WTN: 2013 Magnotta Dry Vidal Equus Series (Ontario VQA)

I remember enjoying this wine tremendously many years ago. I'm happy to say that Magnotta's dry Vidal, while having undergone a name and label change since the early days, is as fine a wine as I remember it.

In fact, I love dry Vidal table wine so much that the background on my blog is a photo of Vidal grapes growing in Niagara wine country. Vidal is one of Ontario's most versatile wine grapes.

12.8% alc./vol. Clear, medium-straw/yellow hue in the glass. Wonderful aromas of lemon candy, pineapple, pine needles and guava. Crisp and focused on the entry, with that lively and lovely varietal acidity; a warm but balanced texture; and a palate-cleansing, fully dry finish that I appreciate.

Magnotta's retail outlet is a fine place to visit and the prices are right. I have long believed that Magnotta makes Ontario's best dry Vidal table wine... I still believe it, having tasted this version.

$7.45 for a 750 ml bottle, and worth every penny.

I've been making Vidal for over 30 years and will have to find this, the next time I cross the border. Most of it is grown for ice wine production, but dry versions have an appeal also.

Anyone care to comment on their Vidal Icewine?

Hi Bob,

Can't say, as I haven't tried it. In general, Vidal icewine has the same fruit flavour elements that you get in the table wine, only amped up a great deal. There's also the unctuous sweetness of the concentrated grape sugar. Often you'll what you'll get is passion fruit, mango and papaya.