2022

Chardonnay Musqué

Producer: Rosehall Run
Region: Ontario
Appellation: Prince Edward County
Country: Canada
Classification: VQA
Variety: Chardonnay
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Alcohol: 12%
Residual Sugar: 3 g/L
Soil: Hillier clay and calcareous limestone
Farming Practices: Dry farmed, hand picked, low intervention (Sustainable Cert expected for 2023 vintage)

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Cellar Profile


Region


Nestled on a peninsula on the north shore of Lake Ontario, a short drive from Kingston, the Prince Edward County wine region sits on a bed of porous limestone. This is crucial for creating the mineral, brightly acidic wines the region is known for. The vineyards benefit from breezes off of Lake Ontario, keeping the temperature down on hot summer days and cool at night. "The County" was first settled in the late 18th Century and, after years of farmland agriculture, began growing grapes in earnest by the early 2000s.

Vineyard


There are two plantings of Musqué at Rosehall Run: ‘Vina de Casa’ ca. 2004 on the most northeast extremity of the property and ‘Woody’s Walk’ ca. 2002 immediately south of the Casa-a section. In total, there are almost 2300 vines, about one acre in total.

Winemaking


Hand-harvested fruit from the closest vines to the winery. Gentle pressing of the grapes, followed by cold fermentation in stainless steel utilizing selected yeasts. The wine only spends a short period of time in vat (4.5 months to be precise) before bottling, in order to retain its youthful vigour.

Tasting Notes


Brilliant acidity is the calling card of Chardonnay Musqué and this is no exception. It has an expressive nose of melon, ripe peach, pear, acacia and orange blossom. But it is nervy and taut on the palate – much drier than the nose would belie – with notes of citrus and green apple. This refreshing, bracing white should be enjoyed chilled as an aperitif or with mussels or grilled shrimp.

Varieties


Made with Chardonnay clone 809, which tends to show a more intense flavour profile. In France, it is often used for blending superior white burgundies, adding perfume and complexity, especially when unoaked.