Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaCuvée de l'île has been the top of the Unsworth sparkling wine program from the beginning and remains so on the eve of a much-anticipated blanc de blancs release. It has an entirely different attack than their famous Charmat method Charme de L'île. This is all pinot noir and all estate fruit, and the first fermentation occurs in neutral French barrels before a gentle three year sleep in the bottle on its lees. The style is Unsworth bone dry with intense island acidity that sets the background music to a persistent creamy mousse. At six years old, this sparkler is barely showing its age, although a gentle softening has developed across the palate, making you want to drink the entire bottle instantly. I think West Coast oysters are the best match for the fresh green apple, lemon juice, and a squeeze of lime pith, dusted with hazelnuts. Honestly, it is just getting better in the bottle.Tasted: 28 July 2025Tasted by: Prices:
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaCuvée de L'île is Unsworth's traditional method sparkler, an alternative to the everyday charmat method Charme de L'île. The 2019 Cuvée blends 87% pinot gris with 13% chardonnay, all from Cowichan Valley's silty clay soils. It was whole cluster pressed in stainless (10% saw neutral French oak) before heading to bottle and 40+ months sur lattes. It was disgorged January 2024, leaving 1.6 g/L RS. Toasted biscuit, vanilla wafer, and French butter lead the nose into a crisp palate of lemon peel and racy green apple, with oxidative kisses sharpened with a marine acidity, and lingering with oyster liqueur. With time in the bottle this will gain some complementary weight. Tastes distinctly coastal, which is unique.Tasted: 30 October 2025Tasted by: Prices:
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