Niagara wines fared comparatively poorly at the 2008 Canadian Wine Award, suggesting that oenophiles ought to relocate to British Columbia. With a few notable exceptions, Niagara wines didn't measure up to their BC counterparts or, in many cases, to last year's entries.
Especially shocking - Ontario wines were shut out of the medals entirely in the gewurztraminer, merlot and syrah / shiraz categories. That in spite of the fact that more and more Niagara wineries are producing these wines.
Just as troubling - not a single Niagara icewine, chardonnay, pinot gris / griggio, sauvignon-blanc, cabernet-franc, cabernet-sauvignon, rosé or sparkling wine was awarded a gold medal.
Red Niagara wines were conspicuous by their absence on the podium - Thirty Bench's 2006 cabernet-franc and Rosewood's 2007 pinot noir were the only gold medalists.
The good news ? Even without entries from some of Niagara's premier wineries, Niagara rieslings excelled, earning five gold, three silver and thirteen bronze medals, with Flat Rock Cellar's 2007 riesling earning "White Wine of the Year" as well as gold. Thirty Bench's 2007 Triangle Vineyard riesling won two golds and was selected 'Single Vineyard Wine of the Year'. Congratulations ! Riesling gold medals also went to: Fielding, Hidden Bench (Felseck), Tawse (Sketches) and Thirty Bench (Triangle Vineyard) - all 2007s - and Chateau des Charmes 2006 (late-harvest).
In total, Niagara rieslings bagged 20 of the 33 medals awarded in that category, underlining the fact that riesling is Niagara's signature wine and "great white hope".
(more about Niagara rieslings ...) (still more ...) (even more ...)
The lesson ? The Niagara wine industry can't be a jack of all varietals & master of none. Instead, wineries and winemakers but must focus on the varietals seemingly best suited to Niagara soils and climate - riesling, icewines, cabernet-franc and, perhaps, chardonnay and pinot noir. Maybe malbec is worth a try.
NGV's rationalizations - OK, excuses, for Niagara wines' poor showing at the 2008 Canadian Wine Awards more ...
The complete 2008 Canadian Wine Awards report as presented in Wine Access.
Cuvée 2009, consisting of the Cuvée Gala, the Cuvée Awards, and Cuvée en Route, is a red carpet celebration of the outstanding Ontario wine and food in the heart of Niagara wine country. Join us for the "Oscars" of the Ontario wine industry at the black-tie gala where the winemakers select the winners, guests mingle with the stars of the Ontario wine and culinary scene, and travel the wine route for special tastings as our wineries roll out the red carpet. &nsbsp; February 27 - March 1, 2009
Three different 2006 Bordeaux blends, a 2006 Nebbiolo and 2007 Viognier will be matched with fine dishes prepared by Chef Erik Peacock of the Wellington Court Restaurant. Please RSVP by phone @ 905-562-1212 or by e-mail.
Offered daily from 11 am - 4 pm throughout February, this flight of four wine and chocolate pairings reveals how aging in oak affect both the flavour components and the aromatics of wine, as well as how different chocolates pair with red wines.
From Thursday, Feb. 26th thru Monday, March 2nd, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s finest dining establishments will be serving spectacular lunch and dinner fare at pre-set pricings never before seen in wine country.
fabulicious ! will be absolutely unforgettable.
Reservations are required and can be made directly with participating restaurants: Charles Inn / Ginger’s Restaurant / Grill at the Epicurean / Hillebrand Winery Restaurant / Old Winery Restaurant / Peller Estates Winery Restaurant / LIV at White Oaks / Pillar & Post / Prince of Wales / Queen’s Landing / Riverbend Inn / Stone Road Grille / Terroir la Cachette / Zee’s.
Start the day with gourmet pancakes, icewine syrup, fruit, coffee or tea.
Tuesday, February 24 @ 7:30 - 9:00am
$10. pp - proceeds donated to Gillian's Place, St. Catharines