I had a chance to taste through some wines from Pelee Island. It’s been a while since I’ve visited some of these wines. I know that I’ve said it many times on this blog, but my go to cooking wine is the VQA Cabernet Franc. What’s really cool about this new batch of wines from Pelee is that it bears the South Islands sub-appellation.
While the Vinedressers is not available at the LCBO you can order it online from the winery directly – https://shop.peleeisland.com/ – this bottle is definitely worth seeking out.
2016 Vinedressers Meritage – $24.95 – ****½ – Winery Only – The Vinedressers line from Pelee is something I wish we saw more often in Vintages … but that being said, if there is any reason to head down the 401 it’s this wine. It offers exceptional value and delivers a wine that offers something very ripe, yet restrained. The aromas are black currant, strawberry, cherry, and a nice smoke note. On the palate this delivers the signature ripe fruit that matches the nose, but manages to stay from being cooked. The acidity is nicely balanced and reminds you that even though the South Islands is a little warmer than Niagara, it’s still cool climate right to its core. Ready to drink now, but will evolve nicely in a cellar for 6-8 years.
2017 Lola Cabernet Franc Rosé – Vintages 552497 – 15.95$ – **** – This is a beautiful Rosé from Pelee Island, and the wine inside the bottle is just as gorgeous as the package. The aromas and flavours are strawberry, cranberry, raspberry, and a nice slight hint of citrus on the finish. This is a dry rosé and the finish is clean. This isn’t spritzy like the Lola cousins you have been able to find at the LCBO in the past, but there is a slight effervescence that helps keep this light on the palate. Food pairings options are nearly endless, and if you’re not yearning for summer yet, you will be once you taste this wine.
Mousseux de Pomme – LCBO 556324 – $14.95 – **** – This says wine on the bottle, but I think calling it wine is only to suggest restraint. This wine is chuggable and something I would anticipate having at my next fish fry. The flavours are crisp, clean, and apples. There is a nice sweetness to this, but it is well balanced with acidity. If you’re an apple cider fan, definitely a welcome addition to the lineup of wineries working with apples.
