OSOYOOS

A Canadian producer, the wine's name, Osoyoos Larose, reflects the partners' roots in France and Canada. Osoyoos refers to the location of the vineyards in the Okanagan Valley, on the mountain slopes above Lake Osoyoos.

The land is situated on the western bench, overlooking Lake Osoyoos, a slim lake that runs north and south on the valley floor. It boasts plentiful sunlight, minimal rainfall and excellent drainage, with proximity to the lake providing cooler temperatures in the evening. The sloping character of the site reduces the intensity of the sunlight, promoting excellent photosynthesis for the vines and enhancing the maturation of the fruit's tannins and colour. Pascal Madevon is both vineyard manager and winemaker for Osoyoos Larose.

Mathieu Mercier

Winemaker Mathieu Mercier has winemaking in his blood. Born in Cognac, France, he grew up in the vineyard at his family’s estate. He holds both a Masters in Viticulture and Enology from Bordeaux Sciences Agro and a National Diploma of Enology from the Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin in Bordeaux.

From 2010 to 2013, 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 Winery 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. In March of 2013, he moved to Canada for the opportunity to manage all the steps from vineyard to the cellar at Osoyoos Larose.

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. It’s his aim to make better wine year after year, with no compromises.