I expect that almost everyone reading this is old enough to remember when folks would wrinkle their noses at the mere mention of Canadian wine. Well, that’s a thing of the past, thank goodness, but don’t worry, it’s not that we’re that old, it’s that sometimes change comes quickly! Canadian wines win awards all over the world, sometimes even beating old-world bullies at their own game–German ice wine, French pinot noir–I can’t help but puff up a little with national pride.
The wineries of Niagara on the Lake came together to showcase their newest releases at an event they called 42 New Releases from 1 Unforgettable Place. I’m calling it 42 sips, because that’s what I went in there planning on doing–taking 42 sips–taste everything, just once, even the wines I’m not crazy about, and spit! Spit, spit, spit. But it didn’t go down that way. I’m just not disciplined enough, and my personal biases win out every time. I’m drawn to German style whites–riesling, gwurtztraminer, icewine–and bubbles. Who doesn’t love bubbles? But to be fair I did try some of the reds on offer, and well, it was just too soon. This isn’t a beaujolais nouveau festival after all, and these reds need some time to balance out. I don’t think you can fairly judge a red wine that was bottled a week earlier. The tannins were brutal in some, completely burring the fruit. Give it some time, and the tannins, which are needed for structure, will soften, allowing the fruit to come forward. So, I stuck to the whites, and here are some tasting notes that I’d like to share with you. Also, if you live in Ontario, you are trying to get by, day to day under the specter of a looming LCBO strike! But I’m here to remind you that if that should happen, just shop the wineries directly, and instead of whining, we’ll all be wine-ing! Ontario wine-ing! (Sorry, that was bad.)

Inniskillin ‘07 Sparkling Vidal Icewine, $69.95

Fantastic! Honey, rich stone fruit, dried apricot, and tiny bubbles. If you find icewine too thickly sweet, the bubbles help cut that feeling.
www.inniskillin.com

Hillebrand ‘08 Showcase Ghost Creek Riesling, $25

There were only 200 cases produced. It’s bright, crisp, citrus-y, with good minerality and a nice acidity.
www.hillebrand.com

Joseph’s Estate Wines ‘06 Gewurztraminer Riesling, $12.95

An incredible bargain. Lovely rich tropical fruits, honey, and pear.
www.josephsestatewines.com

Maleta Winery ‘05 View Old Vines Brut Riesling, $27.95

Hand riddled and almost two years on lees, this sparkling wine is toast-y, nicely acidic, with a clean, citrus finish.
www.maletawinery.com

Palatine Hills ‘07 Dry Gewurtztraminer, $21

A great match with Thai or other spicy foods, this dry, crisp white is spicy, with hints of over-ripe melon.
www.palatinehillsestatewinery.com

Cattail Creek Family Estate Winery ‘07 Riesling Reserve, $20

This dry, crisp wine is very food-friendly and pairs well with sharp cheeses.
www.cattailcreek.ca

Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘07 Gewurtztraminer, $17.20

Wonderful honey and lychee on the nose turning to spice on the palate. A great sipping or food-friendly wine.
www.konzelmann.ca

Lailey Vineyard ‘07 Pinot Noir Niagara River VQA, $25

Ruby and light, but as I mentioned earlier, it’s just too young. The tannins over-powered the lovely raspberry potential. Give this one a bit of time, and then enjoy!
www.laileyvineyard.com

You can’t have sips without snacks, courtesy of Oliver and Bonacini Events and the Cheese Boutique.

Something else you’ll find out in Niagara on the Lake should you take a day trip or weekend getaway–which I highly recommend–is the Niagara College Teaching Winery. Here, students learn culinary and wine making arts. The school offers tours of its own vineyards and production facilities, as well as tastings in the education and visitor center. And of course, stay for lunch.
www.niagaracollegewine.ca

For more info, visit: www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com

And in case you needed proof that wine appreciation is no longer the domain of the stuffy and snobby, say cheers a couple of the be-inked and be-punked contingent, who also love Canadian wine.

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