Trebbianos is not among the most popular of grapes grown in Canada. The grape is more common in Italy and some what in France. In fact Trebbiano is a name applied to a confusing group of white wine grape varieties.
Hester Creek Estate old vines Trebbiano comes from the oldest section of their Estate Vineyard, Block 16, which was planted in 1968 with vines brought directly from Italy. The grapes for this vintage were handpicked, sorted, gently destemmed, and whole berry pressed, for clean juice that was fermented immediately. A slow, cool fermentation over 22 days in stainless steel with a small amount of natural sugar left, to balance the varietal’s ample acidity. Unoaked for a bright and refreshing wine, that is delightfully juicy with extraordinary character
The man who planted these grapes is an Italian immigrant named Joe Busnardo. I first tasted Hester Creeks Trebbiano back in 2004 and have enjoyed it ever since.
Hester
Creek's vineyard is just south of Oliver on a spectacular piece of benchland
referred to as the Golden Mile. This benchland is considered to be the best
grape-growing area in the Okanagan Valley. The vineyard is planted mainly with
Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Trebbiano.
Although the winery is among the Okanagan's oldest it has a new wine shop and
tasting room for visitors to enjoy. There is a relaxing patio and a guest villa.
Also a new 23,000 square foot state-of-the-art wine producing facility. The
35,000 case capacity winery for crush 2009 is partially buried in the hill
to take advantage of the natural temperature control of the earth and thereby
reduce the need for energy. The cellar room is completely underground and the
site’s natural vegetation has been restored on the top of the building.
For years the chief winemaker was Robert Summers who just announced his retirement.
Hester Creek 2019 Trebbiano
Wow what an aroma! Okanagan’s only Trebbiano is crafted from their historic 50-year-old vines. Beautifully fragrant aromas of lime zest, grapefruit, and lemon meringue greet the nose. Ripe tropical fruit flavours including passion fruit and melon. The finish is extraordinary 96