Pinot Meunier, alongside Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, are the three varietals traditionally grown in Champagne. Usually saved for blending, our winemaker, Philip Dowell, eagerly set aside the 2018 vintage of our Pinot Meunier for sparkling production. This sparkling wine is the first of its kind in Ontario because it has no dosage. Omitting the dosage, or "liqueur d'expedition,” at the end of the Traditional Method results in a remarkably clean, dry sparkling wine.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Pale honey in colour, bright apple and peach on the nose are complemented by undertones of toasted almond and a hint of brioche. Notes of zesty lime, red pear and lychee dominate the palate. Round with a refined and delicate mousse, the Pinot Meunier has a long, crisp and well-balanced finish.
FOOD MATCHES
Seafood, particularly oysters, pair perfectly with this sparkling wine. As well, heavier foods such as risottos, mushrooms and heavy sauces, nicely complement this wine. Specific meals we found best compliment this wine include, warm red quinoa and beet salad, Rotisserie-style peppered chicken and sweet potato wedges. Cheese that pair well with this Pinot Meunier sparkling are Manchego, aged cheddar and smoked gouda.
Varietal | Vineyard | Appellation | Fermentation |
88% Pinot Meunier, 12% Chardonnay | Estate | Beamsville Bench | Stainless Steel, 2 ½ years on lees |
Release Date | Alcohol | Residual Sugar | Cases |
April 8, 2021 | 12.8% | 3.0 g/L | 530 |