2023 Pinot Gris Unsworth Vineyard

Unsworth Vineyards

Unsworth Vineyards’ Winemaker Dan Wright describes two big waves of luck in his career (so far): one with the Turyk family taking a chance on a young winemaker knocking on their door for a job in late 2015, and the second that came with the opportunities following the purchase of Unsworth in 2020 by Barbara Banke and Julia Jackson. Since then, Dan has been involved in developing a new 40 acre vineyard and the construction of a new state-of-the-art winery, all while taking Unsworth wines to new heights and recognition.

Protected by surrounding mountains, the Cowichan Valley’s unique microclimate makes it the warmest and driest region on Vancouver Island. Formed through ancient volcanic activity, shifting tectonic plates, and glacial movement, Cowichan Valley soils are a complex mix of marine sediment, glacial tills, clay-rich pockets, and silty layers. This geological diversity contributes to the clean, elegant structure of Cowichan Valley wines.

As the Unsworth sites mature, they’ve released some vineyard designate wines such as this Unsworth Vineyard Pinot Gris from their estate vineyard. The Cowichan Valley’s 2023 vintage was the best growing season Dan has seen in his 10 harvests at Unsworth. It was a warm spring with the perfect amount of rain to set up for a warm and dry summer. Yields were smaller which led to great concentration of flavour while still preserving the island’s characteristic electric acidity. The must was passively oxidized through an open-slotted press without sulphur added before fermentation. This approach builds a rounder, softer palate and improves ageability by reducing the risk of oxidation later. Fermentation took place in a 90/10 mix of stainless steel and neutral French oak. The wine was aged for four months on fine lees before blending.

Tasting Note

Notes of ripe citrus and apple with a salinity that’s synonymous with Vancouver Island wines. Fresh, taut minerals, citrus, and green apple are lit up across this lively palate.

Food Pairing

An ideal companion to oysters, this wine will also pair beautifully with roasted cauliflower that’s topped with parsley, capers, and garlic in an equal parts olive oil/ butter sauce spiked with lemon juice. Acid, a bit of sweetness from the roasted cauliflower, some fat, and salty flecks of capers will hit on many levels of Unsworth’s 2023 UV designate Pinot Gris.