Tasting Note – Not released in time for the Nationals, this is the first still white wine from the new Ailm Estate in the Stewart Family’s vineyard, planted in South Kelowna during the later 2010s. It’s a mid-weight chenin carefully made to provide refreshment and some structure from young vines. The nose is fairly generous, complex with typical chenin green pear/melon fruit, lemon-lime, linden flower and vague honey. It is medium weight, open knit and a bit juicy, yet firm, with just a hint of sweetness. There is a pleasant, lemony finish. The length is very good.

Backgrounder: The Ailm Estate vineyard is planted on a former tree nursery owned by the Stewart Family, with a lone towering pine on its label. And although the Irish word Ailm doesn’t translate as elm, its pronounciation is similar. This new project, with its winery and restaurant now under development is focused on sparkling wines, has just released its first still wine. Ailm is a sister property to Quails’ Gate on the west side of the lake, a property long known for chenin blanc. So chenin makes sense in this debut. This was 35% aged in neutral French oak over four months, where malolactic fermentation took place along with limited bâtonnage to improve texture and add complexity. The other 65% held in stainless steel to preserve freshness and fruit character, with malolactic fermentation blocked to preserve acidity.