Cellar Profile
Region
Nestled on a peninsula on the north shore of Lake Ontario, a short drive from Kingston, the PEC 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. Twenty Mile Bench is a sub-appellation of the larger Niagara Peninsula region, located near the town of Vineland. Limestone and sandy soils, warm summer days and cool evenings and stiff breezes coming off Lake Ontario ensure acid structure is retained, even in warmer vintages. This is cool-climate viticulture, with wonderful versions of Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay garnering international acclaim.
Vineyard
Selected fruit, sourced from long-standing partnerships in Niagara, as well as Estate fruit from Prince Edward County. These vineyard sites are chosen for their ability to provide fully ripe fruit, good acidity for freshness and consistent quality.
Winemaking
Harvested from selected sites in the vineyards to emphasize primary fruit. The grapes are cold soaked for a few days before being gently pressed into stainless steel for a long, slow fermentation. The wine is then aged in a combination of stainless, second fill barrels and new French oak (10%).
Tasting Notes
A riper style of Ontario Pinot Noir, with the focus on primary fruit. The nose explodes with ripe red cherry, plum and a touch of star anise. On the palate, the acidity is nicely woven into the mid-weight fruit, with cherry notes, crunchy minerality and earthy tones. The finish is surprisingly long. Serve lightly chilled on its own or with seared duck breast or grilled salmon.
Varieties
Pinot Noir grapes are black-skinned and typically very difficult to cultivate. This grape variety is well known internationally and is grown in most winemaking regions throughout the world. Its origins trace back to Burgundy, France. Canada has had great success with Pinot, producing renowned wine in Prince Edward County, among other regions.