Wine Not: Sampling from Canada’s National Wine Awards

Canada’s National Wine Award-Winning Wineries in Niagara

Cabernet Franc

Image courtesy of Foreign Affair Winery

Cabernet franc is one of the specialties of our region due to the ease of cultivating it in Niagara’s desirable cool climate. The varietal is native to Bordeaux and has gained popularity in Canada, both on its own merits and mixed into rosé, icewine, and other sparkling varieties. Cabernet franc is known for its balanced acidity compared to other red wines, and for the refreshing herbal notes it brings to every sip.

For an award-winning pick in this category, try The Foreign Affair 2020 Cabernet Franc. Its full-bodied flavour evokes notes of tart cherries and dark chocolate, with an earthy touch of herbs de Provence.

Chardonnay

Image courtesy of Queenston Mile Vineyard

Widely celebrated across Canada as one of the country’s finest varietals, chardonnay is a favourite of wine lovers everywhere. The chardonnay grape itself is neutral in taste, making for an incredible blank slate that winemakers use to infuse each bottle with the unique flavours of the region it’s cultivated in.

Try some of the best chardonnay from the Niagara region with an award-winning bottle from Queenston Mile Vineyard. Their 2021 Estate Chardonnay is a full-bodied, richly textured wine that reflects the warm microclimate of St. David’s Bench.

Riesling

Riesling is a light, cool climate grape that’s aromatic and highly adaptable, allowing winemakers to create dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and sparkling white wines from this versatile varietal. Riesling can also be consumed young or aged, and pairs nicely with a wide range of foods, particularly Thai or Chinese cuisines. Its versatility makes it a great choice for wine lovers and beginners alike!

For an outstanding Riesling that took home a gold medal in this year’s Wine Awards, sample the 2022 Susserve Riesling from The Foreign Affair Winery. With fresh, crisp aromas of Gala apple, white peach, and lime, you’ll be delighted by the complex flavours of orange rind and lemon curd that leave a bright, lingering finish on the palate.

Pinot Noir

Image courtesy of Hidden Bench

Requiring meticulous cultivation, Pinot Noir is a highly nuanced, delicate varietal that can deliver a remarkable depth of flavour coveted by wine lovers across the globe. Pinot Noir tends to be a light- to medium-bodied red wine with aromas that mimic raspberry, black cherry, or currants. Its nuanced flavour means that every bottle of Pinot Noir offers something a little different to your palate.

Hidden Bench’s award-winning 2020 Felseck Pinot Noir is a bold choice in this category, with rich tasting notes of dried cherry and winter spices, tempered with graphite. Its earthy aroma will remind you of red currants and white pepper.

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