British Columbia's Fraser Valley produces some of Canada's best white wines. One of the best producers and the original winery in the Fraser Valley is Chaberton Estate Winery.
Fraser Valley is the section of the
Fraser River basin in southwestern British Columbia, downstream from
the Fraser Canyon. After descending through the rapids of the Fraser
Canyon, the Fraser River emerges almost at sea level at Yale, over
100 kms inland. The river passes through some of the most fertile
agricultural land in British Columbia, as well as the heart of the
Greater Vancouver region, on its way to the mouth
of the Georgia Strait.
During the last ice age, the area that would become
the Fraser Valley was covered by a sheet of ice, walled in by
surrounding mountains. As the ice receded, land that had been covered
by glaciers became covered by water instead, then slowly rose above
the water, forming the basin that exists today. The valley is the
largest land form of the Lower Mainland Eco region.
Chaberton is located in Langley just 45 minutes from Vancouver.
The first of the Fraser Valley wineries, Domaine de Chaberton was opened (1975) by founder's Claude and Inge Violet. This very successful winery was named after the vineyard they had owned in France. The Fraser Valley location was selected for its proximity to Vancouver, the micro climate, south facing slope, and quality of soil and low rain fall. The winery was sold in 2005 to Anthony Cheng and Eugene Kwan, business partners In 2014 the name was changed to Chaberton Estate Winery
The 55 acre parcel of land produces a selection of vitis vinifera 'cool climate' grapes including their signature wine grape "Bacchus". The first vines planted, these Bacchus plants are now over 30 years old! Joining them are: Siegerrebe, Madeleine Sylvaner, Reichensteiner, Madeleine Angevine, Ortega and Gamay Noir.
Madeleine Sylvaner grape variety may have originated in Canada. The parentage is unknown. The early ripening vine is resistant to fungal diseases and frost. It produces aromatic white wines with a muscat tone. Other reports call it a French grape. The Lexicon says: "The white grape variety (breeding no. Geilweilerhof 3-28-51) is a new cross between Madeleine Angevine x Silvaner. The crossing was done at the Instiutut für Rebenzüchtung Geilweilerhof in Germany by the breeder Peter Morio."The grape is quite popular in England.
Chaberton's Madeline Syvaner 2021 is an very fine wine. It starts with the aroma of fresh lychee followed by flavours of citrus fruit and green apples. Its smooth with a delightful finish; saying more please. The grapes are estate grown. A small percentage of the wine was aged in new French oak for 4 months to accentuate the creamy and vanilla flavours, while keeping the fruit and floral notes from the remainder.
Gary Zhygailo is the winemaker
I would also recommend the Bacchus 2022
Visting Chaberton
