At Monte Creek Winery, we make three sparkling wines: Living Land Sparkling, Living Land Sparkling Rosé, and Split Decision. Our Living Land Sparkling and the Sparkling Rosé are made using the Charmat method. The Charmat method involves a primary fermentation in stainless steel. Then, after the wine settles it is transferred to Charmat tanks for a secondary fermentation, where additional yeast is added and the tank is sealed. The yeast feeds on the residual sugar left from the primary fermentation, converting it to alcohol and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide then gets trapped in the wine, creating bubbles. After fermentation, the wine is bottled under pressure, resulting in a sparkling wine that is fresh, aromatic, and bursting with fruit-forward flavours.
The Living Land series celebrates the idea that great wines only come from balanced vines and earth that is truly alive and thriving. It speaks to the idea that to grow incredible fruit, you must promote and maintain an environment that is healthy and working with nature, not against it. All of our vineyards and production facilities are Certified Organic as of September 2023. This emphasis on natural farming not only preserves the integrity of the land but also results in wines with enhanced complexity and depth. To learn more, see our blog post “We are now certified organic”.
2022 Living Land Sparkling
The Living Land Sparkling is crafted from 100% estate-grown La Crescent grapes, cultivated on Monte Creek’s unique ‘scuitto’ soils, a deep glaciolacustrine silty loam resting over volcanic bedrock. La Crescent is one of the first grape varieties to be harvested at Monte Creek Winery, as it ripens earlier than many other grape varieties. This early ripening is due to La Crescent’s cold hardy nature, making it well-suited for regions with cooler climates.
This sparkling wine presents vibrant tropical fruit aromas and flavours, including lemon, banana cream pie, and delicate honeysuckle. Its lively acidity leads to a refreshing off-dry finish, making it an excellent choice on its own or paired with light bites. Ideal pairings include quiches, frittatas, sushi, and oysters.
2023 Living Land Sparkling Rosé Organic
The Sparkling Rosé is crafted from 100% estate-grown organic Marquette grapes. Marquette is a teinturier variety, meaning the colour is present in the flesh of the berry, not just the skin, like other grapes. Learn more in a YouTube video, Celebrate BC Wine Month | Interview with Monte Creek Winery.
This vibrant Sparkling Rosé showcases flavors of ripe strawberry and refreshing watermelon, with a crisp, celebratory finish. Perfect on its own or paired with light dishes like green salads, bruschetta, charcuterie, or strawberries and cream waffles.
Split Decision
Split Decision is a unique blend of grapes and blueberries. The blueberries are sourced directly from the Monte Creek owner’s other venture, Sidhu and Sons Nursery in Mission, BC. The grapes and blueberries are pressed and fermented separately in stainless steel tanks which once complete, are blended together before undergoing carbonation. This vibrant sparkler is fresh and aromatic, offering notes of blueberry, delicate florals, and subtle hints of lavender and cotton candy. Split Decision is a perfect match for a salad with strawberries and goat cheese or enjoyed as a new take on the traditional mimosa.