VINEYARDS 2017 PRESS KIT

VINEYARDS 2017 PRESS KIT

Introduction Mirabel, of wondrous beauty, perfectly represents the Reimer family s stunning South East Kelowna hilltop estate and vineyard overlooking the beautiful Okanagan Valley. The family s commitment to quality and producing a luscious, elegant and sustainably-grown Pinot Noir is evident in this first vintage.

About Mirabel Vineyards Owned by Doug and Dawn Reimer, the south-western exposed site is planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vineyard is sustainably farmed, with a crop yield of 2.5 tons per acre. Mirabel Vineyards proudly offers small batch Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a saignée Rosé, made at Okanagan Crush Pad by Matt Dumayne. This focused portfolio perfectly reflects the family s commitment to quality and producing luxurious, elegant, sustainably-grown wines. Those seeking access to Mirabel Vineyards wines are invited to join the mailing list at mirabelvineyards.com Quick Facts WINERY Mirabel Vineyards PROPRIETORS Doug and Dawn Reimer VINEYARD DOGS Bentley and Baci FOUNDED Vineyard planted in 2006 LOCATION No wine shop; not open to the public EMAIL info@mirabelvineyards.com WEB mirabelvineyards.com @mirabelwine 3

Wines 2015 PINOT NOIR Intensely aromatic, brooding dark fruits intertwine with subtle toasty nuances. A powerful Pinot with layered complexity of red berries and forest floor, lead to a firm yet sensual structured finish. This wine will reward cellaring. Hand-harvested October 7th, 2015 Crop yield 2.5 tons per acre Alc. 13.5% RS 0.8 ph 3.83 TA 5.3 237 cases produced The 2015 Mirabel Pinot Noir (just 237 cases) was aged 11 months exclusively in French oak (30% new) from the famed François Frères cooperage in Burgundy. Gentle handling, including gravity transfer from barrel to bottle, helped to maintain the elegant texture, rich fruit, soft spice and gorgeous length of the wine. As the Reimers do not yet have a winery, this inaugural release is made at Okanagan Crush Pad by chief winemaker Matt Dumayne. 2016 ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR Watch for Mirabel s release in spring 2017 of 100 cases of saignée method Rosé. 2016 CHARDONNAY In spring 2017, Mirabel Vineyards will release approximately 200 cases of Chardonnay. 4

Vineyard The vineyards of South East Kelowna are moderated by the deep Okanagan Lake, which supports average temperatures in the high 20s C, especially during the critical summer growing season. Although the vineyards are in the same latitude as Champagne in France and the Rheingau in Germany, the region receives longer hours of daylight than many vineyards in southern California, helping to achieve optimum phenolic ripeness in the grapes. The Reimer Family Vineyard was planted in 2006 on a steep hill with both southwesterly and northwesterly aspects. Grapes were planted at an elevation of 930 feet, up to 1220 at the top. Soil analysis was conducted by James Cluer MW and Rhys Pender MW. The complex soil was found to contain calcium carbonate (from former marine life deposits) and alluvial sediments, leftover from retreating glaciers. The vineyard also includes a silt loam overtop a gravel loam. Loam soils are high in organic nutrients, while providing excellent natural drainage. The decision was made to plant Pinot Noir, based not only on the soil structure, but local temperature ranges, low rainfall during the growing season, and excellent drainage qualities. Six acres (just 84 rows) were planted to three specially- selected Dijon clones: 115, 667 and 777. Clone 115 is an early-ripening variety with a strong purple colour and elegant but opulent aromatics. The high acidity and medium tannic structure of the resultant wines makes them suitable for aging. With its small berries and tight bunches, Clone 667 is often blended with Clone 115, and tends to ripen later. It adds rich tannic structure and softer acidity to the blend. Clone 777 is known for its compact growing season with a late budburst and an early ripening cycle. With very low yields, it adds a deep colour and intense aromatics to the blend, balanced by round tannins and low acidity. 5

A pendelbogen trellis system was chosen to produce lower-yielding vines, with a positive impact on potential quality. The vineyard is green harvested midway through the season, a process which removes not-yet mature grape bunches, forcing the vine to focus its energy into the remaining grapes, leading to improved ripening and richer fruit flavours. Sustainably-farmed, the yield is cropped at a low 2.5 tons per acre, and harvested exclusively by hand. From 2010, the grapes have been sold to Meyer Family Vineyards, and Foxtrot Vineyards accessed the fruit for one vintage, in 2014. The vineyard-designated labels from each winery have set the reputation of the Reimer Family grapes. The decision was finally made in 2015 to bottle under their own label, Mirabel, which translates from Latin as of wondrous beauty. In 2017, 1.5 acres of Chardonnay will be planted. Beginning with the 2016 vintage, Mirabel will release approximately 200 cases of Chardonnay from purchased fruit, until the estate vines are mature. 100 cases of saignée method rosé will also be offered, alongside 500 cases of estate Pinot Noir. Ultimately, the estate will produce no more than 1150 cases per vintage. 6

Mirabel Family Proprietors: Doug and Dawn Reimer Vineyard Dogs: Bentley & Baci Mirabel Vineyards was founded through pursuit of a passion; a passion for Pinot Noir growing out of a love for amazing food and exceptional wine. Over the years, with a love of travel and a passion for great food and wine, Doug and Dawn have come to hold the belief that the creation and sharing of wonderful food and incredible wine is one of life s greatest joys. 7

Originally from Winnipeg, Doug and Dawn raised their three now-grown sons. With Doug s family business taking them to many cities across Canada, they finally settled in West Vancouver. While on a vacation in the Okanagan in 2004 the couple discovered a magnificent piece of property on a stunning hilltop with expansive views across the valley, the ideal location for family and friends to gather and share experiences and celebrations. The decision to plant a vineyard was borne both from their passion for wine and from a guiding principle to produce an exceptional, sustainably grown product from this unique terroir. Together they have created a Mediterranean-inspired estate and vineyard influenced by their extensive travels to famous wine growing regions throughout the world. At the Reimers home, the kitchen is the centre of life; here many great meals and wines are enjoyed and shared. Like the Reimers home, their Mirabel Vineyards has become a gathering place in which family, friends, ideas, and wines all flourish. We believe that what is in the bottle is more than just wine; it is a place and time; a snapshot of the vineyard. We invite you to join us, as we pursue our dream. - Doug and Dawn 8

Contact and to Order Mirabel Wines Nearly all of our small production goes directly to people who love fine Pinot Noir and seek us out online. Or they hear about us from friends. We are proud of our small, sustainably farmed vineyard. Mirabel Vineyards is fortunate to have a loyal group of enthusiasts who love fine wine, especially Pinot Noir, and have faith in our program. As we intend to remain a small producer, each year we will face the challenge of sharing our extremely limited quantity of Pinot Noir with old friends and new acquaintances alike. We have found establishing a mailing list to sell to on a firstcome basis provides the most equitable solution. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, or are a member of the trade who seek an allocation, please contact info@mirabelvineyard.com. 9

Wines 2015 PINOT NOIR Intensely aromatic, brooding dark fruits intertwine with subtle toasty nuances. A powerful Pinot with layered complexity of red berries and forest floor, lead to a firm yet sensual structured finish. This wine will reward cellaring. Hand-harvested October 7th, 2015 Crop yield 2.5 tons per acre Alc. 13.5% RS 0.8 ph 3.0 TA 6.3 237 cases produced The 2015 Mirabel Pinot Noir (just 237 cases) was aged 11 months exclusively in French oak (30% new) from the famed François Frères cooperage in Burgundy. Gentle handling, including gravity transfer from barrel to bottle, helped to maintain the elegant texture, rich fruit, soft spice and gorgeous length of the wine. As the Reimers do not yet have a winery, this inaugural release is made at Okanagan Crush Pad by chief winemaker Matt Dumayne. 10