The Okanagan Valley is one of six Designated Viticultural Areas in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The DryClimate in this "pocket desert" produces some unique wines made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.
There is now an almost even split between white and red grapes planted, with Merlot the most common variety. Ice wine can be produced in the Okanagan Valley but the necessary temperatures are not as consistent as on the east coast, where the winters are much colder.
The DVA produces more than 80 percent of the province's output and is the second most prolific wine region in Canada, behind Ontario's Niagara Peninsula. There are around 185 licensed grape wineries and 3,575 hectares (8,830 acres) of vineyards.
The Long, narrow Okanagan Valley runs for around 210 kilometers (130 miles) from the Northern town of Salmon Arm to the border of the United States in the South. Much of the viticulture occurs in the Center of the region on the shores of Lake Okanagan, from which the area takes its name.
The Okanagan river then flows south into the US state of Washington, where it converges with the viticulturally significant Columbia River (home to the extensive Columbia Valley AVA). The river is spelled Okonogan in the United States.
Unlike in the fragmented Niagara Peninsula appellation, the Okanagan Valley forms just one designated viticultural area. However, the diversity of Terroir here means there are a number of subregions within it.
Léon Millot noir is a grape variety that originated in France (Alsace). It is a variety resulting from a cross of the same species (interspecific hybridization). It produces a variety of grape specially used for wine making. It is rare to find this grape to eat on our tables. This variety of grape is characterized by small bunches, and grapes of small size. We find the Léon Millot noir in the vineyards of the Rhône Valley.
pink wines from the region of Okanagan Valley go well with generally quite well with dishes of veal, pork or game (deer, venison) such as recipes of venison bourguignon, basque chicken with chorizo or duck legs with cider and small onions.
On the nose in the region of Okanagan Valley often reveals types of flavors of red fruit, oak or vegetal and sometimes also flavors of tree fruit, citrus fruit or non oak.
