Uncorked Ontario

Wanda and I decided to take the Pelee Island Ferry (called the Jiimaan) from Kingsville to Pelee Island on a summer afternoon to check out Pelee Island Winery pavilion. It is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon touring the winery, sipping on a glass of wine and BBQing burgers on one of the many grills they have.

No reservations are require to take the Ferry across to the island unless you plan on bringing you car, then advance reservations is recommended.

We took the 10am Ferry from Kingsville, arrived on the Island around 11:30. From the dock we walked to Pelee Island Winery. They do offer shuttles, the driver told us that the first trip was full and that he could return and pick us up. It’s less that a 10 minute walk. Wine (by the glass or bottle) can be purchased and consumed on the property. We bought a bottle of dry Pelee Island Winery Riesling, grilled our burgers, and took the tour and headed back to catch the 4PM ferry back to Kingsville. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon at Canada’s southernmost winery.

The grapes at Canada’s most southern winery (Pelee Island Winery) ripen early. The onset of ripening “Veraison” began in early August this year. The Muscat actually tasted like it was ready for harvest.

A visit to the Pelee Island Winery pavilion is a “must do” when visiting Essex county. The photos of the vines and grapes in this video where taken on August 20th, 2011. The vines are located at the front of the pavilion.

Total medal count at the 2011 All Canadian Wine Championships was 22

Double Gold
Aleksander Estate Winery 2010 Vidal
D’Angelo Vineyards Estate Winery 2008 Baco Noir
SMITH & WILSON ESTATE WINES 2008 PINK CADILLAC

Gold
Colio Estate Wines Inc. 2007 CEV Cabernet Franc
Colio Estate Wines Inc. 2006 CEV Meritage
Pelee Island Winery 2008 Alvar Cabernet Merlot
Pelee Island Winery 2010 Blanc de Blanc

Silver
Black Bear Farm Estate Winery 2007 PAPA’S SPECIAL RESERVE
Muscedere Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
SMITH & WILSON ESTATE WINES 2007 RALEIGH VINES

Bronze
Aleksander Estate Winery 2010 Raspberry
Aleksander Estate Winery 2010 Chardonnay
Black Bear Farm Estate Winery 2009 STRAWBERRY & RED RASPBERRY
Black Bear Farm Estate Winery 2009 BEAR’S SPECIAL BLEND
Colio Estate Wines Inc. 2010 Girls’ Night Out Chard. / Merlot Rose
CREW-Colchester Ridge Estate Winery 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
CREW-Colchester Ridge Estate Winery 2008 Cabernet Franc
Pelee Island Winery 2010 Cabernet Franc
Sanson Estate Winery 2010 Autumn Harvest Vidal
SMITH & WILSON ESTATE WINES 2007 DOUBLE BARREL
SMITH & WILSON ESTATE WINES 2010 Pinot Gris
Viewpointe Estate Winery 2010 Auxerrois

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Awards listed by Winery

Aleksander Estate Winery 2010 Vidal (Double Gold)
Aleksander Estate Winery 2010 Raspberry (Bronze)
Aleksander Estate Winery 2010 Chardonnay (Bronze)

 
Black Bear Farm Estate Winery 2007 PAPA’S SPECIAL RESERVE (Silver)
Black Bear Farm Estate Winery 2009 STRAWBERRY & RED RASPBERRY (Bronze)
Black Bear Farm Estate Winery 2009 BEAR’S SPECIAL BLEND (Bronze)
Colio Estate Wines Inc. 2007 CEV Cabernet Franc (Gold)
Colio Estate Wines Inc. 2006 CEV Meritage (Gold)
Colio Estate Wines Inc. 2010 Girls’ Night Out Chard. / Merlot Rose (Bronze)

CREW-Colchester Ridge Estate Winery 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Bronze)
CREW-Colchester Ridge Estate Winery 2008 Cabernet Franc (Bronze)

D’Angelo Vineyards Estate Winery 2008 Baco Noir (Double Gold)

Muscedere Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Silver)

Pelee Island Winery 2008 Alvar Cabernet Merlot (Gold)
Pelee Island Winery 2010 Blanc de Blanc (Gold)
Pelee Island Winery 2010 Cabernet Franc (Bronze)

Sanson Estate Winery 2010 Autumn Harvest Vidal (Bronze)

SMITH & WILSON ESTATE WINES 2008 PINK CADILLAC – (Double Gold)
SMITH & WILSON ESTATE WINES 2007 RALEIGH VINES (Silver)
SMITH & WILSON ESTATE WINES 2007 DOUBLE BARREL (Bronze)
SMITH & WILSON ESTATE WINES 2010 Pinot Gris (Bronze)

Viewpointe Estate Winery 2010 Auxerrois (Bronze)

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend and you are faced with the undoubting task of selecting a wine. With so many to choose from it may not seem easy but it can be.

Depending on the occasion here are a few of my Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island wine recommendations for Valentine’s Day.

A sparkling wine is good for any occasion. It’s light, refreshing, and pairs well with just about anything. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on Champagne either. Two local wineries recently released sparkling wines. Colio Estate Winery’s Frizzante ($9.75)  and Pelee Island Winery’s Secco ($15.75) should be considered.

Looking for a white wine? Consider picking up a Riesling or Auxerrois.  These wines are normally light and do not need a meal to be appreciated.  I recommend the following local white wines for Valentine’s Day.

Riesling

• Sprucewood Shores Riesling 2009 (12.95)
• CREW (Colchester Ridge Estate Winery) Riesling 2009 ($14)
• Sanson Riesling 2008 ($14.95)

Auxerrois

• Viewpointe Auxerrois 2008 ($14.95)

Or get the best of both from Smith & Wilson’s Vista del Lago 2009 ($13) It’s a deliciously crafted blend of Auxerrois and Riesling.

Red wines are all about romance. They can be rich, lush, sexy, and perfect for sharing with your Valentine.  The choice for reds is extensive, and really depends on your personal taste.

If you are looking for a big red with lots of body go for a Cabernet Sauvignon. Pairs well with beef too. Consider Muscedere Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 ($30). It shows incredible balance and complexity. Pair with beef steak or lambs for a real treat.

Pinot Noir is lighter, and a bit more earthy red wine that should also be considered. I often found Pinot Noir a bit too light and missing something until I discovered Pelee Island’s Alvar Pinot Noir 2008 ($14.95). This one has been blended with a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon giving the wine more body and structure.

The most important thing to remember as you celebrate Valentine’s Day with your love is to have fun and enjoy yourself  and enjoy the food, wine and conversation.

WHITE WINE

CALAMUS UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula

This wine won a Gold Medal at the All Canadian Wine Championships in 2010.

TASTING NOTE: Colour: deep straw. Nose: high toned, peach and citrus. Taste: well-extracted, ripe fruit – apple flavour with persistence. Drinkability: now. (Tony Aspler, winealign.com, April 6, 2010)
Vintages # 210062 750 mL $13.95

CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES LATE HARVEST RIESLING 2007
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake

On top of winning Gold at the OWAs, this wine also garnered scores of 90 from Evan Saviolidis and Natalie MacLean.

TASTING NOTE: … this dessert wine is a fabulous expression of the vintage and the varietal. Luscious aromas of sweet tropical fruit – mangoes with a squirt of lime come to mind – ripe stone fruit and lemon delight pie. The flavours are consistent, with a honeyed texture that is well balanced with bright acidity. Sweet, but not too sweet, it’s harmonious with a beautiful heft. It’s a dream to sip with artisan cheese or a fruit tart. Score: HHHHJ (Susan Desjardins, winecurrent.com, Feb. 15, 2010)
Vintages # 432930 375 mL $21.95

FEATHERSTONE SELECT LATE HARVEST CABERNET FRANC 2008
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula

This wine took Double Gold, the highest honour in its category, at the 2009 All Canadian Wine Championships.

TASTING NOTE: Wow, this is one perfumed, succulent and refreshing mouthful of spiced red fruit with tangy raspberry, lively strawberry and pie cherry to the fore. The ripe, sweet fruit and moderating raciness is balanced on a pin and persistent throughout, finishing mouth-watering, crisp and refreshing … (Vic Harradine, winecurrent.com, Nov. 13, 2010)
Vintages # 210757 375 mL $19.95

FIELDING LOT No. 17 RIESLING 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula

This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2010 All Canadian Wine Championships.

TASTING NOTE: Another Riesling winner from Fielding Estate. There’s an array of fresh green apples, citrus and gentle waves of white peach to start things off. Love the power play between sweet-ripe and zesty-tart fruits in the mouth to go with peach, citrus and acid verve. Clean, focused Riesling and exactly what I look for in this amazing Niagara variety. (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, June 17, 2010)
Vintages # 203521 750 mL $25.95

LAILEY VINEYARD CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY 2009
VQA Niagara River

TASTING NOTE: This has a very generous, sweet, caramel, resin and lightly smoky nose from the Canadian oak barrels. Lively peachy, lemony fruit hits the palate and marries with the oak on the finsih. It’s mid-weight, brisk and racy with tart lemony acidity. Some minerality on finish. It is powerful wine; age it two years. Excellent length. Score: 88 (David Lawrason, www.winealign.com, Aug. 2010)
Vintages # 225474 750 mL $24.95

RED WINE

13TH STREET GAMAY NOIR 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula

This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2010 Ontario Wine Awards.

TASTING NOTE: … The nose is black cherry, raspberry and vanilla; an aroma that comes from the 12 months of ageing in 60% French and 40% American oak (of which 25% was new). Flavours are loaded with delicious black cherry … it should be in very high demand …(Michael Pinkus, Ontariowinereview.com, May 12, 2010)
Vintages # 177824 750 mL $17.95

ROSEHALL RUN CUVÉE COUNTY PINOT NOIR 2008
VQA Prince Edward County

This wine won a Gold Medal at the ARTEVÏNO Prince Edward County Wine Competition in 2010.

TASTING NOTE: The new vintage bursts with cran-raspberry fruit, spice, and light toasty notes in a typically light County style with good tannic grip. One of the best pairings is the widely available mild cheddar from Balderson (Winchester), which softens the tannin and accentuates the fruit … Score: 88 (David Lawrason, ottawamagazine.com, Summer 2010)
Vintages # 225748 750 mL $19.95

WAYNE GRETZKY No. 99 ESTATE SERIES CABERNET/MERLOT 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula

This wine won a Gold Medal at the Ontario Wine Awards, and at the Canadian Wine Awards, in 2010.

TASTING NOTE: a wow red here. Aromas of coconut, blackberry, smoke and cassis. The effusive smoky flavours dish up coconut, black cherry, and blackberry purée. Score: 90 (Gordon Stimmell, The Toronto Star, Aug. 21, 2010)
Vintages # 128652 750 mL $19.95

SPARKLING WINE

13TH STREET CUVÉE 13 ROSÉ 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Traditional Method
Debbie Trenholm was the sommelier for the private luncheon held in Ottawa for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on Canada Day in 2010. She selected the 2007 13th Street Cuvée 13 Rosé as “a delicious way to begin [the] celebration.”
TASTING NOTE: This rare sparkling Rosé made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a splash of Syrah is extraordinary – dry, crisp with delicate aromas of wild strawberry, juicy red cherry with an elegant mousse that lingers as it refreshes. (Debbie Trenholm, winesavvy.ca, June 30, 2010)
Vintages # 147504 (D) 750 mL $24.95

WHITE WINE

FLAT ROCK CELLARS SWEET REVENGE
VIDAL ICEWINE 2007
VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula
TASTING NOTE: Shows light bright lemon colour. Very lifted aromas of peach-mango with lemon and a touch of plasticine that should fade with more bottle age. The whole thing has a light airy feel to it with a sense of purity despite some youthful bottling aromas. It has found icewine’s acid-sugar key. Excellent length. Score: 91 (David Lawrason, winealign.com, March 2009)
Vintages # 047803 (S) 375 mL $34.95

FLOURISH VIDAL ICEWINE 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula
TASTING NOTE: A very enchanting yellow-gold colour in the glass. Honeyed pear, mango, apricot and wet stone on the nose. Deliciously balanced, with the sweetness expertly counterpointed by crisp acidity. Smooth and mouthfilling, with plenty of apricot and honey on the palate. Medium-full bodied with sweet fruit and a hint of nutmeg on the medium-long finish. Try with bread pudding and French vanilla ice cream. (VINTAGES panel, Dec. 2010)
Vintages # 222356 (S) 200 mL $18.95

LE CLOS JORDANNE
LE CLOS JORDANNE VINEYARD
CHARDONNAY 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench

TASTING NOTE: Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard Chardonnay is just great, with flint, mineral and smoke notes, well integrated oak and lovely acids plus alcohols balance, I’d drink it now and years from now on. (Zoltan Szabo, zoltanszabo.org, Nov. 11, 2010)
Vintages # 033910 (XD) 750 mL $40.00

RED LEAF VIDAL ICEWINE 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula
TASTING NOTE: Wine Style: white, sweet, medium-bodied. Appearance: deep lemon-gold. Nose: honey, citrus, apricot, floral. Taste: sweet, vibrant acidity, medium alcohol; balanced, luscious, honeyed. Score: HHHHJ (Tony Aspler, tonyaspler.com, June 2, 2010)
Vintages # 179705 (S) 200 mL $17.95

STRATUS RIESLING ICEWINE 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula
TASTING NOTE: Wine Style: white, sweet, mediumbodied. Appearance: medium straw. Nose: floral, lime, citrus, marmalade, melon. Taste: medium intensity, low to medium alcohol, underlying acidity; clean, minerally, bright. Score: HHHHK (Tony Aspler, tonyaspler.com, Oct. 17, 2009)
Vintages # 056671 (S) 200 mL $39.95

VINELAND ESTATES
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008
VQA Niagara Escarpment
This is a light, crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc that will pair wonderfully with sautéed shrimp in a butter sauce. Its ripe, lemony citrus and melon flavours are well balanced by a laserfocused acidity, and joined on the finish by a bright minerality. If you are feeling the mid-winter blahs, this wine brings a taste of summer sunshine back to the table.
Vintages # 551168 (XD) 750 mL $16.95

RED WINE

PILLITTERI ESTATES
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Cabernet Sauvignon can do extremely well in Ontario when the climate cooperates, and it cooperated brilliantly in 2007. The fruit was harvested when it was both phenolically and sugar ripe (exactly what a winery is looking for in any grapes at harvest). The result was a wine with fine balance. This 100% Cab Sauv is filled with cassis, raspberry, eucalyptus and hints of black pepper. Dry with very good fruit tones supported by fine tannins, it’s cellarable 3-4+ years. It can also be enjoyed tonight with a rare steak frites.
Vintages # 349233 (D) 750 mL $19.95

SANDBANKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY
SELECTION BACO NOIR 2009
VQA Ontario
TASTING NOTE: A crowd-pleasing red that’s chockfull of charm and rich, fruit flavour, it jumps from the glass with a whoosh of sweet vanilla and concentrated, dark field-berry aromas. Palatecoating flavours of black currant jam, plum compote, some spice and hints of dark chocolate persist through the lingering, lip-smacking finish. It’s medium-full bodied and looking for a hearty companion – grilled steak, osso bucco or leg of lamb … Score: HHHHK (Vic Harradine, winecurrent.com, Dec. 8, 2010)
Vintages # 211318 (D) 750 mL $19.95

Attempt to break Guinness World Records record in Wine Country Ontario
Largest Wine Flute to be filled with Ontario Icewine

Niagara, Ontario (January 7th, 2011) – At 4pm on January 14th, 2011 in Niagara, Ontario, Canada, on the eve of Wine Country Ontario’s annual Niagara Icewine Festival and celebrations, the Wine Council of Ontario will attempt to break a Guinness World Records™ record for the Largest Wine Flute using Ontario Icewine.

Over 30 Ontario winemakers and/or winery proprietors will assist in filling an upscale version of an Icewine flute modeled on a design by Riedel – the original creator of the Icewine Glass. Standing almost 4’ tall, it is anticipated that the flute will be filled with more than 18L of Ontario Vidal and Riesling Icewine.

A Guinness World Records™ Adjudicator will travel from NYC to the Niagara wine region of Ontario, Canada to witness the attempt. Spectators are invited to share in the excitement starting promptly at 4pm in the Foyer of the Grand Ballroom at the Fallsview Casino Resort. Once filled, the flute will stay on display during the evening of January 14th, 2011 for the Icewine Festival Gala where attendees will have the opportunity to take a memorable photograph with the flute.

“Ontario is the global leader for Icewine and breaking a Guinness World Records™ record using Icewine is a fun way to get people excited about this Ontario treasure,” said Ed Madronich, Chair of the Wine Council of Ontario and proprietor of Flat Rock Cellars. “Wine Country Ontario is also a unique wine region and travel destination in that we celebrate during the winter months with numerous wine and culinary activities surrounding the Niagara Icewine Festival.”

A live video feed of the event will be available for viewing on www.winecountryontario.ca starting at 4pm, January 14th, 2011. For more information on the Niagara Icewine Festival and Gala visit www.niagarawinefestival.com.

Wine Country Ontario is dedicated to promoting Ontario’s wine-growing regions—from the wines and wineries themselves to the complete experience of each destination: local cuisine, year-round activities and warm hospitality. Wine Country Ontario is a trademark of the Wine Council of Ontario, a non-profit trade association that promotes Ontario’s vintners and the unique qualities of our authentic, 100% VQA wines.