Nk Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Syrah 2018

Drink now or cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving.

Nk’Mip Cellars is the first winery in North America to be owned and run by Indigenous people. The name of the estate translates into English as “bottomland” since it sits at the southern end of the Osoyoos Indian Reserve. This desert-like area is one of the warmest and most arid in all of Canada, making it ideally suited for premium winemaking thanks to the sunny summer days and cooler nights.

The winery’s top range of wines are named “Qwam Qwmt'' in the Okanagan language which means “achieving excellence”. These wines are produced in tiny quantities from top quality fruit sourced from Inkameep Vineyards planted some forty years ago. Grapes for this wine come from two parcels next to the winery in Osoyoos. Following fermentation the young wine is transferred to French and American oak barrels for 18 months.

Cassis, blackberry, violets and black pepper notes define the nose while the palate reveals a generous full body, firm tannins and long finish seasoned with winter spice, woodsmoke and crushed wild berries. Bold and robust, this powerful red is a great match for hearty red meat dishes like roast beef, stews, game and barbecued meats.