This pale pumpkin-hued rose (made as an orange wine) spent 4 months on lees in stainless steel tank. Made from Gewurztraminer (grown on Granitic soils on the Black Sage Terrace) and Pinot Gris (from mostly sandy/loam soils in Summerland), I can assure you it will not resemble either of those varieties, if you are familiar with them or not.
In relatively small quantities, more winemakers are experimenting with these polarizing orange, or natural wines. In part out of curiosity, and to ensure they aren’t missing out on potential consumers.
Michael Bartier explains, "This was my first kick at a Bartier Bros. wine in this style. We were looking to achieve a wine that was refreshing and tannic. In my old age now, I chill my reds quite cold and really like them this way. This wine seemed a natural to fit that preference."
He continues,“I chose varietals I was familiar with, Gewurztraminer [for] aromatics with Pinot Gris [for] mouthfeel. The process was to harvest at white wine ripeness, macerate like a red would be (spontaneous ferment--3 weeks with twice daily punch downs), press, and the remainder of the process had the wine being treated like a white to maintain freshness. There was no malolactic fermentation, the wine was stored in stainless steel, and filtered. I’m happy with the result--light, lively, soft tannins, rainwater fresh, with intense aromatics."
Bartier plans to play around with different varietal ratios going forward.
On tasting, the wine has aromas of summer berries, hops and lemons, forest floor and wild mushrooms with notable Orange Pekoe tea undertones. It is bone-dry and tangy with herbal tones and a clean finish with fine tannins.
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 30th, 2018

Juicy, smooth, complex.
Grown on the Black Sage gravel bar in Bartier's estate Cerqueira vineyard, this equal parts blend of Merlot an Cabernet Franc was aged 17 months in neutral French oak barrels.
193 cases were made.
Cherries, cedar, chocolate, vanilla and brown spice aromas lead to a smooth but juicy palate. Red fruit, earth and spiced roasted carob flavours are expressed. It has some chew on the tannins and a complex bitter finish making it well suited to food.
Pair: Anything you can throw on the grill or a nice chunk of cheese.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 15th, 2021

Juicy, smooth, complex.
Grown on the Black Sage gravel bar in Bartier's estate Cerqueira vineyard, this equal parts blend of Merlot an Cabernet Franc was aged 17 months in neutral French oak barrels.
193 cases were made.
Cherries, cedar, chocolate, vanilla and brown spice aromas lead to a smooth but juicy palate. Red fruit, earth and spiced roasted carob flavours are expressed. It has some chew on the tannins and a complex bitter finish making it well suited to food.
Pair: Anything you can throw on the grill or a nice chunk of cheese.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 15th, 2020

Fresh, smooth, harmonious.
Grown on the Black Sage gravel bar in Bartier's estate Cerqueira vineyard, this equal parts blend of 56% Merlot and 44% Cabernet Franc was aged 16 months in neutral French oak barrels.
Freshly turned soil, small purple berries, leather, salted plums and licorice root aromas lead to a fresh and forthright wine of medium-body. Structured and harmonious it has good bones and cocoa flavoured tannins.
Pair: Anything you can throw on the grill or a nice chunk of cheese.
©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 14th, 2022

Smooth, fresh, harmonious.
Made from Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Franc and Merlot from Bartier's estate Cerquiera Vineyard this blend was aged 15 months in neutral oak barrels.
Exuberant sweet cherry and purple berries are layered with aromas of sweet spice (notably star anise) and violets. A bouncy yet harmonious palate delivers oodles of fresh juicy berry flavours that morph into spice, candied violets and pipe tobacco.
A lovely red that is perfect with a slight chill to really make that fruit pop more.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 30th, 2021