When you see the VQA designation on a bottle of wine it means that 100% of the grapes have been grown in Ontario. Some wineries have taken the idea of Canadian wine to the next level. Most people don’t give a second thought to the actual process of making wine. It goes beyond taking grape juice and turning it into alcohol, when you are making a Chardonnay or a Cabernet you are likely going to be putting your wine in a barrel to age and refine it. Most barrels used in Ontario come from the United States, or France… you will also find some wineries using barrels from Hungary. There are a small group of wineries that have turned to local barrel makers and are using Canadian barrels. I originally planned on talking about the Featherstone Canadian Oak Chardonnay (Vintages 149302), as I have seen this label in your local vintages section, but before putting pen to paper I sent out a single tweet “Who uses Canadian Barrels?” the response was greater than I could have anticipated from wineries even as far as Nova Scotia! I have narrowed my list down to a select handful.
2011 Featherstone Canadian Oak Chardonnay – (2010 – Vintages 149302) – $21.95 – A great well rounded Chard that is mellow with a long finish. Flavours of pear and pineapple are found in this bottle with barrel flavours taking over on the finish.
Order online at https://featherstonewinery.ca/cgi-bin/online/storepro.php
2010 Rosehall Run Canadian Barrel Chardonnay – Winery Only – $24.95 – This wine is not completely done in Canadian Oak, it is a blend of Oaked and Unoaked Chardonnay. You have a wine that is a little higher in Acidity, but very lively and it leaves almost a sizzle on the tip of your tongue. Lots of citrus fruit in this wine but balanced with the oaked Chardonnay gives you a feeling almost like Lemon Meringue pie.
Order online at https://www.rosehallrun.com/buyonline/index.php?cat=3
2010 Karlo Estate CHOA Chardonnay – Winery Only – $25.00 – Karlo Estates has taken the idea of Canadian barrels to a whole new level with this wine. CHOA stands for Cherry, Hickory, Oak and Ash. The barrels used in this wine were originally meant for Balsamic vinegar, but Richard Karlo, owner and winemaker said he liked the smell coming from the barrels so he thought he would give it a try. This will be the most unique Chardonnay you will find as the flavours from the different woods really come out in the wine. Lots of apple fruit flavours, with a very smokey finish.
Order online at https://karloestates.com/buy-wine/chardonnay/
2010 Lailey Canadian Oak Meritage – Winery Only – $40.20 – Lailey makes several wines that are made in Canadian Oak. They are also the only winery that I have found that is making red wines in Canadian barrels. I’ll make no secret about it Lailey is one of my favorite wineries.
Order online at https://laileyvineyard.com/wines.php
