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
Nestled between Lake Ontario in the North, Lake Erie to the South and the Niagara River to the East, the Niagara Peninsula is one of Canada's top wine producing regions. The moderating effects of the bodies of water create a moderate temperature during the growing season, similar to France's Bordeaux and Burgundy regions. With almost 15,000 acres under vine, Niagara produces a number of grapes, most famously, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Cabernet Franc.
Vineyard
Selected from vineyards from the Niagara Region, known for their ability to balance acids and sugars in their Chardonnay vines.
Winemaking
Harvested from different vineyards. Each lot is fermented separately, in stainless steel at cool temperatures, before final assemblage. The wine is then aged in steel, with some lees contact for complexity. Bottled young and fresh, without oak.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of apricot, red apple and wet stone. Mid weight, with some lively acidity, the stone fruit replays on the palate, with some mineral and green apple notes. The finish has good richness and lingers, though the acid keeps this refreshing. A great sipping Chardonnay, but lightly chill and serve with pan-seared scallops.
Varieties
Chardonnay is the world's most famous white-wine grape and also one of the most widely planted, with the most highly regarded expressions of the variety coming from Burgundy and California. Climate plays a major role in dictating which fruit flavours a Chardonnay will have. Broadly speaking, warm regions such as California tend to give more tropical styles. While many Chardonnays have high aromatic complexity, this is usually due to winemaking techniques. (particularly the use of oak) rather than the variety's intrinsic qualities. Malolactic fermentation gives distinctive buttery aromas. Fermentation and/or maturation in oak barrels contributes notes of vanilla, smoke and hints of sweet spices such as clove and cinnamon. Extended lees contact while in barrel imparts biscuity, doughy flavours.