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Canadian Merlot - give it a try!
What Canadian wine region makes the best Merlot?
Ontario and British Columbia (BC) are probably about the same on their ability to
grow fantastic Merlot grapes and produce wonderful Merlot wine.
What are five wineries that create a great Canadian Merlot?
Picking just five wineries for Merlot is pretty easy since I haven't had many
Merlots. Here is a list of five wineries producing Merlot, but I have only tasted a few of
the wines.
- Kacaba Vineyards
- Pillitteri Estates Winery
- Stoney Ridge Winery
- Blasted Church Vineyard (recommended)
- Jackson-Triggs Winery (recommended)
Who produces the best Ontario Merlot?
In my opinion, Kacaba Vineyard produces
the best Merlot's in Ontario. Kacaba's 2002 Merlot was absolutely amazing. I purchased a
couple of cases; one of the cases was given away as presents to my friends who still
doubt that Canada doesn't make great wine. After having the Kacaba 2002 Merlot, they were
made beleivers in Canada wines.
How long as Merlot been produced in Canada?
The first Canadian merlot was produced in 1975 still ins't considered a staple
of the Canadian wine industry. British Columbia produces more Merlot than Ontario
mostly becuase the new BC wineries want to grow something different.
How much Merlot is planted in BC?
I am still trying to find an answer for this question.
How much Merlot is planted in Ontario?
I am still trying to find an answer for this question.
Is it true that Merlot is not really a "serious" wine?
No, Merlot has often been picked on as not 'top grape' especially after the
movie Sideways. The truth is that today's Merlot can be very complex and unique.
Try some Canadian Merlots and make up your own mind!
Is it true there is a Merlot Ice wine?
Yes! Canada produces 99% of the worlds ice wine. Vidal was originally the main
grape used in ice wine but soon people began to experiment. Merlot ice wine
is incredibly rich and has an acidity that can support the sweetness. A couple of
wineries that produce Merlot Icewine are Lang Vineyards
in British Columbia and Royal DeMaria in Ontario.
Can I have a list of top ranked BC Merlots?
These have all been recommendations, I have not had them, yet:
- Nk 'Mip Cellars - 2003 Qwam Qwmt Merlot, Okanagan Valley
- Cedarcreek Estate - 2003 Platinum Reserve Merlot, Okanagan Valley
- Blasted Church - 2004 Merlot, Okanagan Valley
Can I have a list of top ranked Ontario Merlots?
These are all fantastic Ontario wines!
- Kacaba Vineyards - 2002 Merlot, Niagara
- Stoney Ridge Estate - 2004 Reserve Merlot, Niagara
- Pillitteri Estates - 2002 Family Reserve, Niagara
Hopefully this is a good introduction to Canadian merlot. If you have questions
or comments send me an email from the contact page.
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