Quails' Gate releases 2021 wines from sustainable vineyards

Photo: Quails' Gate president Tony Stewart

Quails’ Gate Estate Winery coupled the release of wines from the 2021 vintage with the announcement that its vineyards have received sustainability certification from Sustainability Winegrowing BC. “We are honoured to be recognized alongside grapegrowers and wineries across the province who are dedicated to making wine production sustainable now and for the future,” the winery said.

The certification is hardly a surprise. The Stewart family, who operate Quails’ Gate, has a long and distinguished farming history in the Okanagan, from early in the Twentieth Century. Richard Stewart, who died in 2020 at the age of 94, first planted grapes in West Kelowna in 1963. He is reputed to have planted the first Pinot Noir in the Okanagan. He also partnered with the Capozzi family in developing Pacific Vineyards on Black Sage Road. He was also a founding member in 1961 of the Association of British Columbia Grape Growers and later was chair of the Grape Growers Marketing Board. At his encouragement, his sons, Ben and Tony, started Quails’ Gate winery in 1989. Tony took over as winery president when his brother decided on a career in politics.

One of the Okanagan’s most successful wineries, Quails’ Gate has vineyards in East Kelowna and Osoyoos as well as at the founding site on the slope of Mt. Boucherie in West Kelowna. As well, the Stewarts also have wineries in Sonoma in California. The decision to get sustainable certification is in keeping with recent trends in B.C. wine industry. A substantial number, likely a majority, of vineyards now follow organic or biodynamic or sustainable practices.

Here are notes on the current releases.

Quails’ Gate Chasselas Pinot Gris Pinot Blanc 2021 ($19.99). This is BC’s leading white vinifera blend and with good reason. It begins with aromas of melon, pear and citrus with an elusive hint of blossoms. On the palate, the wine is refreshing and fruity with flavours of citrus and melon. The finish is dry. 90.

Quails’ Gate Chenin Blanc 2121 ($24.99) The blend is 93% Chenin Blanc and 7% Viognier. The Chenin Blanc grapes were fermented 90% in stainless steel, 10% in neutral French oak, while the Viognier was fermented entirely in neutral French oak. The wine begins with glorious aromas of tropical fruits, including peach, guava and Asian pear. The palate delivers flavours of green apples, peached and lemon. The texture is full and yet crisp, thanks to bright acidity. The finish goes on and on. 93.

Quails’ Gate Dry Riesling 2121 ($19.99). Made with fruit from 30-year-old vines, this wine shows the mineral backbone that mature wines deliver. It has aromas of lime and stone fruit. On the palate, there are notes of green apple, lemon and lime. The wine is too young to have developed the classic petrol notes, but it has the acidity and structure to support cellar aging. 90.

Quails’ Gate Gewürztraminer 2121 ($19.99). The wine begins with aromas of spice, herbs, guava and lychee, leading to flavours of peach and citrus mingled with spice. The slight amount of residual sugar gives the wine a fleshy texture without taking away from the lingering dry finish. 90.

Quails’ Gate Rosé 2121 ($19.99). This is one of the top-selling rosé wines from BC. It is made with Gamay and Pinot Noir grapes. Four hours of skin contact has given it a delicate but attractive pink hue. It has aromas of wild strawberries, watermelon and raspberries. It delivers mouth-filling flavours that mirror the aromas. The finish is crisp and refreshing. 91.