chardonnay grapes reached optimal maturity and flavour, the winemaking team started small natural ferments in the vineyard and these were subsequently added to all the Chardonnay barrel ferments. All fruit is hand-picked by block and/or clone, sorted, and whole-bunch pressed. It is settled overnight, then racked to French Oak barrels for fermentation and ageing in the caves. Natural bacteria are employed for partial Malolactic Fermentation, and the barrels age for 10-11 months before being blended and bottled.
Domaine Baud
Jura, France
About Domaine Baud
Our estate history dates back to 1742, when Jean-François Baud started working as a pieceworker in Le Vernois. The family house accomodated all the following generations that where already listed in the town archives before the 1789 French revolution, earning their livings from mixed farming.
In 1950, René BAUD, the 7th generation, rebuilt the vineyard which had suffered from the phylloxera crisis as well as the two World Wars. At that time, 4 hectares of vines were cultivated.
In 1978, the 8th generation started running the winery (Jean Michel BAUD and Alain BAUD), and gave the company a fresh boost by creating the official estate "GAEC Baud Père et Fils". Thanks to their tireless hardwork, the vineyard was progressively extended from 4 to 20 hectars of vines. It is currently their pride, namely to have experienced 38 harvests! Jean Michel BAUD was in charge of the vineyard, his brother, Alain BAUD, was responsible for wine-making and trade. In 2014, the winery was certified « Terra Vitis » an environmental-friendly label.
January 1st, 2016, is a significant turning point as the 9th Generation has taken the reins of the estate: Bastien, 23 years old, is in charge of the vineyard and the wine-making process, while Clémentine, 25 years old, is taking care of trade and management. Since their succession, the estate has grown of 6 additional hectares. So begins a new chapter.
Representative Biography
Bastien Baud, Owner & Winemaker & Clémentine Baud, Owner
My brother Bastien, studied wine and vines for 4 years before coming back to the winery. During his study, he had the chance to travel in every wine-region in France to learn about different technics.
Me, Clémentine, started studying languages ( English, German and Russian) before deciding to take over the winery with my brother. That is the reason why, after this first graduation, I studied Trade and Commerce of the wine field. I wanted to be able to lead the company properly, so I passed another certificate of managment and accounting.
When we both finished our studyies we then took over the winery on the first of January 2016. It took about one year to succeed in the transmission.
Currently we both work at the winery but have very different tasks, Bastien takes care of the vineyard and the wine making process and Ideal with the commercial aspect, management and accounting.
Bastien manages the wines until it is bottled. Then, I will take over until the after-sale service.
Both of us are very differenties, however this allows us to compliment each other. This way we are stronger, we share everything and get on very well.
We love cool climate Chardonnay for several reasons :
First of all, we come from this type of region, using this grape variety. It is in our blood, part of our identity.
Then, the cool climate we have allows us to pruduce well-balanced wine (with acidity and freshness)
To finish, thanks to these two facts, we can create very different expressions of Chardonnay, according to our practices.
Why We're Cool
We are located in the heart of the Jura vineyard: Le Vernois. The altitude is not that high, with about 350m; but we enjoy a semi-continental climate. It can be very hot in summer, but quite cold in winter (minus 5 or 10 degrees). In average, we have 1,200 mm annual rainfall. The mean temperature of 11.8°C, 1,800-1,900 hours of sunshine annually. We also have a lot of hazards: rain, spring frost, hailstorms (more and more recurrent)
The Jura vineyard benefits from the past history: 230 million years ago, Jura was under a sea, this is how Limey clays and limestone built up. 65 mya the land began emerging from the sea and the Alps began to form. As a result, sedimentary rocks of the Jura mountains appeared to form a series of folded layers: The PLATEAUX. Today the vineyard lies on complex soil layers of Jurassic, Liassic and Triassic origin. The Main soils are LIMESTONE and MARL
Regarding the winemaking process, it is interesting for us to work with different plots, different areas of Chardonnay plantings. Of course, the terroir in an important notion, however, thanks to the climate, we benefit from very nice acidity. The acidity is different according to the cuvée. Crémant blanc brut, for instance, keeps its freshness with notes of citrus fruits.
There is another Chardonnay that we will age in oak barrels (one more time, thanks to the climate we have, otherwise we could not let it age as long as we do). Because the acidity protects the wine and it’s ageing potential.
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