Prince Edward County is exploding, or more rightly put, is set to explode, the moment ‘the policy’ gets passed … and I implore the existing wineries to do so post haste and stop halting the progress of this region, because if they keep this up they will rob the Ontario wine loving and buying public from some very good wines and wineries.
Tonight, it was a dinner at East & Main Bistro in Wellington, where 9 wineries presented their wares to an excited group of writers and the public at a delicious dinner (photos below).
Reception …
Casa Dea (formerly Carmela Estates), under new ownership and a new winemaker, kicked off the evening with their brand new sparkling wine. Also taking part in the reception another two wines were poured; one was an absolute surprise from Karlo Estates, a Frontenac Gris Rosé that was a stunning achievement with a grape variety I never knew existed.
Appetizer …
Cracked Pepper Scallop Ravioli, lemon thyme butter, melted leeks – served alongside 2 Chardonnays and a Riesling. Clear winner here was the Barnyard Wine Company’s 3630 Chardonnay 2007 ($28.95).
Salad …
Green Salad, strawberry balsamic vinaigrette – we continued sipping on the white wines with this course, and still the Chardonnay shone through.
Main …
Seared Duck Breast, root vegetable gratin, blueberry demi-glaze – three Pinot Noirs were poured, and while everybody at the table seemed to ooo-and-ahh over one in particular Pinot I found it had too much volatile acidity (nail polish remover) for my liking, no matter how much aeration the wine was given. Instead, I gravitated towards the funkiness of the Lift Haus 2007 Pinot Noir, it reminded me of leathery fruit; think back to being a kid and playing with a fruit roll up.
Cheese Plate …
Benedictine Blue and Vieux Bruge – this dish belonged to Del-Gatto Estates 2008 Two Shades of Red, I did also enjoy the Casa Dea Cabernet Franc, but the Del-Gatto wine had me guessing as to what were the two shades and the grape varieties within. Someone in attendance (not the winemaker or owner of Del-Gatto, who was no where to be seen) told me that the sum was much better then the two separate parts … the sum (being the wine) was quite good.
Dessert …
Pear Charlotte, caramel sauce, crème Anglaise – for lack of better terminology the Hillier Creek Vidal Icewine 2008 served with this course, tasted like icewine – a well made icewine at that, but icewine none the less – it paired better with the delicately sweet dessert because it was sweeter than the pairing. But the real star of the dessert course was the Karlo Estates 2008 Late Harvest Frontenac Gris (there’s that variety again), overwhelmed by the sweetness in the dessert this wine was better when tasted alone and offered some real zip and zing to the palate … very impressive.
After Tasting …
Another nine wines were set out for tasting after dinner. Standouts here were the Hillier Creek 2008 Riesling and their 2007 Gamay (I’m a sucker for good Gamay), but the real winner of the nine-wine sideboard was the Stanners Vineyard 2008 Pinot Noir, of which only 25 cases were made – pity it’s so little because this is one delicious wine that more people should have the opportunity to taste/sample and buy.
Good luck to the 9 newbies of the County. Thanks to East & Main for a delicious dinner and thanks to the wineries who invited us down for this interesting and fun tasting of the new wineries of Prince Edward County.
Tonight, it was a dinner at East & Main Bistro in Wellington, where 9 wineries presented their wares to an excited group of writers and the public at a delicious dinner (photos below).
Reception …
Casa Dea (formerly Carmela Estates), under new ownership and a new winemaker, kicked off the evening with their brand new sparkling wine. Also taking part in the reception another two wines were poured; one was an absolute surprise from Karlo Estates, a Frontenac Gris Rosé that was a stunning achievement with a grape variety I never knew existed.
Appetizer …
Cracked Pepper Scallop Ravioli, lemon thyme butter, melted leeks – served alongside 2 Chardonnays and a Riesling. Clear winner here was the Barnyard Wine Company’s 3630 Chardonnay 2007 ($28.95).
Salad …
Green Salad, strawberry balsamic vinaigrette – we continued sipping on the white wines with this course, and still the Chardonnay shone through.Main …
Seared Duck Breast, root vegetable gratin, blueberry demi-glaze – three Pinot Noirs were poured, and while everybody at the table seemed to ooo-and-ahh over one in particular Pinot I found it had too much volatile acidity (nail polish remover) for my liking, no matter how much aeration the wine was given. Instead, I gravitated towards the funkiness of the Lift Haus 2007 Pinot Noir, it reminded me of leathery fruit; think back to being a kid and playing with a fruit roll up.
Cheese Plate …
Benedictine Blue and Vieux Bruge – this dish belonged to Del-Gatto Estates 2008 Two Shades of Red, I did also enjoy the Casa Dea Cabernet Franc, but the Del-Gatto wine had me guessing as to what were the two shades and the grape varieties within. Someone in attendance (not the winemaker or owner of Del-Gatto, who was no where to be seen) told me that the sum was much better then the two separate parts … the sum (being the wine) was quite good.
Dessert …
Pear Charlotte, caramel sauce, crème Anglaise – for lack of better terminology the Hillier Creek Vidal Icewine 2008 served with this course, tasted like icewine – a well made icewine at that, but icewine none the less – it paired better with the delicately sweet dessert because it was sweeter than the pairing. But the real star of the dessert course was the Karlo Estates 2008 Late Harvest Frontenac Gris (there’s that variety again), overwhelmed by the sweetness in the dessert this wine was better when tasted alone and offered some real zip and zing to the palate … very impressive.
After Tasting …
Another nine wines were set out for tasting after dinner. Standouts here were the Hillier Creek 2008 Riesling and their 2007 Gamay (I’m a sucker for good Gamay), but the real winner of the nine-wine sideboard was the Stanners Vineyard 2008 Pinot Noir, of which only 25 cases were made – pity it’s so little because this is one delicious wine that more people should have the opportunity to taste/sample and buy.
Good luck to the 9 newbies of the County. Thanks to East & Main for a delicious dinner and thanks to the wineries who invited us down for this interesting and fun tasting of the new wineries of Prince Edward County.
1 comment:
Besides enjoying the island's typical live music, you will find residents competing in various contests, such as Oyster shucking and Best Potato Seafood Chowder. There is so much to eat - your taste buds may never want to leave.
Prince Edward County
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