Canada’s Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys (11) Solvero in Garnet Valley
Website: https://solverowines.ca/
Solvero is an exciting small winery in the Garnet Valley, which is a spectacular spot in the Summerland district of the Okanagan. It’s a 30 acre site with 16 acres under vine, and it’s the project of Cass and Matt Sartor.
The name of the farm is Wildhorse Road, and at 600 metres this is one of the highest vineyards in the Okanagan, with steep terrain. After some consideration on rootstock and vine material choice, they planted 7 clones of Pinot Noir in 2016 and 2 clones of Chardonnay in 2017. Gamay has also joined the crowd. As well as their estate fruit, they also source some grapes from the Kozuki family in Happy Valley, another part of Summerland.
Matt made the first Pinot Noir in 2020, but since 2021 the wines have been made by Alison Moyes.
Solvero Pinot Gris 2023 Summerland, Okanagan, Canada
13.4% alcohol. 50% oak, 50% stainless steel. This is made from grapes supplied by the Kozuki family in Happy Valley. Very light, bright and pure with a nice appley edge to the citrus fruit. Juicy and refined. Crystalline and taut. 92/100
Solvero Chardonnay 2022 Garnet Valley, Summerland, Okanagan, Canada
13.5% alcohol. Clones 76 and 95. Barrel fermented, 16% new oak. With a subtle nuttiness this is very refined and focused, showing lovely purity. Slightly stony. This is subtle and refined, and very fine. 95/100
Solvero Pinot Noir 2020 Garnet Valley, Summerland, Okanagan, Canada
13% alcohol. Seven different clones. 30% new oak. Juicy, pure and light, but still full flavoured. Really refined with nice precision, showing real elegance and focus. Beautifully poised. 94/100
Solvero Pinot Noir 2021 Garnet Valley, Summerland, Okanagan, Canada
Sweetly textured with lovely ripe cherry and redcurrant fruit, showing good depth with dried herb notes, and peppery hints. Juicy and fine, this is expressive, and has just the faintest hint of smoke. 93/100
