OSOYOOS, BC, July 17, 2013 /CNW/ - There's always been a unique union
between Old and New World winemaking at the South Okanagan's Osoyoos
Larose; with the arrival of new winemaker Mathieu Mercier, that bond
grows even stronger.
Mercier has winemaking in his blood. Born in Cognac, France, he grew up
in the vineyard at his family's estate. "When I was a kid I spent all
my free time with my father in the vineyard, or in the winery," says
Mercier. "I learned at a young age the significance of every detail
when striving for the best quality."
It was natural that he would study winemaking as a career. He holds both
a Masters in Viticulture and Enology and a National Diploma of Enology
from the respected Agronomic School of Bordeaux. In 2012, Mathieu spent
time expanding his skills in viticulture and winemaking at Concha Y
Toro's Don Melchor in Chile; at Swanson Vineyards and at Cain Vineyard
and Winey in the Napa Valley; and in Bordeaux, working at several
estates owned by Groupe Taillan. It was at the latter that he began to
take an interest in Osoyoos Larose, and in winemaking in the Okanagan
Valley.
"My enthusiasm for the quality of the 'Grand Vin' and the pursuit of new
challenges made me want to play a role in the continued success of the
wine." In March of 2013, he moved to Canada for the opportunity to
manage all the steps from vineyard to the cellar at Osoyoos Larose.
"The incredible potential of the Okanagan Valley became obvious to me
when I arrived here. The climate here is very good, with a lot of sun
exposure and spectacular day to night temperature variations."
Today, he is working closely with the team at Osoyoos Larose to
implement exacting viticulture and vinification techniques that will
help the finished wine express the unique terroir of the South
Okanagan. "My goal is to always produce better quality grapes to make
better quality wine year after year, without any compromises."
About Osoyoos Larose
Osoyoos Larose represents the union of centuries-old winemaking
traditions and New-World technology, consummated on an arid,
west-facing, 80-acre bench overlooking Lake Osoyoos in the South
Okanagan, British Columbia. The innovative partnership of Groupe
Taillan of Bordeaux, France, and Constellation Brands Canada yields an
expertly crafted Canadian wine from classic Bordeaux varietals.
To find out more about Osoyoos Larose, and to join the conversation,
find us at www.osoyooslarose.com, and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Image with caption: "Winemaker Mathieu Mercier Joins Osoyoos Larose (CNW Group/Constellation Brands)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130717_C7991_PHOTO_EN_29069.jpg
SOURCE: Constellation Brands
