If We Had the Land, we Would Plant Hundreds of Acres of Pinot Noir

Chris Herbert #SPILLTHATWINE - read the recent publication in March's Voyager Vancouver Island Magazine.

A bottle of 40 Knots 2021 Spindrift Brut is on ice.  The bubbles are chilling in anticipation of the establishment of the Comox Coastal area as BC's newest sub-GI wine region.  In recognition of the area's distinctive characteristics, the sub-GI designation would envelop 63 acres of vines across nine area vineyards.  This Comox peninsula boasts of glacial till and sandy, gravelly loam, the Salish Sea's moderating temperatures, and mild winters.  A combination of growing conditions in which cool climate grapes thrive, producing high-quality sparkling wines, aromatic whites and Pinot Noir.

Back to those bubbles, 40 Knots traditional style 2021 Spindrift is a blend of the 777 Pinot Noir clone and Chardonnay 76 Saone-et-Loire, boasting endless tiny bubbles, crips citrus fruit on the nose followed by a tropical fruit finish.

"If we had the land we would plant hundreds of acres of Pinot Noir, as it thrives in Vancouver Island's climate and is gaining global recognition," says Layne Robert Craig, 40 Knots co-owner.  With a farmer's DNA, Layne can be found in the vineyards with viticulturists, George, Andy and their fine-feathered vineyard team, or in the winery with the winemaker Kalem Magny.  Kalem came to 40 Knots from the Niagara region by way of the Okanagan, arriving in 2023, and having had the opportunity to work with some very talented winemakers along the way.  Kalem was drawn to 40 Knots, their minimal impact, organic farming methods, and conviction that fine wines are made in the vineyard: attributes that complement Kalem's minimal intervention, and small batch winemaking.

Kalem's winemaking style is expressed in the 2023 Classic Estate Pinot Noir.  Food-friendly it will pair nicely with vegetarian plates to lean beef and will be at its best if you put it away for a couple of years.

Can't wait that long?  The 2022 40 Knots' Pinot Noir is 100% 777 clone.  Its sapphire colour, dark cherry and cranberry aromas combine to indulge one's senses while exhibiting a rich earthy finish.  Enjoy is now alongside your charcuterie.