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Canadian Pinot Noir - our great red!!
What Canadian wine region makes the best Pinot Noir?
Ontario's Niagara region has a slight edge over British Columbia in producing Canada's
best pinot noir wine. As the wine industry in Canada matures you will see equally good
pinots from BC and Ontario but they will have very differnt flavours!
What are five great 2007 Canadian Pinot Noir's?
Picking just five wineries is, again, tough but here is my short list:
- Lailey Vineyard (2007 Niagara Valle Pinot, 2007 Canadian Oak Pinot Noir)
- Inniskillin
- Norman Hardie
- Reif Estate Winery
- Calona Vineyards
What are five wineries that create a great Canadian Pinot?
Picking just five wineries is, again, tough but here is my short list:
- Lailey Vineyard
- Inniskillin
- Norman Hardie
- Reif Estate Winery
- Calona Vineyards
What can you tell me about 2007 Ontario Pinot Noir?
The growing year of 2007 was probably the best ever for Niagara and for Prince Edward County.
I have only tasted 2007 wines from two ontario wineries (Lailey Vineyard and Norm Hardie) but
they were both fantastic.
Norm Hardie's 2007 County Pinot Noir is made from 100% Prince Edward County Pinot Noir. It
is a lighter style Pinot but has delicious fruit and fantastic balance. Highly recommended!
Lailey Vinyard has two fantastic 2007 pinots both from Niagara grapes. There are bigger
pinots with lots of fruit and an amazing balance. The top-end Lailey pinot had really good tannins
and should age really well over the new few years.
How long has pinot noir been produced in Canada?
I haven't been able to find the answer to this question. If you happen to know
the answer please email me and I will update the site.
How much of the pinot noir grape is planted in BC and Ontario?
Again, I don't know but am actively looking for this answer.
How come pinot noir grapes are grown in very dense conditions?
Hundreds of years ago the French discovered the best way to grow pinot noir grapes. You make sure
to grow lots of grapes per acer, the reason, to make the pinot vines work to find water. As the
vines push farther into the earth there are more minerals present. Those minerals are what give
pinot noir wines that amazing taste.
Is it true there is a Pinot Noir Ice wine?
No! Unfortunately, the pinot grape is too delicate to survive into the winter
and still be good enought to make an ice wine. In fact, even just dampness and
water can be enough to spoil this tempermental pinto grape.
Can I have a list of top ranked Ontario pinot noirs?
Here are some of 2006 Ontario award winners:
- Inniskillin 2003 Pinot Noir Montague Estate Vineyard
- Norman Hardie 2004 Pinot Noir
- Niagara College Teaching Winery 2004 Pinot Noir Reserve
- Reif Estate 2001 Pinot Noir
What is the best BC pinot noir?
In my opinion Quails Gate has the best pinot in British Columbia.
Here are my reviews of two Pinots:
- 2006 Quails' Gate Pinot Noir
- absolutly fantastic $25 wine; it is surprising to find a wine of this quality for the price. If you have a chance
make sure to stock up on this favorite.
- 2006 Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir
- this is their high-end pinot priced at $45. It is really good could easily stand up against a similar priced Burgundy.
Can I have a list of top ranked BC pinot noirs?
Here are a couple that I know of:
- Calona Artist Series 2004 Pinot Noir
- Nk'Mip Cellars 2004 Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir
If you have more good BC pinot noirs please send them in!
Hopefully this is a good introduction to Canadian pinot noir. If you have questions
or comments send me an email from the contact page.
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