Cigar Weekly

jazznut · 05-13-2003, 07:49 AM

Hey there Castanza!
Hope you had a good time in Muskoka. We're heading up to Bracebridge in June/July to hit the lake.
O.K., here we go...
Chateau des Charmes Saint David's Bench Vineyard Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Franc varietal seems ideally suited to Niagara's terroir and climate, and this particular version is my favourite. The Cabernet Sauvignon from the same vineyard is also outstanding, as is the perfectly oaked Chardonnay.
Vineland Estates Niagara Cabernet Sauvignon is less expensive and makes for a good 'everyday' wine.
You might also want to check out various makers' Baco Noirs. This hybrid produces fresh, fruity, somewhat earthy and inexpensive wines akin to Beaujolais.
Cave Springs Reserve Riesling (dry) and Late Harvest Riesling (semi-sweet). Dry Ontario Rieslings fall halfway between their Alsatian/Australian and German counterparts in style, combining crisp citrus overtones with a touch of petrol. The late harvest ones show a more exotic fruitiness.
ICEWINES - There are so many good ones that I'm reticent to recommend any one in particular. The Vidals tend to be more voluptously forward and are ideal for early consumption, while the Rieslings (rarer and more expensive) are more classically styled (akin to their German cousins) and can stand some cellaring. You should be looking for a strong acidic backbone to balance the sweetness.

There's much more available that I'm unable to recall at this moment. If I have a chance, I'll pass further info on to you. Hope you're able to stay cool with AC and a glass of something good. Take care, Doug

SMOKINACTUARY · 05-13-2003, 08:52 AM

I prefered the Reisling Ice Wines to the vidals. I have also seen an Ice Wine made with Cabernet Franc, but it was prohibitively expensive.

The Baco Noir I had, had little fruit and was very dry.

05-13-2003, 07:49 AM	#1
jazznut Managing Editor Emeritus Herf God Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 25,991	Niagarans for Castanza Hey there Castanza! Hope you had a good time in Muskoka. We're heading up to Bracebridge in June/July to hit the lake. O.K., here we go... Chateau des Charmes Saint David's Bench Vineyard Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Franc varietal seems ideally suited to Niagara's terroir and climate, and this particular version is my favourite. The Cabernet Sauvignon from the same vineyard is also outstanding, as is the perfectly oaked Chardonnay. Vineland Estates Niagara Cabernet Sauvignon is less expensive and makes for a good 'everyday' wine. You might also want to check out various makers' Baco Noirs. This hybrid produces fresh, fruity, somewhat earthy and inexpensive wines akin to Beaujolais. Cave Springs Reserve Riesling (dry) and Late Harvest Riesling (semi-sweet). Dry Ontario Rieslings fall halfway between their Alsatian/Australian and German counterparts in style, combining crisp citrus overtones with a touch of petrol. The late harvest ones show a more exotic fruitiness. ICEWINES - There are so many good ones that I'm reticent to recommend any one in particular. The Vidals tend to be more voluptously forward and are ideal for early consumption, while the Rieslings (rarer and more expensive) are more classically styled (akin to their German cousins) and can stand some cellaring. You should be looking for a strong acidic backbone to balance the sweetness. There's much more available that I'm unable to recall at this moment. If I have a chance, I'll pass further info on to you. Hope you're able to stay cool with AC and a glass of something good. Take care, Doug __________________ My whisky adventure began at the age of nine. Good things DO take time!

05-13-2003, 08:52 AM	#2
SMOKINACTUARY Huge Cranium Herf God Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Highland Mills, NY Posts: 14,457	I prefered the Reisling Ice Wines to the vidals. I have also seen an Ice Wine made with Cabernet Franc, but it was prohibitively expensive. The Baco Noir I had, had little fruit and was very dry.