13.2% alc. Crystal-clear light straw colour with a light greenish glint and a bit of carbonation. Forward nose of candied pineapple and green apple; a bit of citrus too. Legs form easily with swirling and more tropical-fruit aromas are confirmed in the bouquet. Excellent, crisp, strong acidity right on the entry; warm and big on the palate with a crisp and firm structure and noticeable alcohol. Excellent, balanced palate feel; the wine is dry. Pineapple flavours carry through to the palate; the texture bespeaks ripe fruit and a very firm structure. This wine can serve both as a most excellent apéritif and as a table wine; it has inherent versatility. The finish is a bit short, however. All in all, though, I really enjoy the pineappley aroma and the great texture. About the only shortcoming that I attribute to the winery and not the wine per se is the lack of a vintage year on the label - how I wish estate wineries would stop omitting the all-important vintage year for us geek types.
A bit of information on Vignoles from Anthony Hawkins' Super Gigantic Winegrape Glossary:
Has synonym name Ravat 51. Variety widely grown in the cooler regions of the northeast American continent, including Canada, and middle band of states of the USA. This cold-hardy (-20 deg. F), late budding, french-american hybrid small-cluster grape ripens in late September. Prone to bunchrot in humid regions. Requires grafting to good vigor rootstock for fruit-bud development. Due to high acid content, is recommended for making white dry, late-harvest and ice-wines. Reported to have Pinot de Corton and Subereux french-american hybrids as direct parents. Currently very popular as a high quality dessert wine because of its restrained fruitiness, high acid and good balance.
I would love to know where in Canada Vignoles is grown - I surely have not heard of a single bottling being made in Ontario.
