Cellar Profile
Dan and Lynn Sullivan founded Rosehall Run in 2000. The 150-acre farm was selected due to its proximity to Lake Ontario (1-2 kms on three sides) and the remarkable clay soil scattered with rock and shale fragments on a calcareous limestone base. This was one of the earliest Prince Edward County wineries established in the west central region known as Hillier Ward. Planting of the vineyard began in 2001 with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Today, there are 25 acres of vinifera including Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Muscat and Tempranillo. With over 30 years of Ontario winemaking experience, Dan is recognized as one of the top winemakers in the region. He is critically acclaimed for his consistent, elegant, approachable Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and Sparkling wines as well as his innovations with unique varietals.
Region
Officially identified in 2007 as a VQA appellation of origin, Prince Edward County is separated from the mainland by the Bay of Quinte at Belleville and is completely surrounded by the waters of Lake Ontario. The soils and microclimates of the County, coupled with an all-pervading limestone base, provide an ideal growing environment for cool-climate grapes.
Vineyard
Grown under the fastidiously watchful eyes of vineyard owner Robert Nedelko and Dan Sullivan, these vines, now approaching thirty years of age, are a magnificent display of the greatness of Ontario terroir.
Winemaking
Both the Gewürztraminer and Muscat were harvested late to reach their peak ripeness. The varieties are then co-fermented cold and slow in stainless steel vats.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of tropical fruits, marmalade, grapefruit and lychee. The ticklish sweetness on the palate — marked by notes of tropical fruits, honey, candied citrus and lychee — is balanced by acidity. Tasty with a lovely long finish.
Varieties
Gewürztraminer’s homeland lies in the foothills of the Alps. It is a pink grape, just like Pinot Gris/Grigio, that also grows really well in cooler climates. The variety is inherently bursting with bright aromatics of lychee and rose petals. While sometimes it can be perceived as a sweeter variety, its naturally heightened acidity and alcohol content can create seamlessly balanced and complex aromatic wines. Muscat Ottonel is easier to cultivate in cooler climates than the other Muscats (there are 200+ different varieties of muscat alone!). It ripens late and is sensitive to noble rot, which makes it a prime candidate for creating rich dessert wines. It often shows intense aromatics of flowers and orange peel.