Eight Clones, Three Wines, One Legacy: The Story of Pinot Noir at Quails’ Gate
A Legacy of Firsts
In 1975, Quails’ Gate made history as the first winery to plant Pinot Noir in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. At a time when the varietal was still considered a risk in this region, our pioneering spirit laid the foundation for what would become one of the Valley’s most expressive and celebrated grape varieties.
More than five decades later, that same spirit continues to guide us. Pinot Noir remains at the heart of our estate, and our understanding of the grape has grown alongside advances in viticulture. As new clones have become available, we have embraced the opportunity to learn, adapt, and refine our farming practices—always with the goal of expressing the unique character of our vineyard.
The Art and Science of Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is often described as one of the world’s most captivating grape varieties. Delicate and highly responsive to its environment, it reflects subtle differences in site, climate, and farming practices. At Quails’ Gate, this sensitivity is exactly what makes Pinot Noir so rewarding. Every block, clone, and vintage contributes something unique to the final wine.
Today, our estate Pinot Noir vineyards are planted with eight distinct clones, each bringing its own personality and strengths. This diversity allows us to build complexity and balance in the final wine, showcasing Pinot Noir in all its nuance.
Eight Clones, One Vineyard Story
Each clone contributes a unique element to the wines we craft:
- Clone 828 brings herbal aromas and bold tannins.
- Clone 667 contributes deep colour and firm structure.
- Clone 777 is prized for its floral aromatics and concentrated flavour.
- Clone 115 adds bright fruit aromas with soft, supple tannins.
- Clone 943 offers deep colour paired with gentle tannin structure.
- Clone 71 delivers intense colour and concentration.
- Clone 73 is valued for its fruit-forward aromas and soft tannins.
- Précoce an early-ripening clone, provides lighter colour and freshness.
Each clone is harvested and fermented separately, allowing us to respect and preserve its individual characteristics. Only after this careful process do we begin the art of blending—bringing together these diverse components to create a Pinot Noir that reflects both our vineyards and our signature style.
Three Expressions of a Pioneering Legacy
Over five decades of farming Pinot Noir on our estate has taught us that great wines begin with understanding the vineyard. The diversity of our clones, vineyard blocks, and growing conditions gives our winemaking team an extraordinary palette to work with. While every bottle begins with the same commitment to quality farming and attentive winemaking, each Pinot Noir in our portfolio offers a unique lens through which to experience the estate.
Estate Pinot Noir: The Signature Expression
Our Estate Pinot Noir represents the essence of Quails’ Gate. Sourced from multiple vineyard blocks and crafted from a selection of our Pinot Noir clones, it captures the balance, elegance, and vibrant fruit character that define our estate.
This wine serves as an introduction to our vineyard and winemaking philosophy, highlighting the freshness, approachability, and versatility that have made Pinot Noir a cornerstone of our portfolio.
Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir: Elevated Complexity
The Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir showcases the exceptional quality of select vineyard parcels and the meticulous attention that goes into every stage of winemaking.
Produced only from fruit that meets the highest standards, this wine delivers greater depth, concentration, and complexity. Careful barrel selection enhances both structure and age-worthiness, resulting in a Pinot Noir that reflects the Stewart family’s commitment to excellence and their long-standing connection to the land.
Richard’s Block Pinot Noir: A Single-Vineyard Perspective
Named in honour of Richard Stewart, whose vision helped establish Pinot Noir in the Okanagan Valley, Richard’s Block Pinot Noir represents one of the most distinctive expressions of the varietal.
Crafted exclusively from estate-grown clones 115 and 777 chosen for their remarkable character, this wine highlights the impact of place on Pinot Noir. With exceptional detail, texture, and complexity, Richard’s Block offers a deeper exploration of terroir and demonstrates how a single parcel can produce a wine of extraordinary individuality.
From Vineyard to Glass
Every bottle of Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir begins with a commitment to understanding our vineyards. Through thoughtful farming, careful clone selection, and patient winemaking, we continue to explore the possibilities of this remarkable grape variety.
