Our Distinction Collection offers enthusiasts handcrafted, experimental wines that fine-tune combinations of varieties, clones, rootstocks and winemaking techniques. Like the pattern of a quail’s egg of which no two are alike, each batch of wine is unique and bottled in small lots.
From its Loire Valley origins in France to the Okanagan Valley, this grape has flourished on our estate vineyard for more than 20 years. This exclusive Chenin release comes in small batches and is delicately fermented and aged in a concrete egg for added complexity and depth.
An indulgent and aromatic profile with notes of lime, apricot and a wet stone minerality. The palate possesses exceptionally dynamic flavour harmonies, hints of stone fruit, a structured acid throughout and an inviting finish.
Three Wolves Vineyard is situated at the base of Mount Boucherie with eastern exposure, just around the corner from our estate. After several hours of morning sunshine, the mountain casts a shadow over the vines during the warmest parts of the day, extending the ripening process while preserving aromatic freshness.
This vintage was whole-cluster pressed and aged in a combination of neutral barrels and stainless steel, giving the wine beautiful structure and charm. Lifted aromas of Redhaven Okanagan peaches flow wonderfully through the palate. The mouthfeel is round and rich with a refreshing acidity and a crisp, enjoyable finish. The perfect match for a fresh summer salad alfresco.
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Electricity is the hallmark of this vintage. Our Orchard Block Gewürztraminer showcases grapes from our 1989 vineyard planting, originally home to our family’s peach and cherry orchards.
In this release, a parcel of fruit from nearby Mannhardt vineyard adds additional layers of nuanced complexity and vibrant acidity. Explosive aromatics of lychee carry effortlessly onto the palate. The vibrant nature of this wine guarantees an outstanding finish and a promise of another pour.
Our Clone 49 Riesling is rooted in the emerging South Kelowna microclimate. This cool, quartz-laced vineyard site is home to ancient alluvial melt, sandy loam and a gentle western aspect that delivers high-quality fruit, vintage after vintage.
The 2023 release of this coveted Riesling reveals a beautiful bouquet of Granny Smith apple that unfolds perfectly onto the palate. This vintage embodies a multi-nuanced core with enough balance and depth to impress any connoisseur. Pairs perfectly on a summer patio with friends and family.
Our Dijon Clone Chardonnay is a thoughtful blend of clones 96, 95, 76, and 548, carefully hand-selected from premium blocks in our South Kelowna vineyard.
A true expression of these sought-after Burgundian clones, this inaugural vintage delivers a flinty, fresh aroma and a lean, mineral palate. The bright and balanced acidity on the finish is a result of cool climate conditions and an unrelenting commitment to farming excellence.
Our Dijon Clone Pinot Noir is an exclusive selection of our Clone 828, 777 and 115 plantings, dedicated to our brother Benjamin who pioneered the introduction of numerous Burgundian clones in Canada.
The 2022 release is crafted for the true Pinot Noir lover. Red cherry lifts from the glass, accompanied by strawberry leaf, graphite and sandalwood. On the palate this wine is rich and spicy with flavours of dark berries, gracefully building to a long finish.
Our Quorum blend celebrates the harmony of two distinct varietals, resulting in a wine that is more than the sum of its parts.
Gamay Noir and Gamaret were hand-picked from two of our finest vineyards. Grapes were destemmed and fermented on the skins for 8 days before pressing. Aged in 75% neutral French oak and 25% new French oak for 15 months before blending and bottling. This wine presents a captivating bouquet of floral aromas, spice and ripe red fruits. Crafted to perfection, this bold red delivers intricate complexity marked by flavours of currant and cassis.
The Distinction Collection answers the latest challenges that we have embarked upon – dealing with climate change, pushing stylistic boundaries and finding micro-climates that didn’t exist in our grandfather’s time.
We recently caught up with Winemaker, Kailee Frasch to learn more about the Distinction Collection and what makes it so special.
“Our Distinction Collection is probably one of my favourite tiers. This collection was built on a philosophy that really allows our team to experiment with different varieties, clones, rootstocks and winemaking techniques. We set out on a mission to elevate our wines and make them distinctive, which has allowed our team to be tirelessly engaged in trials at every stage of production.”
“We planted our first vines in 1961, but our love affair with the soil goes back to 1908. Our longstanding relationship with the land has allowed us to deliver exceptional fruit, resulting in wines of unique character and distinction. The 2023 vintage was brimming with both challenge and reward; we faced unseasonably cold winter conditions followed by record levels of Okanagan sunshine, resulting in a small but quality crop and the earliest harvest in Quails’ Gate history.”
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