Vasanti Estate Winery in Oliver, BC, recently joined the South Okanagan wine scene. Known for its picturesque vineyards and a blend of tradition and innovation, Vasanti is helmed by the renowned winemaker Jason Parkes. The winery focuses on crafting memorable wines that highlight the region’s unique terroir.
Vasanti’s vineyards are in Oliver and Osoyoos, benefitting from the ideal climate, soil, and topography for producing high-quality grapes. The winery’s first releases have been well-received.
Before going to the tasting notes for the new wines, here is information on the 2023 Harvest.
2023 Harvest
“We just wrapped up our 2023 Harvest yesterday and were reminded of the harsh realities of the winter damage from the cold spell in December 2022. We finished our Merlot yesterday at the Paradise block in Oliver which only yielded about half of what we usually harvest. Our hardest hit was our Syrah in East Bench Osoyoos which we only had about 10-15% of what we typically harvest. Our Sauvignon blanc vines were young and were hit quite hard also yielding very little crop this fall.
On a positive note, the rest of our varieties yielded a respectable crop but at the expense of a very high labour cost. We had decided to do spur pruning after the winter damage with 5-6 long spurs to see which would yield healthy buds and shoots. This process was a lot more labour-intensive as it involved more intensive care at each step of the growing stage. Overall, we are glad that we were able to harvest a decent crop from those vines but it was a long, hard year with a very high labor cost.”
Davinder Sidhu – Senior Managing Partner, Vasanti Estate Winery
Vasanti Pinot Gris 2023
The Pinot Gris grapes are from the Paradise Block of the Vasanti estate vineyard and was fermented and aged in Stainless Steel.
Alcohol % 10.6 / pH 3.4 / RS 1.99
On the nose, orchard fruit and citrus blossoms. Favours of green apples, Key lime, white peach and nectarine. The Gris has a crisp, juicy mouthfeel, well-balanced acidity, and a vibrant mineral backbone, leading to a most enjoyable finish. 92 Points
Vasanti Paradise Bubbles 2023
This limited-edition Frizzante-style sparkling wine is made from Pinot Gris from the Paradise Block.
Alcohol % 10.5 / pH 3.12 / RS 1.99
The dry sparkling wine has aromas of citrus, apricot and honey. The well-balanced dry sparkling wine has Key lime, lemon and white peach flavours. 90 Points
Before going to the Gamay Noir tasting notes, here is a short discussion on this varietal. There are only 250 acres of Gamay Noir grapes planted in BC.
Why is Gamay not a more popular red wine?
BC Gamay Noir
Gamay Noir, known for producing Beaujolais wines, is relatively rare in British Columbia for several reasons:
- Climate and Terroir: BC’s wine regions have specific climate and soil conditions that are more suited to other grape varieties. The Okanagan Valley, the primary wine region in BC, has a climate that can be quite variable, and some areas may not be ideal for growing Gamay Noir. Instead, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc thrive in these conditions.
- Market Demand and Consumer Preferences: Consumer preferences significantly influence which grape varieties are planted. Historically, there has been a stronger market demand for more popular red wine varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir in BC. These wines often fetch higher prices and have a more established reputation, making them more attractive to growers and winemakers.
- Economic Factors: Vineyards need to be economically viable. Since there is less demand for Gamay Noir, it may not be as profitable for growers as other varieties that are more popular and can command higher prices. This economic reality discourages the extensive planting of Gamay Noir.
- Winemaking Trends: Winemaking trends and styles also play a role. Winemakers in BC have developed a reputation for certain styles of wine that may not include Gamay Noir as a focus. The local wine industry has honed its expertise and marketing around varieties that are signature to the region.
- Historical Context: The history of viticulture in BC has shaped the current landscape. When the wine industry was developing in BC, other varieties were chosen for their proven success and adaptability to the local conditions. This historical preference has persisted, making it challenging for less established varieties like Gamay Noir to gain a foothold.
While Gamay Noir can produce excellent wines and has a niche market, these factors contribute to its limited cultivation in BC. Nonetheless, the small amount of Gamay Noir planted in BC is of high quality and appreciated by enthusiasts seeking unique and distinctive wines.
Vasanti Gamay Rosé 2023
The juice for the Gamy Rosé was directly pressed, fermented and aged in stainless steel.
Alcohol % 11.1 / pH 3.21 / RS 2.49
The perfect dry light Rosé for sipping this summer. A gorgeous aroma of citrus and fresh berries. On the palate, a light to medium body with low tannins and mandarin orange, strawberry, watermelon, and cantaloupe flavours. 90 Points
Vasanti Gamay Noir 2022
The Gamay Noir is also from Oliver’s Paradise Block. Fermented in stainless steel with 3 daily pump-overs during fermentation and aged in neutral oak for 19 months.
Alcohol % 12.8 / pH 3.78 / RS 5.08
This is a pleasant, easy-drinking, lighter-bodied red wine. It is ruby red with aromas and flavours of cherry, cranberry and plum, hints of soft spice, pepper, and a delicate touch of oak. The Gamay has soft tannins with medium acidity and a fresh and bright finish. 91 Points
Here is the link to purchase Vasanti Wines and more information on the winery – Vasanti Wines’ First Release.