This is the second batch of Solvero Wines we have enjoyed. You can read about the winery background in an earlier article – Solvero Wines Opens with a Splash.
Solvero Wines stands out for several reasons:
- Sustainable Practices: They emphasize sustainable and environmentally friendly viticulture and winemaking processes.
- Terroir-Driven Wines: Their wines are crafted by Alison Moyes to express the unique characteristics of the Garnet Valley.
- Quality and Artisanal Approach: Solvero Wines focuses on producing high-quality, small-batch wines with meticulous attention to detail in every step of the production process.
- Innovative Techniques: They often incorporate innovative winemaking techniques, low grape cropping rates and modern technology while respecting traditional methods.
- Commitment to Excellence: Their dedication to excellence is evident in the awards and accolades their wines have received.
Joe Wackerbauer and his team at Okanagan Custom Homes constructed the impressive tasting room, which blends effortlessly into the surrounding Garnet Valley hills.
Here are the winemaking and tasting notes on the new wines, plus one of my favourite Pinot Noirs that is aging beautifully.
Solvero Pinot Gris 2023 ($25)
Harvested from Kozuki Family Vineyards and Happy Valley Vineyard, this was an earlier-than-average harvest across four picks, which were treated individually. The yield was only 2.5 tons per acre. Each block was hand‐harvested and gently whole-cluster pressed to release a lower volume of juice with high clarity and concentration. The fermentations were primarily spontaneous and kept relatively cool between 12‐16C, extending over 3‐4 weeks until dryness. The wine was aged in a mixture of stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels for three months before bottling.
Alcohol 13.5% |pH 3.36 |TA 6.4 |RS 3.4
The wine has a softened aroma of honeysuckle and white stone fruit blossoms. It is medium-bodied and elegant, creamy, with crisp acidity, flavours of ripe peach, apricot, and nectarine, and a touch of minerality. 91 points.
Solvero Rosé 2023 ($25)
100% Pinot Noir from Kozuki Family Vineyards and Garnet Valley Vineyard was hand harvested in early September and gently destemmed in two batches. Each block was carefully assessed for flavour, colour and tannin during skin contact and pressed off the skins after 2‐3 hours of maceration. The wine was then cool‐fermented to dryness in stainless steel.
Alcohol 12.8% |pH 3.39 |TA 7.1 |RS 1.85
The dry Rosé is a subdued orange/peach colour with light aromas of red berries and rose petals. Juicy flavours of strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb with a rich texture and a refreshing hint of bitterness on the finish. 91 Points
Solvero Pinot Noir 2020 ($35)
The Pinot Noir grapes are from the Garnett Valley estate vineyard. The Pinot Noir clones include 115, 667, 777, 828, 943, Swan and Pommard and were cropped at only 1 ton per acre.
The wine was aged for 12 months in 33% new oak barrels.
Alcohol 12.2% |pH3.72 |TA 6.4 |RS 1.3
It has been 12 months since I last tasted the Solvero Pinot, and the wine is aging gracefully. The wine opens with a gorgeous aroma of ripe cherries and violets. Medium-bodied with classic Pinot flavours of black cherry and earthy forest floor. A long lingering finish to this food-friendly wine. 92 Points
You can purchase these premium BC wines at the Solvero Winery Website.