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Must
Tries of Niagara Region
Rick's Picks - July 2009
by Rick
VanSickle
Summer
is the perfect time to visit the
wineries of Niagara. Combine it
with golf at some of the country's
best courses along the Niagara Golf
Trail and you have one perfect combination.
The
beauty of visiting wine country
is that you get to try wines that
aren't available at the LCBO or
any other place in the world. Most
of the wines made in Niagara are
not carried beyond the walls of
the tasting room. So, when you do
visit it's advised to visit as many
wineries as you can fit in.
It's
an experience that is out of this
world. Taste a wine on one of the
many great decks that look out onto
the vineyards or enjoy a gourmet
meal with a local wine that's just
been released. If you like what
you taste, grab a few bottles to
take home.
It all seems so civilized.
To
help you when you visit Niagara,
here are some great wineries that
not only have fantastic wines, but
also great tasting rooms, views
and hospitality.
What:
Calamus
Estate Winery
Where:
3100 Glen Road, Jordan (close to
Balls Falls)
Hours:
Thursday to Sunday and holidays,
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What
to try:
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Calamus
Estate Vinemount Ridge Riesling
2007
($17 at the winery with a
Vintages
release later this year)
A
sensational single-vineyard
Riesling that shows an edgy
sense of place with balanced
mineral-citrus notes on the
nose. Ripe stone fruit is
showcased on the palate with
wet stone and citrus that
all lead to a lingering, dry
finish.
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Calamus
Estate Meritage 2006
($20 at the winery)
This
red blend won a bronze medal
at the recent Ontario Wine
Awards. It shows savoury spice
on the nose to go with blackberry,
currants and vanilla spice.
The red fruits and currants
on the palate are propped
up by cloves, cinnamon and
herbs. Very nice, interesting
red.
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What:
Marynissen
Estates
Where:
1208 Concession 1, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hours:
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
What
to try:
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Marynissen
Estates
Malbec-Syrah 2007
($24 at the winery)
This
is an unfiltered, unique red
blend with spicy plum and
currant notes on the nose.
The tannins from the Malbec
give this wine its structure
while the syrah provides the
power. Plenty of currants,
cassis and peppery spice in
the mouth. A big, enjoyable
red.
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Marynissen
Estates
Cabernet-Merlot 2004
($15 at the winery)
A
blend of Cabernet Sauvignon
(70%) and equal parts of Cabernet
Franc and Merlot. I like the
fact that this winery has
a cellar program where consumers
can enjoy properly aged red
wines. This is at its peak
with a soft and supple mouthfeel
and fully integrated fruits
kissed by toasted oak and
spice. Just a nice, easy drinking
red.
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What:
Thirty
Bench Wine Makers
Where:
4281 Mountainview Road, Beamsville
Hours:
Sunday to Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Structured tastings over looking the vineyards
are highly recommended.
What
to try:
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Thirty
Bench Riesling 2008
($18 at the winery)
This
is the every day Riesling from the
estate, a blend of the top three
vineyards, in a house style. An
attractive nose of lime-citrus and
subtle mineral notes. It has nice
acidity on the palate to go with
refreshing citrus fruits in a dry
style.
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Thirty
Bench Small Lot Triangle Vineyard
Riesling 2007
($35 at the winery)
A
Riesling lovers Riesling with notes
of peach, grapefruit, citrus and
more defined mineral notes on the
nose. It's made in a dry style but
the ripeness of the 2007 vintage
shows well on the palate, combining
stone fruits, lime and medium acidity.
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What:
Stoney
Ridge Estate Winery
Where:
3201 King St., Vineland
Hours:
Tours and tastings are between 11 a.m.
and 2:30 p.m. on weekends, otherwise by
appointment.
What
to try:
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Stoney
Ridge Warren Classic
Pinot Noir 2006
($15)
This
is a lovely Pinot that gets a boost
from 15% of the fruit from the 2007
vintage. Bright cherry aromas to
go with sweet spice notes. In the
mouth look for cherries, raspberries,
cedar and spice. An easy-drinking
style.
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Stoney
Ridge Gewurztraminer 2008
($17)
Fans
of Alsatian Gewurztraminer will
love this big, spicy white. Lychee,
floral notes and exotic spices highlight
the nose. It's a thick wine with
fresh flavours, a touch of sweetness
and built for those who like a little
spice in their life.
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