A vibrant, beautifully-made Ontario Rosé…
Name: Rosé
Vintage: 2016
Producer: Henry of Pelham
Region/Country: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
Grape Varietal(s): Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Zweigelt, Merlot, Cabernet Franc (percentages unknown)
Consumed: At home on a gorgeous (finally!) summer evening
Recommended By: Picked it off the shelf at the LCBO
Cost: $13.75 CAD
Bottle Presentation: Distinctive Henry of Pelham label, albeit the new, lighter-coloured version.
Appearance: Medium salmon-orange
Nose: Strawberries, a hint of lime, and minerality, with a nice degree of freshness. Some honey notes emerged as the wine opened.
Taste: Dry, light-to-medium body, with high acidity. Flavours included sour green apple, pink grapefruit rind, minerality, chalk, lime zest, and underlying floral (rose) notes.
Finish: Surprisingly enduring mineral/chalky notes.
Overall Impression: Fantastic value for the quality! A dry, well-made, well-balanced, and complex Rosé (probably a function of the number of varietals), which could be enjoyed on its own or paired with a number of dishes, including grilled meats (pork and chicken), grilled vegetables, and seafood (we had it with grilled pork and zucchini, to great effect).
If you’re looking for a sweet Rosé, you might want to look elsewhere. Saying that, if you’re looking for something vibrant and refreshing to enjoy on a patio or at home on your deck, look no further. The long list of varietals brings to mind the word, “hodgepodge,” but it works! As a bonus, this Rosé has its origins in Ontario (Niagara Peninsula VQA, to be exact), showcasing another of the outstanding wines available in the region. We would definitely drink this Rosé again. In fact, we’re heading off to buy another bottle. We also plan to include it as part of an upcoming blind tasting.
Rating (from 70 to 100): 92
Value: 5/5