Wine Guy: Sure it's marketing, but toasting Pinot Noir in August makes sense

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Pinot Noir in August? Of course, particularly if you plan on acknowledging International Pinot Noir Day — which is also, confusingly, called National Pinot Noir Day by some wineries. Celebrated each year on Aug. 18, International Pinot Noir Day is a marketing concoction to remind us of the virtues of this red grape at the height of summer. However, given Pinot Noir’s penchant for bright flavours and ethereal associations, it can pair remarkably well with summer — from fresh grilled salmon to park picnics.

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Oyster Bay 2021 Pinot Noir, New Zealand

($20.99 on sale until Aug. 31, #111302)

With all due respect to Burgundy — admittedly the heartland of Pinot Noir — this week’s focus is on New World Pinot Noir. Just so many Pinots and sadly so little column space. Pinot Noir tends to fare best in cooler climate pockets. Hence a region like Marlborough in New Zealand showcases prime Pinot territory. This bottle of Oyster Bay is one easily enjoyable and value-driven option. The fruit-driven style of this Pinot Noir is all cherry and plum with an herby underlay, robust and fruity throughout before a boisterous, fresh and juicy finish.

Bottom line: B-, Easy food partner, from tacos to rillettes. 

Joie Farm 2022 Pinot Noir, B.C.

($34.99 on sale until Aug. 31, #885145)

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Across the Pacific, B.C.’s vineyards also offer the cooler-climate growing conditions favoured by Pinot Noir. One winery that has long championed the grape is Joie Farm, whose focus is listed right on the wine label: “European-inspired wines for West Coast living.” This translates to a fruit-forward and fresh Pinot, albeit less in your face overall with an herby and earthy underlay. Very aromatic, it wafts red berry and floral notes complemented by savoury tones. Very expressive and assertive yet elegant, it’s juicy without becoming a caricature — with a seductive and balanced fruity caress to finish.

Bottom line: B+, Fun and elegant.

Cambria Estate Winery 2022 Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, California

($50.99, #232215)

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Heading down the west coast, Oregon is known for producing top notch Pinot and there’s no denying the Heartbreak Grape’s significance in the Golden State, particularly in the coastal pockets of California, such as the Santa Maria Valley within Santa Barbara County. This is home to Julia’s Vineyard, Cambria’s single vineyard Pinot Noir. This is an elegantly voluptuous red wine, with a heady aromatic melange of red fruit, mineral, herbs, and toast leading into a silky yet strong mid-palate and a fresh, fulsome finish with supple tannins. It’s fancy without being fussy, and great with fresh salmon — grilled or baked.

Bottom line: A-, Enjoyably engaging.

The Swirl: Pints for Purpose

Those on the Sunshine Coast take note: Gibsons Rotary is set to host Pints for Purpose. Their Beer, Cider, and Cocktail Fundraiser takes place Saturday, Sept. 14 at The 101 Brewhouse and Distillery, 1009 Gibsons Way, Gibsons. Two sessions are scheduled from 2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m., with tickets to either time $35 in advance, or $40 at the door. Tickets include five drink tokens, not to mention live entertainment and delicious food with 100 per cent of net proceeds to the Rotary’s local causes. Details and tickets at the101.ca/event/pints-for-purpose-festival/. 

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