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
Sauvignon Blanc has been growing at Rosehall Run since 2001 and in earnest since 2013. Today, there is a bit more than an acre planted, meaning this is truly a unique-to-Prince-Edward-County small-lots bottling. What sets this apart from the ubiquitous style of Savvy typically found commercially is the place and the approach. Sauvignon Blanc is a vigorous vine. RHR has tempered that somewhat with low vigour rootstocks and particularly rocky low vigour soils. Yields rarely top out at more than 3T/Acre (45 hL/hA), which is approximately half the production of a typical New Zealand planting. Even a large crop at Rosehall is conservative by the standards of Sancerre, which permits up to 60 hL/hA.
Winemaking
The long, warm growing season in 2022 allowed for perfect maturity and rich varietal expression. Barrel-fermented in 500L French Acacia A new barrel is added to the rotation every few years to lend a very light smoky, floral tone to grassy/tropical notes. The wines spends six months in the cellar fermenting and resting prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes
An inviting, floral nose with notes of lime zest, white peach and pineapple. Prominent but structured acidity showcases flavors of lime, blood orange and passion fruit along with a subtle pleasing smokiness for a balanced, satisfying finish. Pairs well with a variety of refreshing salads for the summer as well as with Thai lettuce wraps or chicken satay.
Varieties
Sauvignon Blanc originates from the French regions of Loire Valley and Bordeaux. The grape most likely gets its name from the French words sauvage ("wild") and blanc ("white") due to its early origins as an indigenous grape in South West France. Sauvignon Blanc often buds late but ripens early, which allows it to perform well in sunny climates when not exposed to overwhelming heat. Sauvignon Blanc grows in nearly every wine making region on earth and is produced in a variety of methods resulting in a wide spectrum of styles that range from lean to bountiful. It is a popular and unmistakable white that is loved for its “green” herbal flavors and inherently high acidity.