Whether you’re already a local wine connoisseur or among the yet-to-be-converted, you’ll discover lots to love in this collection of 19 wines from four regions, handcrafted by some of Ontario’s best-known producers.
Niagara is as diverse a wine region as there possibly is in the world. It’s a reflection of our own diverse and multi-cultural population … that is the strength of Niagara – diversity … there is no ceiling for Niagara wines and as vintners keep learning ... the region will only grow stronger and diversity in styles and varieties will continue to strengthen. It is a luxury that few wine regions in the world enjoy. It’s right here in our own backyard …”
(Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, September 21, 2017)
Growing wine grapes in charming Prince Edward County takes serious dedication. Winters are so frigid that vines must be tied down and ‘hilled over’ with soil after harvest to survive the cold. During the growing season, prevailing southwesterly lake breezes keep the days cool and the nights mild, allowing the fruit ample ripening time while retaining its refreshing acidity. The rewards are wines that convey a natural elegance, complexity, expressiveness and finesse.
The warm conditions here mean that action in the vineyard starts earlier and LENS typically harvests two or three weeks before other regions. It’s not unusual for the grapes to be ready in August! The vineyards are planted in soils created by the retreat of the glacial lakes, which left rich deposits of sediment. The soils are sandy loam and gravel atop shale and limestone. These soils, the length of the season and the warm temperatures allow for a wide range of grapes to thrive here.
Pioneering producers have begun looking beyond the tried-and-true regions, set upon exploring, experimenting and revealing new and promising areas. Georgian Bay is one you should have on your radar. Classed as an emerging wine region, it’s undoubtedly young where viticulture is concerned, but is increasingly garnering attention. Unique soils, a higher altitude than the Niagara Peninsula, different grapes, and the direct influence of Georgian Bay (a colder body of water than Lake Ontario) all combine to make this region a dynamic and distinct up-and-comer.
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