Tag Archives: ortega

Coasting

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Symphony’s SPLASH is vegan, estate grown.

Crisp and refreshing.  A lovely blend of  Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer with a splash of Ortega and Seigrebbe. 

Great summer fare for a day after the heat wave.  Partly cloudy skies and moderate (mid 20s) temp.  We decided not to fight the wasps for supper on the deck so partook inside with close proximity to the Robert Michaels coastal jazz. 

Shrimp and Prawns done with Tagliatelle in a white wine (that came from HER dinner portion) sauce.

Symphony Splash 2021

$23.00 (Tax In)

11.5% Alcohol

Through recent times

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A trip to the vineyard was rewarded with 2019 and  2020 vintages of Ortega.

The flavours are quite different from those that used to come from Starling Lane – even though they were planted around the same time. The terrior differences of the two locations show the diversity of the grape. I wish that we had had a 3rd bottle – one from the Starling Lane days.

 All from the loving labours of Gerry and Sherry Mussio, but the vintners are Symphony.


2019 is lighter in colour, but bolder in flavour.

The 2020 is more up front, and lingers longer.


Both are delightful, but when tasted together, we tended to favour the 2020.


The first night we had pork tenderloin rings (spiced with ginger/thyme/salt/pepper), onion rings and cheese sauce over cauliflower/broccoli mix.


The second night, our House specialty of prawn boats.


Sherry’s painting graces the wall behind the tasting bar at Symphony
http://sherrymussio.com/folios/vineyard-landscapes/quattro-stagioni.html


The likes of Astounding Eyes of Rita with Anouar Brahem kept our mood mellow

No Confusion Here

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To us, this is the best Ortega on the Island.  

Symphony used to lease all the vines at Starling Lane and they had GREAT Ortega.  Gerry and Sherry Mussio (one of the 3 partner owners of Starling) also planted the same vines at their home acreage.

This shows the difference that terroir can make to a wine.  

To us, home acreage Ortega is softer, mellower, and fuller bodied than the Starling vintage.


I helped harvest in 2018 at Mussio’s but not for the 2019 vintage.


Only available at Symphony vineyard or delivery from them.  $21.00


12.1% alcohol


Clear. Bright and Crisp.

You don’t need a pic of supper, because we’ve done a pairing with Vancouver Island Scallops before.  

Real Simple: Salt. Pepper Saffron. Butter only. Takes the same amount of time as the couscous.


Tonight was a slight variation with the salad.  B used watermelon.  Extra refreshing.
Twas a great mix of wine and food.