WTN: 2009 Reif Estate Vidal (Ontario VQA)

$9.95 on general list in the VQA section at the LCBO. Closed with a very smart screwcap. 12% alc./vol.

Pours a very pale, crystal-clear, green-tinged clear-straw hue; a tiny bit of effervescence clings to the bottom of the glass. Gentle aromas of melon and pineapple; very subtle. Beautiful, laser-crisp acidity on the attack; clean and near-dry, but with a small amount of r.s. just rounding out the entire package. Plenty of zesty white grapefruit flavours on the mid-palate and in the finish. Clean and bracing structure; palate-cleansing.

I tried it at basement temperature, but served chilled, it would really sing. This went perfectly with pan-fried cod fillets.

2009 wasn't an especially good vintage in Ontario, being quite cold and a bit wet. Yet Vidal - the icewine grape - once again shows its mettle and versatility, putting out a wonderful table wine that can be enjoyed in as many situations as the imagination allows.

Yes, Vidal is a consistent producer and it always has a nice long finish. I made a 5-gallon batch in 2010, but ended up blending it with a 6.5 gallon batch of Cayuga for my sparkling cuvee. This is the first year I didn't actually bottle a Vidal in many years. Tomorrow I plan on visiting a few wineries on the Canadian side.

Hey Howie,

Vidal certainly has earned its place in the Ontarian winescape.

I consider it something akin to "our Grüner Veltliner" - well known and established in our region, with decent place recognition. The table wines from it, especially, are so very go-to and reliable.