Results of the 2017 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada (The Nationals)

Pinot Blanc

Intro by David Lawrason

The least well-known varietal of Burgundy’s pinot family (noir, gris, blanc and yes even chardonnay) is only important in Canada in B.C. Which is not to say it’s totally incompatible in eastern Canada, but it needs a bit more heat, and the marketplace profile is so minimal that there is simply no commercial imperative to pursue it. I happen to admire this grape with its broad, almost tropical flavour profile and girth, anchored by good acidity in the best bottles. Some fine B.C. examples are lined up in the winner’s circle below.

Kraze Legz 2016 SKAHA Vineyard Pinot Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Lake Breeze 2015 Pinot Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Mission Hill 2016 Reserve Pinot Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Nk’Mip Cellars 2015 Pinot Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Sandhill 2016 Terroir Driven Pinot Blanc , Okanagan Valley, British Columbia