Blazing fall colours along a winding road in Algonquin Provincial Park.
Photo courtesy Thinkstock
In the last 15 years, Ontario's wine industry has come into its own. The quality and variety of its bottles have grown, and experts are praising Ontario's fine international-calibre Chardonnays, Rieslings and Pinot Noirs (to name a few). The locavore movement has also helped consumers appreciate – and demand more of – the fine wines available in their backyard.
Today there are three more recognized wine regions outside the well-established Niagara Peninsula: the north shore of Lake Erie, Pelee Island and Prince Edward County near Kingston. Vintners are exploring and testing other areas, including the Bruce Peninsula, Northumberland County and Rice Lake.
Wines made from 100 per cent Ontario-grown grapes qualify for the province's quality-control seal of approval, called Vintner's Quality Alliance (VQA). Here are a few great bottles to try:
WHITES
• Pelee Island Gewürztraminer 2009, Pelee Island, $11: This classic white has notes of rose petal and lychee, with a hint of bitterness for balance. Try it with Thai or Indian food.
• Henry of Pelham Chardonnay 2010, Niagara Peninsula, $14: With a lovely clean apple flavour and a citrusy zing, this unoaked Chardonnay delivers high quality at a reasonable price.
• Cave Spring Estate Riesling 2009, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, $18: This truly classy Riesling offers beautiful fruit, and balanced minerality and acidity.
• Huff Estates South Bay Vineyards Chardonnay 2009, Prince Edward County, $30: Ripe fruit is balanced with well-integrated oak in this Chardonnay. It's rich and tasty, especially with seafood or pasta with cream sauce.
REDS
• Château des Charmes Cabernet Franc 2009, Niagara-on-the-Lake, $14: We should see more of this charming, rustic grape variety from Ontario. Try it with stews and barbecued meats.
• Malivoire Gamay 2009, Niagara Peninsula, $18: Juicy, jammy and utterly quaffable, this wine is wonderful with burgers and can handle a spicy curry.
• Colchester Ridge Estate Winery Meritage, Lake Erie North Shore, $20: This delicious Bordeaux-style blend is the winery's signature offering.
• Tawse Grower's Blend Pinot Noir 2008, Niagara Peninsula, $32: Worth the splurge, this well-made Pinot Noir is a shining example of great wine-making. Savour it with beef tenderloin or lamb rack.
• Norman Hardie County Pinot Noir 2009, Prince Edward County, $35: Delicate and light, this classy Pinot Noir pairs well with roast chicken and lamb.
SPARKLING
• 13th Street NV Cuvée 13 Rosé, Niagara Peninsula, $25: One of Niagara's top sparklers, this wine should not be missed. It's a stunner with lobster or sashimi.
– Anne Martin, sommelier
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