If you haven’t heard of Marc Pistor and you love Ontario wine I expect that to change shortly. When you get a chance to meet Marc it’s clear he’s passionate about what he does. I have had the opportunity to taste the Fogolar wines a few times in recent memories. You can order these wines from Drink Collab. This motley collective seems committed to creating some interesting wines and ciders. The current lineup is a delicious batch of wines that highlight was is best about Ontario.
(also stay tuned as I have recently tasted through The Old Tun as well also from Drink Collab)
2019 Fogolar Hughes Vineyard Riesling – $22.20 – ****+ – Vibrant and perfectly balanced. This off-dry Riesling is brimming with ripe mango, juicy peach, tangerine, and bright citrus notes. The fruit texture builds on the palate – layer over layer of ripe fruit that dances on the palate with nice sweetness. The acid note keeps the sweetness from being cloying – but the texture of this wine is pretty big and fruit notes linger on the finish. I would expect this to evolve nicely until 2026-2028. Don’t expect me to keep any in my cellar as this is exactly what I’m looking for to pair with Paprikash, Pierogi, and Cabbage Rolls as I prepare for winter.
2019 Fogolar Hanck Vineyard Riesling – $19.95 – ***½+ – A fair bit more austere than the Hughes Vineyard – The flavour profile favours bright citrus and golden delicious apples. With no sweetness here the mineral note does take centre stage. This wine is practically crunchy from the mineral note. The fact that this is bone dry has me thinking about the best way to make the fruit notes sing so I’m picturing some intense spicy Thai or Schezuan cuisine. I also feel like tasting this wine in it’s infancy may be a problem – I would like to revisit this wine in a year to see how it’s evolved.
2019 Fogolar Picone Vineyard Cabernet Franc Rosé – **** – While I’m unapologetic in my love for the savoury note that is a signature of Ontario Cabernet Franc – I’m not a fan of it in Rosé. The good news for me here is that there are no bell peppers anywhere to be seen here. The fruit is watermelon, raspberry, and cranberry notes with just a hint of citrus pith. Beautiful acidity and a nice intensity in spite of the challenging 2019 vintage. Simply put, tasty Rosé that will easily pair with whatever you put on the table.
2016 Fogolar Vineyard Picone Vineyard Cabernet Franc – $44.20 – ****½ – Simply put this wine is a show stopper. There is a vast difference between warm and cool vintage Niagara Cabernet Franc – but somehow this bottle has held onto intense elegance that is often omitted when a hot summer presents itself. I hesitate to use the words best, or perfect when it comes to writing about wine – but let’s face it this Cabernet Franc from Niagara is without a doubt one of the best ever produced from this province. Blueberry, Raspberry, Plum, with subtle Cocoa notes and the silkiest tannins I have ever tasted in an Ontario Franc. You should rush out to buy this – and frankly given the hot 2020 vintage we just experienced I can’t wait to see what winemaker Marc Picone has up his sleeve from this year.
2018 Fogolar Cabernet Franc – $22.50 – ***½+ – The herbal note from Ontario Cabernet Franc is something that will be a point of debate. I feel the red pepper jelly note in good cab franc is something to be celebrated – granted it’s something that rears it’s head in cooler vintages. So… If you like Cab Franc with that savoury edge look no further. I”m writing this note on the first day of December after taking a bike ride in a snowstorm – and frankly this is the sort of wine I want to toss into a coq au vin or boeuf bourguignon where the savoury edge will add to the rich gravy. Just make sure you have a second bottle on hand to see how this will be the extra point to the touchdown of a well cooked roasted beef dish.
