Noble Ridge is certified a sustainable producer

Photo: Leslie and Jim D'Andrea with debut sparkling wine in 2013

In April, Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery became the first Canadian producer to achieve the Biosphere Sustainable Certification. The following month, this Okanagan Falls winery released three excellent sparkling wines that one should drink to celebrate the achievement.

The Biosphere certification culminates a years-long effort by the winery to become a sustainable producer. In August 2021, Noble Ridge was one of the first wineries in the Okanagan to achieve a British Columbia certification for sustainable winegrowing. There is a long list of actions that a winery takes to qualify for the Biosphere certification. At Noble Ridge, that has included installing solar panels and geothermal energy systems; composting; planting drought resistant cover crops; using deficit irrigation; bottling wine in light eco glass bottles; even installing efficiency toilets. The certification also requires the winery to have good working conditions and health and safety programs.

“We have undertaken over 133 activities related to 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations,” Noble Ridge owners Leslie and James D’Andrea said in a statement. “It is not by accident that we have dedicated ourselves to undertaking practices and implementing systems that not only have helped us produce world class wines but have supported our commitment to the stewardship of our land and the people who work with us at the winery.”

Their note with the release of three sparking wines reiterates their view that “sparkling wine isn’t just for celebrations; its effervescence and versatility elevate any moment.” That view is now widely accepted by both consumers and B.C. wineries. Twenty-five years ago, you could count the number of B.C. sparkling wines on one hand. Today, it is a rare winery that does not offer one. Noble Ridge was one of the earlier producers and has made numerous award-winning sparklers. The wines are made in the traditional Champagne method with the varietals also used in Champagne. These are top quality wines, quite competitive with Champagne. Here are my notes.

Noble Ridge The Pink One 2019 ($34.99 for 135 cases). This is 100% Pinot Noir. The grapes were allowed four hours of skin contact; hence, the wine’s appealing rose petal hue. The wine was on the lees for 34 months before being disgorged. The aroma delivers notes of biscuit and strawberry. The palate is a generous mouthful of raspberry and strawberry. The finish is dry. 92.

Noble Ridge The One 2018 ($34.99 for 345 cases). This is 72% Chardonnay and 28% Pinot Noir. The grapes were whole cluster pressed and fermented cool. The wine was en tirage for 47 months before being disgorged. The wine has aromas of citrus and brioche; on the palate, there are flavours of lemon, pear and brioche. The mousse gives the wine a creamy texture; the finish is dry and refreshing. 94.

Noble Ridge The One Grand Reserve 2017 ($N/A for 165 cases). This wine, which is reserved just for Noble Ridge’s wine club, is 78% Chardonnay and 22% Pinot Noir. The grapes were whole cluster pressed and the wine was fermented cool. It spent 66 months en tirage. Citrus and green apple mingle with brioche in the aroma. On the palate, there is a medley of complex flavours, including apple, pear, biscuit and almond. The mousse gives the wine a creamy texture but the finish is crisply dry. 96.