The Okanagan Valley is an agricultural rich region, which is the reason why today the terroir is laced with award-winning vintners. The region’s reputation for vine-covered slopes, beautifully crafted wines and panoramic landscape is one that draws people from all over the world.
One of the reasons LaStella Winery’s award-winning vintages are so sought-after is its exceptional terroir, which is an amalgamation of several elements of wine growing, including temperature, climate, soil composition and topography. LaStella’s vineyards happen to lie on the southern tip of the Okanagan Valley, which is one of the best producing wine regions anywhere in BC.
This idyllic valley is famed for its ideal mix of very hot days and cool nights, which is unmatched for cultivating outstanding wine grapes that produce top rated flavour concentration as well as the right amount of acidity. The mineral and savoury notes rounding out the tannin structure create LaStella’s finely-crafted wines – which are an excellent compliment to any cuisine.
“A bottle of wine begs to be shared;
I have never met a miserly wine lover.”
— Clifton Fadiman
Nestled along the shimmering Osoyoos Lake, LaStella’s has eight parcels of rows upon rows of sun-soaked vines scattered throughout the picturesque South Okanagan. Each of their unique expressions of terroir lend a layer of complexity to their superb wines.
A certified sustainable winery, LaStella released its inaugural vintage in 2006. Paying homage to the wine makers of the notable Tuscan region – those who dared to oppose the traditions of winemaking back in the 50s and 60s. These innovative winemakers began to plant international varieties, employ new barriques and create fantasy-named bottlings. That La Dolce Vita passion can be experienced in LaStella’s Tuscan-inspired wines, all of which have captured the hearts of wine connoisseurs everywhere.
Using time-honoured Tuscan traditions, each wine is aged in a combination of large format Hungarian, Slavonian Botti and French oak barrique for an extended period of time, before release. This ensures the wines’ unique personalities shine through with each sip.
At LaStella, the art of fine winemaking is to respect and capture the essence of the vineyard site and to highlight the unique varietal expression of each grape diversity – Leggiero chardonnay evokes elegance, while Vivace Pinto Grigio is all about delight and vivacious qualities, and Espressivo revels in its impressive notes. Its flagship wine, Maestoso, is an attention-grabbing one that wine aficionados have fallen madly in love with. And for good reason, Maestoso hints at a flamboyant Lamborghini with a Renaissance cathedral thrown in. Never coy, subtle or understated, Maestoso is boldly confident, outspoken and unapologetic.
For your next dinner party, here are some culinary delights that pair flawlessly with Maestoso. There is a famous Italian saying amongst chefs and wine lovers alike – “what grows together, goes together”. May we suggest the following: For meat lovers, a succulent Tuscan roast lamb with a rosemary crust, Bistecca ala Fiorentina with a side of braised Tuscan kale and beans, either of which will impress the most seasoned foodie. For vegetarians, a Lacinato kale Gnudi with a bright tangy tomato sauce will match brilliantly.
There’s a reason why LaStella’s wines have gained considerable stature and accolades, and seasoned wine lovers will be able to taste the difference. Sip and savour some of your preferred LaStella wines, which can be found at your local wine merchant, favourite Italian restaurant or while travelling through western Europe and Asia.