When I got the parcel from the Old Tun I was surprised to see a mix of cider and wine mostly in 375ml bottles. I have to admit that summer getting away from me kept me from writing about this when I should have. Something about bubbly wine and cider have me thinking about sitting outside in the nice weather. I’ll be honest, I had a hard time coming up with scores for these wines – not because they can’t be scored but because the product lineup from The Old Tun is quite unique. The wines are all VQA and the cider was varied in style. If you get a chance to taste the lineup it’s unlikely that every wine will float your boat – but I can almost guarantee you will find something to love.
2019 Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé – $12.00 – (375ml) – **** – The aromas are candied red fruit – but this is bone dry. The fact that this is a bit cloudy is not an indictment on the wine, and given how trendy Pet-Nats are in Ontario we should get used to this style for the next little while. That being said I found this a little more austere and clean on the palate compared to other bubbles bottled with lees. This is a perfect size to enjoy solo on a patio or share with someone if you just want a glass with whatever you’re eating.
2018 Sparkling Muscat – $12.00 – (375ml) – ****+ – This bone dry muscat is teeming with floral and pink grapefruit aromas and flavours. The citrus notes and a slight pithy bitter note on the finish that works so well to contrast the light flavours. Crisp acidity keeps this lifted and light on the palate – on drinkcollab.ca the note from winemaker Ramsey suggests to pair this with salads and sushi – I know with floral wines it’s a bit of a catch all to pair them with Asian cuisine but I cannot think of a better food pairing.
2019 Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc – $12.00 – (375ml) – ***½ – This is an avalanche of citrus – lime, lemon, and grapefruit and on the palate. While the lineup of sparkling wines has perfectly balanced acidity something about this Sauvignon blanc is just searing – keeping it light and crisp on the palate. A true catch all for whatever you’re serving food-wise but thinking about summer cuisine I want this next to grilled sausages, smokies, hot-dogs – basically meat on a bun. The finish does have a slight bitter note, that is met with nice minerality.
2016 The Old Tun Russet Cider – $16.00 – ***½+ – This is cider that you should treat a little more like wine when you enjoy it. Lightly carbonated, and fermented bone dry – this is not your pub style cider. Naturally this is more apply than say a sparkling Riesling – but I would treat it the same way if you’re planning on serving this with food. Other notes of spice and slight vanilla work their way in with fresh apple.
2016 Cider – $7.00 ($6.00 for a 4 pack) – 500ml – **** – With a hint of sweetness this low alcohol (6.5%) cider is just crushable … (sorry as the beer snobs would have us say sessionable). While this may have the “pub” cider feel to it there is something a bit more complex and interesting than what you can expect from the tap of your local watering hole. Thanks to the addition of honey that brings the carbonation in bottle and a lifted floral note that makes this taste like a perfect bottle of liquid honey crisp apple.
