Family-owned Evolve Sparkling House is nestled on the same latitude as iconic Champagne. Proudly honouring this shared geography, Evolve focuses on the art of traditional-method sparkling wine. Yet in true Okanagan spirit, Evolve’s Brut Libre takes that heritage and lets it breathe a little. “Libre,” meaning free, reflects a gentle rebellion; respecting the craft while welcoming the varieties that flourish in the Okanagan.
Evolve’s 2017 Brut Libre is predominantly Chardonnay (64%) and Pinot Noir (25%), with the addition of Pinot Blanc (10%) and Riesling (1%) grounding this sparkling in British Columbia. More specifically, the fruit comes from Kelowna’s Kuipers Vineyard and Oliver’s Wendenburg & Platinum Bench Vineyards. This blend of north meets south means that the 2017 Brut Libre offers an incredible balance between ripeness and food-friendly acidity. Aged an impressive 5 years on lees, the complexity and intensity here elevate it to another level of sparkling wine.
Tasting Note
Evolve’s 2017 Brut Libre has a toasty autolytic character that provides layers of golden pastry, rounded with dried lemon peel, green apple, and honey. Although technically Extra Brut (1.8 g/L residual sugar), the ripeness of the fruit gives this more of a classic Brut feel and balance, finishing dry but not austere.
Food Pairing
Oysters and seafood in general will effortlessly glide along with Evolve’s 2017 Brut Libre. This sparkling’s acidity framed by layers of pastry and honey will also stand up to the crunch and savouriness of fried chicken or even sea salt popcorn. Drinking Evolve’s 2017 Brut Libre feels just as right at the start of dinner as it does poured freely with snacks and good company.