Okanagan winemaker has hundreds of years of experience

Small, high quality wineries continue to bear fruit in the Okanagan. One of the emerging wineries that stand out among the competition is 8th Generation Vineyard located in Summerland which only began releasing wines in 2007.

I recently spoke to Bernd Schales, owner, vineyard manager and winemaker at 8th Generation. Bernd is the 8th generation of winemakers that can trace their wine origins to Germany in the 18th century. He attended University in Germany specializing in viticulture and oenology. Bernd and his wife Stefanie moved to the Okanagan a few years ago and have put 8th Generation firmly on the wine map.

According to Bernd, the key to the high quality and success of the vineyard is the hands on control from the vineyard to the winemaking process. He grows and owns all his own grapes so he knows exactly what he is dealing with when the grapes arrive to the winery at harvest. The winery only produces about 2300 cases of wine per year from 15 acres of well tended vines.
I was fortunate to taste the wines of 8th Generation a few weeks ago and here are my observations. We begin the tasting with the 2007 Chardonnay. One third barrel fermentation adds a full mouth feel and creamy, leesy character. Up front honeydew melon, peach and green plum notes followed by a hint of vanilla. It is a beautifully balanced wine with a subtle, brioche finish.

The 2008 Pinot Gris is slightly reminiscent of an Alsatian Pinot Gris. Bright, clean fruit followed by a smooth, creamy mid palate. Apple, pear and a touch of anise rounds out this dry, well crafted wine.

The 2008 Classic Riesling is an off-dry style wine with generous honey, peach and lemon lime notes. The sugar to acid balance is perfect; it dances on the tongue. This wine opens up on the mid palate to a long and luscious finish. Look to age this wine as it will develop classic diesel and caramel fragrances.

The sweeter 2008 Riesling is a tropical delight; mango, tangerine and pineapple followed by a sweet and tangy honeyed finish. The best glass of sweet Riesling you’ve ever tasted.

The red line up begins with the 2008 Pinot Noir. Dark cherry, earthy aromas, dark chocolate and spice persist on the finish. It’s a well crafted BC Pinot with an elegant acid to tannin balance.

The 2007 Merlot contains some enticing plum, black currant and spicy nuances. A fresh style of wine, I note some lifted vegetal notes that compliment this wines bouquet.

The 2007 Syrah hints at an old world style. It features tons of juicy dark fruit, plum, pepper and liquorice overtones with a refreshing sense of acidity. Syrah from the valley is improving every year and this example shows why.

These wines are in limited quantity available at private retail stores, restaurants and of course at the winery.
As for the future of 8th Generation, Bernd tells me that the focus will always be on quality. However in twenty years one thing may change when Bernd contemplates retiring. His children may rename the vineyard 9th Generation.