As a bit of a sneak peek to something else I’m working on, I am in the middle of a Pet Nat roundup for Ontario. What started as a few wineries last year has grown into a full blown category. So it was a no brainer to reach out to Mike Traynor. His lineup currently offers Pet Nats in both a Red and White flavour, but his winery also offers Orange wine and Vermouth. I was pretty excited to taste through some clear highlights in this portfolio.
2016 Sauvignon Blanc – $25.00 – ****+ – I know I should save the best for last, but this is too good to save for the end of this post. Aromas of passion fruit, and pink grapefruit gracefully make their way out of the glass. On the palate this opens up with nice concentration, and good weight on the mid palate. This is another great bottle in the case for why everyone should be paying more attention to this variety in the province.
2016 Pinot Gris – $25.00 – ***½+ – Well this is interesting, the aromas offer honey and apple with nice concentration. The best part about this wine is the weight on the mid palate, it feels like it sets up a campsite in your mouth and makes itself at home. The ripe orchard fruit open up with what feels like endless layers. A nice mineral note creeps through on the finish, and nice acidity keep this light.
2016 Gamay Noir – $35.00 – **** – My only real criticism of this wine is that it feels like it’s priced a little steep, especially compared to other premium bottles of Gamay in the province… That being said it’s important to remember that making wine in the County is not cheap either. This is a little heavier and a little rich – which is making me think Cru Beaujolais. The aromas and flavours are dark cherry and plum. On the palate this reveals a nice pepper and cocoa note. The great thing with Gamay is it’s approachable and easy drinking now, but this will hold in a cellar for 5-7 years.
2016 Alta Red – $35.00 – **** – A blend of estate grown Marquette and Frontenac Gris – while Vinifera will always be king in Ontario, it’s about time some hybrids get their respect. After tasting some of the fine examples from Quebec I really shouldn’t be surprised that Marquette can make something this good. There is a beefy aroma layered in over juicy plum and blackberry with flavours to match. This opens up on the palate with juicy red fruit, only to be met with nice acidity keeping this a great match for roasted or grilled red meat.
Madonna Vermouth – $35.00 – This is something really special from anywhere in Ontario. There is a freshness and concentration of aromas and flavours that make this incredibly easy to sip on it’s own. But when I’m not writing about wine I’m sipping a dirty martini. To some it’s sacrilege, but to James Bond it’s a drink of choice – toss this in a vodka martini to really enjoy the herb garden in this bottle.
