Day 9 – Unsanctioned Series Pinot Gris 2021

Grown by our neighbour Stephane at OPG Vineyard in Kaleden (just across the street from us), this is the inaugural vintage of our Unsanctioned Series Pinot Gris. This wine is a textural experience, showcasing a richer style Pinot Gris that is reminiscent of a Cru wine from Alsace, France. We split up the 2 tons of grapes and fermented half of them in large format French oak barrels, and the other half in a stainless steel tank. The rationale for this was twofold: it was the first time Rob has worked with Pinot Gris, so utilizing two different winemaking techniques provided a great learning tool; and (more importantly), Rob is very familiar with richer-style Pinot Gris wines, and with many vintages working with other white wines in barrel, it just seemed like the right direction to take.

The wine that ended up in our Unsanctioned Series wine was 2/3 barrel-fermented and aged, and 1/3 tank fermented. The blend of the two techniques provides the best of both worlds: rich texture and slight vanilla notes from the barrel fraction combined with the crisp, fresh style from the tank fraction.

You might be starting to see a bit of a pattern with our food pairing suggestions: simplicity.  Today’s food pairing is another dish that is incredibly simple to prepare, but packed with flavours that will compliment the Pinot Gris: mussels with a Dijon and Saffron sauce.

Winemaking Notes

The inaugural vintage of our 2021 Pinot Gris is made with grapes grown by our neighbor at OPG vineyard in Kaleden. Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, the grapes were lightly pressed and then the juice was fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks and 500L French oak puncheons. After fermentation, the wine was aged 5 months in barrel, with batonnage (stirring of the lees) twice a month to build body and texture.

Tasting Notes
A textural experience showcasing both creaminess and crisp acidity. Aromas of white peach, ripe pear, and pineapple follow on the palate with tropical fruits, toasted almond, and lemon zest on the finish. Subtle hints of toasted marshmallow reflect the barrel aging process.

Food Pairings
The creamy texture and crisp acidity of this medium body Pinot Gris make it a perfect match for seafood and cream-based pastas.

Wine Specs

Vintage 2021
Appellation Okanagan Valley VQA
Vineyards Kaleden
Acid 6.1g/L
pH 3.48
Residual Sugar 1.2g/L
Alcohol % 13.5
Production: 70 cases