IN THE CELLAR

New events in Okanagan

The Okanagan Wine Festivals Society will launch its 22nd spring festivities April 28 to May 8. New for 2016: Pilates and Pinot in the lakeside vineyard of Evolve Cellars; Start Your Own Dynasty at the Hatch Winery, Asian Street Food with wine and cider at the View Winery; Pinosity tasting/seminar at Stag’s Hollow Winery; Hops, Grapes and Grub with Miradoro’s chef; and a Mother’s Day Rosé Brunch at Watermark Beach Resort. Find info and tickets at thewinefestivals.com.

Research is a growing focus of Washington State Wine, the research and marketing arm for the state’s grape growers and wineries. The agency will spend nearly a quarter of its $5 million budget on viticulture and oenology research in 2016. The state’s wine industry put up $7.4 million to help build the $23 million Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center in Richland, one of the most technologically advanced wine research facilities on the globe.

B.C. WINE OF THE WEEK

Quails’ Gate Chasselas — Pinot Blanc — Pinot Gris 2014, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

$17.49 | 88/100 UPC: 778856114058 All three grapes are hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and cold fermented separately, leading to a fresh and aromatic white that has a little bump of electricity, thanks to a heightened fruity green apple/pink grapefruit nose. The blend is mix of Chasselas/Pinot Blanc/Pinot Gris and the nose is a fresh orchard fruit affair with bits of pears, red apples, wet stones and more grapefruit.

WINE FOR THE CELLAR

Casa E. di Mirafiore Barolo 2010, Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy

$69.99 | 91/100 UPC: 8000174002468 Dried cherries, dried florals, subtle sea salt and an undercurrent of leather support this savoury Barolo. Subtle tar, wild herbs enter onto a giant, juicy palate, one still in youth with its firm, structured tannins. Drink now with roasted leg of lamb, but you will be rewarded with time in the cellar on this.