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5 Wines of Niagara

The wine has always been a drink for the classy. Just like the art of whiskey drinking, there is also an art associated with drinking wine. Many think that drinking wine is mostly about choosing between red and white wine, but it is more than just that. Aroma, flavor, texture, and terroir are the key aspects that make each wine distinct from others. While the terroirs of various regions in Europe have been explored over the centuries, but regions in the American and Canadian regions have hardly been studied for terroir.

Many would be surprised to know that Canada has had a well-developed viticultural and wine-making business for the past 200 years. The Niagara Peninsula of Ontario is one of the three largest wine producing regions in Canada and has around 100 wineries. In fact, 86% of the vineyards planted in Ontario, in 2012, were in the peninsula region. Although most of the producers in the region are small, the wines are worth getting to know. So let’s take a look at some of the best red and white wines from the Niagara Peninsula region.

2013 Bachelder Chardonnay Wingfield Block Wismer Vineyard

Wismer Vineyard’s Wingfield block was planted in 1993 where wine is produced using Thomas Bachelder’s techniques – gentle pressing and barrel fermentation with indigenous yeast. Chardonnay is one of the most popular wines in the world, and this 2013 Bachelder lives up to its name. In fact, it is considered as one of the best Chardonnay’s Bachelder has made.

Made from a green-skinned varietal of grape, this Chardonnay has aromas of grilled pineapple, juicy apple, perfumed flowers, and buttered toast. This medium- to high-bodied wine has more complex notes than most Chardonnays. The 2013 Bachelder has a touch of minerality to it giving it a chalky nose. It has lush flavors of lemon, peach, nectarine and buttered oak. You can pair this well-balanced wine with seafood paellaor lobster.

2014 Bachelder Pinot Noir Lowrey Vineyards

Another one from Bachelder’s winery, this Pinot Noir from the St. David’s Bench comes from the oldest vines on Lowery Vineyard. This red wine is made on organic vineyards using indigenous yeast and aged for around 2 years in oak barrels. A Pinot Noir is usually a light-bodied wine that is a favorite among wine lovers because of its interesting flavors.

The 2014 Bachelder is a medium ruby-colored drink made from the black Vitis vinifera grape varietal. It has aromas of fruits like cherry, raspberry and strawberry and hints of spices like anise. It has the flavors of red and black cherries, blackberry, coffee, plum, dark chocolate, and licorice. It is a well-balanced acidic wine with a limestone finish. Pair it with roast beef or veal stew with sautéed vegetables served with gnocchi for the perfect flavor.

2010 Creekside Estate Lost Barrel Red

This blend of red wines consists predominantly of Shiraz, made from a dark-skinned grape variety. It is produced on the Creekside Estate in the Niagara Peninsula by taking the cloudy wine left at the bottom of each red wine barrel on the estate and tipping it into a fresh barrel. This blend of various red wines is left to settle for six years. As per tradition, the barrel is then sent to the cellar to “get lost” until someone finds it several years later. To date, it has surfaced 5 times in 18 years.

High in tannins, this complex wine has aromas of cherry, currant, blueberry, and plum with hints of spice. It has a rich body and creamy texture with firm acidity. It combines a range of flavors like caramel, truffle, minty eucalyptus, and clove alongside fruits such as cherries and plum. Take your time with this one and the flavors unfold gradually.

2016 Five Rows Craft Wine Sauvignon Blanc

Five Rows Craft Wine of Lowrey Vineyards started its own winery in 2001. Known for its original five rows of Pinot Noir, this winery produces six different wines including the Sauvignon Blanc. Made from a light-skinned varietal of grape, this 2016 Vintage is a complex white wine. It owes its depth to the 10-year aging process in French oak barrels which also gives this Sauvignon Blanc a touch of Bourdeaux.

It has aromas of grapefruit and tropical fruit with notes of spices and a hint of grassiness. It has a buttery oak texture and is creamy on the palate. It has flavors of ripe, pink grapefruit and tropical fruits and finishes on an acidic note. Pair this wine with a vegetable pasta dish, and you’re good to go.

2012 Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Carte Blanche Estate Blanc de Blanc

This sparkling wineis made on the Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery in Ontario. Produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes, this wine has a rich golden color. It has aromas of baked apple, brioche, toast, and lemon curd. It also has hints of mineral. This Blanc de Blanc has vibrant flavors of apple, lemon, pear, and vanilla. All in all, it is a rich and complex wine, and definitely one of the best sparklers made in Niagara.

So if you’re looking to widen your knowledge and taste in wines, go ahead and explore these lovely Niagara wines!                                    

Author Bio

Harold Camaya

She is a blogger who loves to write especially in Beverages vertical. She has written many captivating and informative articles. Her hobby is travelling and reading novels.