Wine Guy: B.C. Pinot Noir

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One of the many compelling aspects of B.C.’s wine country is the sheer diversity of wines available. This includes both types and styles; as a relatively young wine region the industry isn’t beholden to tradition.

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That said, it’s fun to watch certain grapes gain local attention and following. And when it comes to red wines, one cultivar that has found a firm foundation throughout the province is Pinot Noir.

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Frind Estate Winery 2022 Pinot Noir Cuvée, West Kelowna

($23.99, No. 67205)

Not surprisingly, temperamental Pinot Noir seems to fare best in cooler vineyard pockets throughout the province.

In the Okanagan Valley, this typically means Kelowna and points north.

Frind is based on the West Kelowna lakeshore, but for their Pinot Noir Cuvée, the winery sources Pinot grapes from both Central and North Okanagan.

Pouring a clear but dullish garnet, this friendly Pinot Noir wafts aromas of chocolate-covered cherries and earth. More red berry and evident oak highlight the mid-palate before a leaner, balanced finish concludes with lingering dry tannins.

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This is a bottle to pair with friends and backyard grill sessions.

Bottom line: B, serve with burgers or sirloin.

SpearHead Winery 2022 Braided Hill Pinot Noir, East Kelowna

($39, available through the winery)

SpearHead is on the other side of Okanagan Lake, southeast of Kelowna proper.

SpearHead has championed Pinot Noir from their beginning, and this spring the small but highly decorated winery has released two novel bottles. One is a bottling from a single Pommard Pinot Noir clone grown in Summerland. The other is this Braided Hill offering, which was grown in a new single vineyard site on the East Kelowna Slopes sub-Geographic Indication.

Expressive berry and floral notes intro a fruit-forward, robust and perfumed style that brings subtle spice and supple texture.

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Bring on the cheese and charcuterie. 

Bottom line: A, delicious small lot offering with only 147 cases produced.

Blue Grouse Estate Winery 2021 Reserve Pinot Noir, Cowichan Valley

($75.99, available through the winery)

Finally, let’s not forget the Pinot Noir love on the islands, including the wineries of Vancouver Island.

Pinot Noir has found a home on the cooler slopes of the Cowichan Valley, including at Blue Grouse. The winery recently released their latest vintage Reserve Pinot Noir, which admittedly carries quite the precious price tag. Only 50 cases of this barrel and amphorae-aged, top shelf drop were produced, and it brings classic Pinot Noir nuances of red fruit and underbrush in a mid-weight style with a nice mix of fruit and earth.

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Elegant with fine grained tannins, this goes great with duck or duxelles.

Bottom line: A-, statement B.C. Pinot.

The Swirl: Malbec Wine Day

It’s not Pinot Noir, but we would be remiss to not acknowledge the pending World Malbec Day commemorated annually on April 17.

This year local celebrations are scheduled for Saturday, April 13, with a Malbec tasting taking place in downtown Vancouver from 2 to 5 p.m. at Marquis Wine Cellars, at 1034 Davie St.

Seven different Malbecs will be featured alongside empanadas from Panaderia Latina Bakery, and, while the event is free, donations for the B.C. Hospitality Foundation are requested.

For complete details head to marquis-wines.com/events/ and don’t forget to tag #MalbecWorldDay.

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