Reif Winery 15608 NIAGARA PKWY., R.R. 1, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, 905-468-7738 reifwinery.com WINEMAKER: Roberto DiDomenico FAVOURITE WINE: 2017 Riesling Reserve, $19.95 W O “ We have been growing Riesling on our farm since 1983 — three clones, named Geisenheim, Weis Clone 21B and Alsatian Clone 49, were specially selected by Klaus W. Reif. Clone Geisenheim, for the body and structure it provides to winemakers, while the latter offer fruitiness, citrus and floral notes to the resulting wine. The variety is highly terroir expressive and as a result, our estate grown Rieslings are truly reflective of our vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake.” FAVOURITE WINE: 2015 Meritage, $39.95 V W O “ Our 125-acre farm is located in the Niagara River sub-appellation, where sun-loving grape varieties grow best. The area is mapped as one of the warmest sub-appellations in Ontario with the most growing degree days ideal for the production of rich, full-bodied wines. But time matters too. Our vineyard is also home to some of the oldest vineyard plantings in Canada. Vines for the production of our Meritage average 20 years in age, a point in time where the vine naturally offers lower yields of berries thereby increasing the extract of fruit flavours in the wine.”
Riverview Cellars Estate Winery 15376 NIAGARA PKWY., R.R. 1, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, 905-262-0636 riverviewcellars.com WINEMAKER: Alyssa Bator FAVOURITE WINE: 2015 Salvatore’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $34.95 W O “ This is our premium red wine and shows the best from our 2015 reserve collection. Our vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon was first planted in 1998 and has developed nicely over the years, producing premium quality grapes.” FAVOURITE WINE: 2016 Bianco Riesling Gewurztraminer, $15.15 V W O “ This wine is the most popular wine we sell at the winery shop. A perfect blend of Riesling and Gewurztraminer with a hint of sweetness balanced by the acidity — some of our oldest vines of the property, planted in 1992. As we make mostly small batches of wines, this is one of the few wines available in the LCBO Vintages section.”
Rockway Vineyards 3290 NINTH ST., ST. CATHARINES, 905-641-5771 rockway.net WINEMAKER: David Stasiuk FAVOURITE WINE: NV Brut Cuvee, $28.00 W “ It’s the inaugural release of Sparkling wine for Rockway. Over three years in the making, and it’s delicious.” FAVOURITE WINE: 2017 Fergie Riesling, $16.95 W “ Coming from the same block that we source fruit for our Small Lot Riesling, this wine shows classic Bench Riesling character with bright lime zest, fleshy stone fruit and a seamless balance between acid and sugar. Also worth noting — unmistaken minerality.”
GP
LCBO General Purchase Availability
V
LCBO Vintages Availability
25
W
Winery Only
O
Online