Wines made from Ortega grapes of Okanagan Valley
Discover the best wines made with Ortega as a single variety or as a blend of Okanagan Valley.
An intraspecific cross between Müller-Thurgau and Siegerrebe obtained in 1948 by Hans Breider (1908-1960) at the Bavarian Research Station for Viticulture and Horticulture in Veitsnöchheim (Germany). Almost unknown in France, it can be found in Germany, Belgium, England, the United States and Canada. Its early maturity and muscatel taste have sometimes led to it being offered as a table grape on market stalls.
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.