Homegrown Hits Tried Over the Holidays

By / Wine + Drinks / January 8th, 2014 / 3

Over the holidays I drank quite a bit, but I seem to drink wine differently than the rest of my family, and this year was much the same … with a twist.

In past years I would have pen and paper handy and write point form notes about each wine I tasted, it wasn’t always about drinking a full glass, instead it was about how many wines could be tasted … let those around me drink their faces off.

I still have the same philosophy, but these days I have a smartphone and use Google Keep to make my notes, much to the chagrin of my wife; she thinks that I think I am so important I can’t  keep my paws off my phone, when in fact I’m just keeping track of each wine I tried.

To that end here are three “new” (to me) Ontario wines I tried over the holidays …

Tawse 2012 Spark Riesling, Limestone Ridge Vineyard ($19.95)

Riesling done in the traditional method:  8 months on lees and that short time keeps the Riesling aromas of apple, pear, lime while adding touches of yeasty-goodness.  The palate is nothing short of spectacular, especially if you’re a fan of acidity: big citrus, green apple, tart lemon.  This bubbly raises the bar on sparkling Riesling.

Nyarai Cellars 2012 Viognier ($21.95)

One of this virtual winery’s best Viognier to date; nose has sweet tropical fruit like mango and papaya backed by citrus and peach; palate adds pineapple to the mango and finishes with lime pith for balance.

Keint-he Winery 2009 Chardonnay ($20.00)

A Chardonnay blended with 10% oaked Pinot Meunier.  The Meunier adds some tartness while the unoaked Chardonnay is fresh and fruity with apple, pear and melon ending with a lovely delicate vanilla note and pleasant acidity.

For more wine suggestions, see our other #WineWednesday posts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael is an award-winning journalist: Promoting the Promoters Award Cuvée 2010 and Ontario Wine Awards Journalist of the Year 2012.  He is also a national and international wine judge - Ontario Wine Awards, All Canadian Wine Championships; Best of Riesling — Germany; Essencia do Vinho — "Top Wines of Portugal".  He is currently the President of the Wine Writers Circle of Canada and the wine columnist for Ottawa Life and Grand magazine as well as regular contributor to Tidings, and Grapevine ... his reviews have also appeared in the LCBO Vintages magazine. Michael has also added a YouTube channel to his activities where he reviews bottles of great Ontario wine on a weekly basis. In whatever he does, it is Michael’s desire to educate, inspire and encourage others to grow their own love and enthusiasm for wine – and to realize that it is their palate that ultimately makes the decision.

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