I had the chance to finally visit Lighthall Vineyards this spring. I have tasted the wines on several occasions at events in Toronto and have always been a big fan. Needless to say my visit to the winery is one that was long overdue.
There are many reasons to get out to the County to taste the wines at Lighthall. Owner Glenn Symons is making cheese… It’s very good cheese. In the past month I had to make two trips to the winery to buy little delicious wheels of the Brie that is sold at the winery. Secondly, visting Glenn in itself is worth the trip. This is a small winery with the tasting bar literally at the entrance of the Quonset winery that is packed with equipment. Glenn makes you feel at home and does a great job juggling many customers because this winery is busy.
Glenn will be at I4C this year pouring his Chardonnay and Blanc de Blancs you can get your tickets here www.coolchardonnay.org
What I loved the most about my visit were the two sparkling wines currently available.
2014 Progression Sparkling – $20.00 – **** – This is made with Vidal. There is a strong case growing for the versatility of Vidal in making great table wines. Right now Vidal is mainly relegated to Icewine. There are a few great examples of Sparkling Vidal in the province so Lighthall is in great company (Hinterland, Rockway, and Pelee Island). This wine is bright and crisp citrus notes on the nose. The flavours are in sync with the nose bringing up lots of bright citrus, but there is a little bit of a honeyed and floral note on the mid palate. This wine is still quite dry so even with the honey note it doesn’t invade your mouth with sweetness. The finish is bright, crisp, and refreshing. This wine is meant for sipping on a patio or to be paired with grilled seafood, or chicken.
2011 Culmination Sparkling – $35.00 – ****+ – As I mentioned you will get the chance to taste this wine if you get to I4C this year. The depth of the aromas on this wine feel like they are pulling you into the glass. Granny Smith Apple, Lemon and very subtle hints of Vanilla are what you will find on the nose. My favorite thing about this wine is there is a great creamy texture on mid palate, but it’s ephemeral. The bright, crisp, palate cleansing acidity on this wine wash away the creamy vanilla flavour from the mid palate before it can take hold. Needless to say this wine is complex and rich with perfect acidity. This is another wine in my collection I will refuse to pair with any food. Best enjoyed on its own with very good friends.
