Grape Varieties
While we grow both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes on our vineyard, we also source grapes from a few vineyards in Niagara, Ontario. We only source grapes that we can, and may some day, grow in our own vineyard.
A description of each variety we use in our wine production is presented below.
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir grapes are a delicate and finicky varietal that are used to make red wine. They originated in Burgundy, France but are now grown in many regions around the world, including cool climate regions such as the Willamette Valley in Oregon, Carneros in California, the Central Otago region in New Zealand, and of course in Ontario, Canada.
In cool climate regions, Pinot noir grapes tend to produce wines that are lower in tannins and alcohol, with a delicate flavor profile. These wines tend to be more nuanced and nuanced than those produced in warmer regions, with a vibrant red fruit character and a subtle earthiness.
The growing conditions in cool climate regions also tend to produce smaller grapes with thicker skins, which imparts a more complex flavor profile to the wine. This complexity can include notes of red cherries, raspberries, and strawberries, as well as subtle hints of spice and earth.
Pinot noir wines produced in cool climate regions are typically fermented and aged in oak barrels, which can impart additional flavors and aromas of vanilla, smoke, and toast. This oak influence can vary depending on the winemaker’s preferences and the specific region, but it is usually more subtle than in warmer regions.
Overall, Pinot noir grapes grown in cool climate regions tend to produce wines that are elegant, balanced, and complex, with a refreshing acidity and a distinct sense of place. These wines are ideal for pairing with duck, pork, and mushrooms, and are often consumed young to best appreciate their bright fruit and subtle complexity.
cHARDONNAY
Chardonnay grapes are a versatile and widely planted varietal that are used to make white wine. They originated in Burgundy, France but are now grown in many regions around the world, including cool climate regions such as Chablis, the Carneros region of California, and the Willamette Valley in Oregon.
In cool climate regions, Chardonnay grapes tend to produce wines that are high in acidity and minerality, with a distinct citrus and apple-like flavor profile. These wines tend to be less ripe and more austere than those produced in warmer regions, which often results in a more refreshing and crisp wine.
The growing conditions in cool climate regions also tend to produce smaller grapes with thicker skins, which imparts a more complex flavor profile to the wine. This complexity can include notes of green apple, lemon, and lime, as well as subtle hints of mineral and flint.
Chardonnay wines produced in cool climate regions are typically fermented and aged in oak barrels, which can impart additional flavors and aromas of vanilla, butter, and toast. This oak influence can vary depending on the winemaker’s preferences and the specific region, but it is usually less pronounced than in warmer regions.
Overall, Chardonnay grapes grown in cool climate regions tend to produce wines that are elegant, balanced, and complex, with a refreshing acidity and a distinct sense of place. These wines are ideal for pairing with seafood, poultry, and light cheese, and are often consumed young to best appreciate their freshness and acidity.
cABERNET FRANC
Cabernet Franc grapes are a varietal of the Bordeaux family, known for its ability to adapt to different climates and terroirs. It is widely grown in many regions around the world, including Ontario, Canada.
In Ontario, Cabernet Franc grapes are grown in a cool climate, which produces wines that are characterized by their unique and distinctive flavors. The grapes are typically harvested at a lower sugar level and a higher acidity than in warmer regions, which results in a wine that is more vibrant and fresh.
The growing conditions in Ontario also tend to produce smaller grapes with thicker skins, which imparts a more complex flavor profile to the wine. This complexity can include notes of red and black fruits such as black currants, raspberries, and blackberries, as well as subtle hints of spice and tobacco.
Cabernet Franc wines produced in Ontario are typically fermented and aged in oak barrels, which can impart additional flavors and aromas of vanilla, smoke, and toast. This oak influence can vary depending on the winemaker’s preferences and the specific region, but it is usually more subtle than in warmer regions.
Overall, Cabernet Franc grapes grown in Ontario tend to produce wines that are elegant, balanced, and complex, with a refreshing acidity and a distinct sense of place. These wines are ideal for pairing with meats, cheeses, and hearty dishes, and are often consumed young to best appreciate their freshness and acidity.
GAMAY
Gamay grapes are a versatile varietal that is known for producing light-bodied and fruity red wines. These grapes are originally from the Beaujolais region of France, but they have also found a home in cool climate regions such as Ontario, Canada.
In Ontario, Gamay grapes are grown in a cool climate which produces wines that are characterized by their bright and lively fruit flavors. The grapes are typically harvested at a lower sugar level and a higher acidity than in warmer regions, which results in a wine that is refreshing and easy to drink.
The growing conditions in Ontario also tend to produce smaller grapes with thicker skins, which imparts a more complex flavor profile to the wine. This complexity can include notes of red fruits such as cherries and raspberries, as well as subtle hints of spice and earth.
Gamay wines produced in Ontario are typically fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, which preserves the wine’s fruity and fresh character. This technique is different from the traditional method in Beaujolais region where it is aged in oak barrels.
Overall, Gamay grapes grown in Ontario tend to produce wines that are light, fruity, and easy to drink, with a refreshing acidity and a distinct sense of place. These wines are ideal for pairing with lighter meats, seafood, and cheeses and are often consumed young to best appreciate their bright fruit flavors.
GEWURZTRAMINER
Gewürztraminer grapes are a varietal known for their distinct and unique flavor profile. They are originally from the Alsace region of France, but they have also found a home in cool climate regions such as Ontario, Canada.
In Ontario, Gewürztraminer grapes are grown in a cool climate, which produces wines that are characterized by their distinct aromas and flavors. The grapes are typically harvested at a lower sugar level and a higher acidity than in warmer regions, which results in a wine that is more vibrant and fresh.
The growing conditions in Ontario also tend to produce smaller grapes with thicker skins, which imparts a more complex flavor profile to the wine. This complexity can include notes of tropical fruits such as lychee, pineapple, and passionfruit, as well as subtle hints of spice and floral aromas.
Gewürztraminer wines produced in Ontario are typically fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, which preserves the wine’s fruity and fresh character. This technique is different from the traditional method in Alsace region where it is aged in oak barrels.
Overall, Gewürztraminer grapes grown in Ontario tend to produce wines that are vibrant, aromatic, and complex, with a refreshing acidity and a distinct sense of place. These wines are ideal for pairing with spicy foods, and are often consumed young to best appreciate their unique aromas and flavors.
VIDAL
Vidal grapes are a hardy and versatile varietal that is well-suited to cool climate regions such as Ontario, Canada. These grapes are originally from the Bordeaux region of France, but they have also found a home in many regions around the world, including Ontario.
In Ontario, Vidal grapes are grown in a cool climate, which produces wines that are characterized by their unique and distinctive flavors. The grapes are typically harvested at a lower sugar level and a higher acidity than in warmer regions, which results in a wine that is more vibrant and fresh.
The growing conditions in Ontario also tend to produce smaller grapes with thicker skins, which imparts a more complex flavor profile to the wine. This complexity can include notes of tropical fruits such as pineapple, apricot, and peach, as well as subtle hints of honey and floral aromas.
Vidal wines produced in Ontario are typically fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, which preserves the wine’s fruity and fresh character. This technique is different from the traditional method in Bordeaux region where it is aged in oak barrels.
Overall, Vidal grapes grown in Ontario tend to produce wines that are fruity, floral and complex, with a refreshing acidity and a distinct sense of place. These wines are ideal for pairing with a variety of foods, and are often consumed young to best appreciate their freshness and acidity.
MARQUETTE
Marquette grapes are a cold-hardy and disease-resistant varietal that is well-suited to cool climate regions such as Ontario, Canada. These grapes are a hybrid varietal that was developed by the University of Minnesota’s grape breeding program. The grape was created by crossing two French-American hybrid grapes, Frontenac and Magdeleine Noire des Charentes.
In Ontario, Marquette grapes are grown in a cool climate, which produces wines that are characterized by their unique and distinctive flavors. The grapes are typically harvested at a lower sugar level and a higher acidity than in warmer regions, which results in a wine that is more vibrant and fresh.
The growing conditions in Ontario also tend to produce smaller grapes with thicker skins, which imparts a more complex flavor profile to the wine. This complexity can include notes of red fruits such as black currants, raspberries, and cherries, as well as subtle hints of spice and earth.
Marquette wines produced in Ontario are typically fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, which preserves the wine’s fruity and fresh character. This technique is different from the traditional method in Bordeaux region where it is aged in oak barrels.
Overall, Marquette grapes grown in Ontario tend to produce wines that are complex, fruity and spicy, with a refreshing acidity and a distinct sense of place. These wines are ideal for pairing with a variety of foods, and are often consumed young to best appreciate their freshness and acidity.
