Need help! What does everyone think of Canadian Wines?

Hi O. W.

Up until very recently I would have agreed with you completely. However, in the last month or so I have had some Ontario pinots that were good to very good, and the other Noland brothers even thought so on the one I brought to the tasting this Thanksgiving (see tasting note I posted under Noland Brothers tasting +1). Next time you are in Niagara on the Lake try some pinot from Flat Rock Cellars and/or Le Clos Jordanne. The last two pinots I have had from those two wineries have been the best I have ever had from Ontario. 2005 and supposedly 2007 are good years and 2004 is not bad for pinots in Ontario. Flat Rock Cellars Gravity pinot and Le Clos Jordanne's village reserve are both good. Quality for the price is still an issue, I must admit.

I keep looking for a red wine made in the area that I would say is better than mediocre.

OW, I would agree with you if we are talking about "the usual suspects" - i.e. both Cabernets, though CF will be a bit better than CS, Gamay (usually just boring), Pinots (some are good but most are just OK, nothing special), Merlot (usually acidic and lacking body). Things change, in my opinion, when it comes to Zweigelt - I've had a beautiful one from Joseph's Estate in NOTL, Pelee Island has a really nice Zweigelt/Gamay blend (though it's the peppery Zweigelt that you taste), and another really nice one from Prince Edward County. Will the grape ever be touted as a climatically suitable vinifera and popularized, though? Probably not, because it has a Germanic name and there is a constantly reinforced negative view on that, which is just silly. Beyond that, I tend to stick to estate-type hybrid reds personally.

As regards Michigan reds, though, I have to tell you that Chateau Grand Traverse's "Proprietor's Reserve" is a really good one - very much like a light Chianti if comparisons be made - and it's a vinifera blend if I recall correctly.

What?? Does everyone think of Canadian wines?

Unfortunately, the NH market seems to have absolutely ZILCH regarding Canadian wines. And you would think that wouldn't be the case, as we're so close.

It sound like our neighbors to the west are making some good stuff. I only wish I had access to it.

Salut,

-Paul W.

...Unfortunately, the NH market seems to have absolutely ZILCH regarding Canadian wines. And you would think that wouldn't be the case, as we're so close...

Many Canadian wines are available in the Buffalo area, such as Inniskillin, Koenzelmann, Chateau des Charmes, Cave Spring, etc. and a nice variety, not just ice wine.