WTN: 2005 Colio Estate Vineyards Pinot Grigio (Ontario VQA)
Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 7:22 pmApproximately $15 at the Colio Estate Vineyards retail outlet.
12.2% alc. Pale straw colour with a bit of pétillance shortly after being poured. Quiet nose of canteloupe and tropical-fruit nuances; a whiff of broth that might actually be sulfur. Bone dry and crisp on the entry with very nice minerality and a supple texture. There's quite a bit of alcoholic heat - much more than the indicated alcohol level would suggest; this drinks as if it were over 13% ABV. Good, clean, balanced and dry finish with lots of warmth. I think it will drink better once it's cooled down a bit in the fridge (I brought it straight up from the basement without chilling it first).
Of note is the appellation: It's "Ontario VQA" and not the expected "Lake Erie North Shore VQA", which is what a vinifera wine is entitled to - if it's of single-area origin. This is therefore probably a blend of Lake Erie and Niagara Peninsula fruit.
12.2% alc. Pale straw colour with a bit of pétillance shortly after being poured. Quiet nose of canteloupe and tropical-fruit nuances; a whiff of broth that might actually be sulfur. Bone dry and crisp on the entry with very nice minerality and a supple texture. There's quite a bit of alcoholic heat - much more than the indicated alcohol level would suggest; this drinks as if it were over 13% ABV. Good, clean, balanced and dry finish with lots of warmth. I think it will drink better once it's cooled down a bit in the fridge (I brought it straight up from the basement without chilling it first).
Of note is the appellation: It's "Ontario VQA" and not the expected "Lake Erie North Shore VQA", which is what a vinifera wine is entitled to - if it's of single-area origin. This is therefore probably a blend of Lake Erie and Niagara Peninsula fruit.