Bizou + Yukon is a new label from the good folks at the Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland. It is a lighthearted project that could not have been released at a better time. It is inspired by two fluffy, Great Pyranees canines named Bizou and Yukon, who work at the Crush Pad property called The Ranch.
Bizou and Yukon are sister and brother from two separate litters. Bizou is described as a bit flighty and distracted while her older brother, Yukon, is the reliable work horse. They both live at The Ranch and I am told that when push comes to shove, they are both fiercely protective of what has been tasked to their care.
The Ranch is a certified organic vineyard where each block is fenced separately, leaving corridors in-between where animals can roam freely. The property is also home to a flock of sheep, hay fields and eight acres of organic vegetable gardens.
Standing guard over it all are Bizou and Yukon. They live with the sheep, wintering in the same barn, which has a dedicated, heated dog room. The rest of the year, the sheep are moved around the different fields and vineyard blocks, where they mow, fertilize and aerate. Bizou and Yukon accompany the sheep wherever they go, keeping them safe.
There are three wines under the Bizou + Yukon label: Savvy Gris, Pinkie Rosé and Savvy Franc. Each wine has four unique labels, which are an artist’s depiction of some of the imagined shenanigans that Bizou and Yukon might get into.
Some of the grapes used in the Bizou + Yukon wines are from The Ranch. The vines at The Ranch are young, so the rest of the grapes were sourced from other vineyards in the Okanagan. The Bizou + Yukon wines give us a glimpse at the quality of the grapes at The Ranch and the potential they have. “The Ranch is a serious project and ultimately when the vines are mature the wines that come from there will be serious stuff.” (Christine Colette, proprietor)
2018 Savvy Gris $19.90
The Savvy Gris is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris fermented with wild yeast in concrete tanks.Aromas of herbaceous, dried grass, pink grapefruit, pear, blossom, white peach and crushed gravel. This is a dry, medium-body wine with medium+ acidity. The palate offers pear, peach, ginger and grapefruit with grassy notes on the lingering finish.
2018 Pinkie Rosé $19.90
The Pinkie Rosé is a blend of undisclosed varietals.
This Rosé has a delicate nose of crushed gravel and yellow grapefruit with hints of strawberry and rhubarb. It is a dry, medium-body rosé with medium+ acidity. The palate offers ripe strawberry, cranberry and yellow grapefruit with a medium, drying-yet-mouthwatering, savoury finish. This Rosé vanished from the bottle very quickly; it was great on its own, but also made an excellent pairing for sushi.
2018 Savvy Franc $20.90
Savvy Franc is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It was made with wild yeast in concrete tanks.
After two hours in the decanter there are aromas of black cherries, strawberries, thyme and a note of minerality. This is a medium-body wine with moderate acidity and tannins. The palate echos the nose: flavours of strawberry, strawberry jam, cherry and herbaceous thyme, with a medium finish. Pair with grilled chicken, pork or even pizza with prosciutto.
Where to Purchase
Currently individual bottles of Bizou + Yukon are only for sale through the wine shop at the Okanagan Crush Pad.
BC residents can order a mixed case of 12 (4x Savvy Gris, 4x Pinkie Rosé and 4x Savvy Franc) for $275 including shipping and taxes. This case will include one each of the twelve, unique labels…ensuring you’ll be well prepared for the patio season this summer.