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FEBRUARY NEWS B.C. Riesling and Syrah Analysis identifies candidates for province's signature grapes K elowna, B.C.—A study correlating the volume of grapes harvested in British Columbia with the awards won by the wines those grapes produce puts some hard numbers to the question of what grape varieties the province's growers should claim as their own. While regions such as Burgundy and Oregon claim excellence in Pinot Noir, Napa is known for Cabernet and New Zealand is synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc, British Columbia—like neighboring Washington state—has wrestled with whether it should have a signature grape variety at which it excels or simply celebrate its diversity. A run of data from the past five years, collated and crunched by graduate student Grant Hurley from the University of British Columbia's School of Library, Archival and Information Studies, indicates some clear—and even surprising—candidates for B.C.'s signature grape. Hurley determined the best varieties for the region are Syrah and Riesling. Hurley reached that conclusion by analyzing publicly available information from the British Columbia Wine Institute regarding the B.C. grape harvest as well as a register of approximately 8,000 awards the resulting wines garnered. "The assumption here is that varietals that grow well will be more likely to be carefully produced, submitted and win awards," Hurley said. —Peter Mitham Tasting Room Focus Analysis, Best Practices & Trends: A newsletter for managers of tasting rooms, wine clubs and DTC wine sales. A monthly email newsletter with the latest: • xpert advice about tasting E rooms, inside sales, wine clubs, leadership, online marketing and data metrics; • irect-to-consumer (DtC) D and wine flash sales analysis; THE ART LIVES ON… { To effect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts. —Henry David Thoreau } Our barrels are works of art, crafted with expertise and perfection to honor wine. Partner with Tonnellerie Quintessence to create your masterpiece. • eatured tasting room F suppliers. January features Choreographing the Guest Journey The Need for More Personalized Communications with Your Wine Club Members Wine on Tap? 8 route de Canteloup—33750 Beychac & Caillau www.tonnelleriequintessence.fr Sign up today! Email trf@winesandvines.com or visit winesandvines.com/TRF Win es & Vin es F EB Rua ry 20 14 21