Pinot Noir is the perennial ‘heartbreak’ grape.  Its skin breaks easily, which makes it especially susceptible to disease and genetic mutation.  And talk about fragility with regard to climate.  Fickle doesn’t even begin to cover it.

But, Unsworth Vineyards has figured out how to grow a clearly superior grape in Vancouver Island’s newest officially named region, Cowichan Valley – and make delicious wine from it as well.

A gorgeous, translucent ruby, this wine has classic aromas of summer ripened Byng cherry, strawberry, and cedar.  The dry palate has soft tannins with flavours of more cherry, ripe boysenberries, forest frond, and fresh earth.  An elegant body and long finish complement this well balanced, Burgundian style wine.

We enjoyed this on a warm west coast August evening with barbecued Italian sausages on a bed of quinoa, with kale and cranberry salad.

*This wine was provided gratis by Storied Wines & Spirits