Named after the address, 1775 Naramata Road, the winery is on the Naramata Bench in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Bench 1775 farms a number of vineyards throughout the Okanagan Valley. With a keen eye towards conservation, pest management, responsible water usage and using energy efficiently, sustainability is top of mind. All canopy management is performed by hand, reducing C02 emissions and allowing for precision viticulture techniques. With so much focus on the Bench 1775 vineyards, it’s no wonder that winemaker Richard Kanazawa says his wines are made in the vineyard and are self defined in the winery.
While initially known for simpler, dry white wines, SSB blends are now getting more attention with the use of winemaking techniques that add complexity, like barrel fermentation and lees contact. Bench 1775’s 2020 White Meritage is a stylish 50/50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Aged for 14 months in 40% new French oak, this stately blend is a nod to Bordeaux but remains distinctly Okanagan in its freshness.
Tasting Note
Slightly reductive, this distinguished SSB streams a golden colour in the glass with bright notes of grapefruit, pineapple, and citrus. On the palate, you’ll find lime, guava, passionfruit, and a whisper of vanilla.
Food Pairing
Lean into the Sauvignon Blanc and pair this wine with oysters, spot prawns or a salad topped with goat cheese. Alternatively, the roundness that the Sémillon provides makes this wine incredibly versatile and would also be enjoyed with a creamy risotto or pasta dish.