WTN: 2005 Pelee Island Blanc de Blancs (Ontario VQA)
Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 2:33 pmThis wine has traditionally been a varietal Seyval Blanc bottled under the "Blanc de Blancs" label. For 2005 I see that it is a blend of Vidal and Seyval, though in undisclosed proportions.
13% alc./vol. Bright, crystal-clear pale straw with a greenish glint. Initially very sulfury, almost harshly so; after about 3 days in the open bottle (stored in the fridge) the harshness seems to have subsided. Light aromas of green apple and even a hint of something faintly labrusca (I get this in Pelee Island's whites quite a bit - maybe it's a clonal thing?). Quite hot, actually, though this could be due to the sulfite and not just the alcohol. Crisp and clean with something in the order of 1 g/l r.s., just going by taste. A bit rough around the edges texture-wise and not among the top white hybrid table wines of Ontario, but it's still on the right side of okay.
The best Seyvals I've ever had from Ontario were made by Vineland Estates and Stoney Ridge. Unfortunately, neither makes them anymore. Some really nice Seyval was present at NiagaraCool this year, though.
13% alc./vol. Bright, crystal-clear pale straw with a greenish glint. Initially very sulfury, almost harshly so; after about 3 days in the open bottle (stored in the fridge) the harshness seems to have subsided. Light aromas of green apple and even a hint of something faintly labrusca (I get this in Pelee Island's whites quite a bit - maybe it's a clonal thing?). Quite hot, actually, though this could be due to the sulfite and not just the alcohol. Crisp and clean with something in the order of 1 g/l r.s., just going by taste. A bit rough around the edges texture-wise and not among the top white hybrid table wines of Ontario, but it's still on the right side of okay.
The best Seyvals I've ever had from Ontario were made by Vineland Estates and Stoney Ridge. Unfortunately, neither makes them anymore. Some really nice Seyval was present at NiagaraCool this year, though.