REW 2021 Christine Chardonnay

THE VINTAGE

2021 saw unpredictable weather that challenged even the most experienced winemakers and grape growers. Record-setting temperatures, intermittent drought, high rainfall, and humidity – Ontario saw it all this year – and this led wineries to pay extra attention to vineyard management to ensure a good outcome. Overall the vintage produced excellent aromatic whites wines and complex reds with good balance.

VINIFICATION

100% Chardonnay grapes that were hand-picked on October 4 from the Heron Pond Benchland Vineyard on the Beamsville Bench in the Niagara Peninsula. After whole-cluster pressing, the wine aged on lees for 29 months in French oak without malolactic fermentation.

IMPRESSIONS

It presents aromas of honeysuckle and jasmine with hints of freshly ground nutmeg. The palate shows vibrant acidity and strong minerality, complemented by flavors of Granny Smith apple and lemon curd. The wine exhibits rich balance with exceptional intensity and length. Drinking wonderfully now, this wine will continue to develop in bottle to 2029 and beyond.

Alcohol/Volume: 14.5%

Appellation: VQA Beamsville Bench VQA

Cases Produced: 250