De-alcoholized wines
Saturday, October 8th: I was invited to a tasting of de-alcoholized wines at Vineland Estates. The winery imports a range from Germany called Eins Zwei Zero, produced by a company called Leitz in the Rheingau – Sparkling Riesling, still Riesling, Sparkling Rosé, still Rosé and Pinot Noir. My preference was for the Rosés, still and sparkling. Co-proprietor Alan Schmidt dropped by with a bottle of his Vineland Estates Cabernet Franc 2020 which was terrific. Good thing I was tasting non-alcoholic wines because I might just have been tempted to adopt a dog at Vineland. There were three rescues from Florida up for adoption. (A dire day – the Jays blew an 8–1 lead to lose to the Mariners, so they are out of the play-offs.)
Other wines tasted:
Gérard Bertrand Source of Joy Rosé 2021 (Languedoc; $24.95, Vintages #25787, to be released November 19th)
Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault. Copper-salmon pink in colour; lightly floral, strawberry and watermelon nose; medium-bodied, dry, well-balanced, cranberry and raspberry flavour with lively acidity. (90)
Henry of Pelham Gamay 2020 (Short Hills Bench, Niagara; $21.95; CSPC #19903)
Medium ruby in colour; red plum bouquet with a note of white pepper; medium-bodied, dry, sour cherry and plum flavours; bright and lively on the palate; fine mouth-feel. (89)
Henry of Pelham Speck Brothers Family Tree The Boxer’s Ghost Pinot Noir 2021 (Short Hills Bench, Niagara; $19.95, Vintages #306221, to be released December 3rd)
Purple colour; cedary, vanilla, raspberry jam nose; medium-bodied, dry, red plum and raspberry flavours; nicely structured, well-integrated oak, lively acidity. Volnay style. (90)
Malivoire Lady Bug Rosé 2021 (Niagara Peninsula, $17.95, Vintages Essential #559088)
56% Cabernet Franc, 36% Gamay, 8% Pinot Noir. Salmon pink with a coppery note; strawberry and red plum bouquet; medium-bodied, dry, elegant, redcurrant and cranberry flavours with vibrant acidity and a long finish. (90)
Malivoire Farmstead Gamay 2020 (Niagara Peninsula; $21.95, Vintages Essential #591313)
Medium ruby in colour; lightly spicy, wild strawberry nose with a touch of oak; medium-bodied, dry, well-extracted cherry and red plum flavours carried on lively acidity. (90)
