WTN: 2009 Konzelmann Pinot Blanc (Niagara Peninsula VQA)

$11.60 in the VQA section at the LCBO. Screwcap closure.

Pale, clear, straw colour. Forward aromas of honeydew, pineapple and citrus rind, with melon-like replays. Crisp and lively on the entry; bright acidity, excellent structure, expansive flavours that follow from the nose, and a warm finish. Dry and firm, crisp, yet balanced. Excellent definition.

Pinot Blanc makes really good wine in Ontario. 2009 was not a good vintage - and yet, you'd never know that from Konzelmann's Pinot Blanc! The wine has crisp acidity and sharp definition, yet it remains very balanced, even showing a sense of breadth on the mid-palate. Definitely a go-to wine.

Hi Paul,

Have you tried any other Konzelmann's 2009 whites? It seems there may be some decent 2009 whites available in Ontario despite the cool, rainy season.

Hi Paul,

Have you tried any other Konzelmann's 2009 whites? It seems there may be some decent 2009 whites available in Ontario despite the cool, rainy season.

Tom,

I've found that in Ontario, even the "lesser" vintages can shine: especially the whites.

Konzelmann's wines are always pretty good. Their Pinot Blanc and their "Golden Vintage" Vidal are my favourites; though I also confess a huge affection for their "Canada Red" 100% Zweigelt and their Shiraz, which is superb for its light body and massive white pepper spice.

One of my favourite wineries to be sure.

I may try their 2010 Cab Sauvignon next, just for kicks I'm not a fan of the Cabs from around here in general, finding them too vegetal as a rule. But, I keep on trying them since the rare exception to the rule is simply too exciting to pass up!

Paul B.

Konzelmann's wines are always pretty good. ... I also confess a huge affection for their "Canada Red" 100% Zweigelt

We picked up a bottle of the '10 Canada Red at Konzelmann while acquiring wines for our Ontario tasting. Opened it last night and was very impressed. This vintage is actually a blend of Zweigelt and Merlot. Don't know the proportions, but the Merlot softens the Zweigelt nicely and the acidity is just right. Yet another in my "wish I had bought more" category. $12.75

We picked up a bottle of the '10 Canada Red at Konzelmann while acquiring wines for our Ontario tasting. Opened it last night and was very impressed. This vintage is actually a blend of Zweigelt and Merlot. Don't know the proportions, but the Merlot softens the Zweigelt nicely and the acidity is just right. Yet another in my "wish I had bought more" category. $12.75

Oh, hey Dan! Funny thing... I never saw this reply of yours until I logged in this evening.

Glad you like the Canada Red. Being an information geek and a purist, I lament that Konzelmann had to go from labeling the wine by varietal name (it used to actually be called Zweigelt) to Canada Red - but I understand that, for our market, this actually did the trick and got the wine moving. Oh well, whatever works.

I enjoy the wine very much. Zweigelt is one of the best red viniferas for Niagara; it has the heft of a good Gamay, but with more aromatic and flavour complexity. I never tire in reiterating this view whenever I can.