Peaceful Pelee

We were invited by some very kind friends to spend an overnight on Pelee Island.  It was an experience I will never forget, and I strongly suggest that everyone make a visit to both the winery on the mainland, and to the pavilion on the island itself.  The island is magical and I can't wait to go back.

 

I tasted a very large number of their wines.  For now, I'm only going to comment on the wines that are available for purchase at the LCBO since that's what most of us have access to, and to be honest, if you have the opportunity to visit the winery, I highly suggest you taste the wines that are only available there for yourself.

Pelee Island wines are simple, affordable and unpretentious.  I go back to them time and time again for their reliability and uncomplicated characteristics.  Having said that, I go back to the same ones time after time, so this opportunity allowed me to taste many wines I may not have otherwise tasted.

 

I commented in one of my first posts that Pelee Island's Gamay Noir Zweigelt (VQA) is one of my first recommendations to someone just entering the wonderful world of wine, someone who says they don't like red wine, or someone who gets headaches from tannic reds.  This is a very versatile wine that never disappoints.

 

We were greeted at the winery with a glass of Secco sparkling wine, Pelee Island Winery's answer to the increasingly popular Italian Prosecco.  I loved that it was just slightly off dry with nice, full bubbles, and brimming with the lemony-apple notes one would expect from Pinot Blanc.  A definite winner, and with a $16-ish price point, my current bubbly of choice. 

 

Following a tour of the facility, we were treated to the winery's premium Alvar label's Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (VQA).  This was a very enjoyable beverage with supple citrus and tropical fruit flavours and a refreshing, light finish.  I sometimes don't enjoy the high acidity and minerality of Sauvignon Blanc, and the blend, in this case 80% Semillon and 20% Sauv. Blanc, really helped to round out the sharp edges making this very appealing to me.  This wine has officially made the list of a white summer sipper, something I have been struggling to find!

 

We sampled the award winning Lighthouse Riesling (VQA), which is just off-dry with a sugar code of 2.  In the land of off-dry Rieslings, this was a skilled competitor, unfortunately just not my speed.  I would absolutely recommend this to someone who prefers a rounder profile than is typically offered by a dry Riesling.  This would also be a good match, in my opinion, for lightly spiced seafood.

I will point out that there was a LOT of tasting going on, so my thoughts on the following wines are a little less eloquent and more of a general thumbs up or down.

Pelee Pink (VQA): The first rosé I can remember actually enjoying.  A very deep pink in colour, with luscious notes of strawberries and raspberries with just a hint of sweetness.  Another one I will enjoy by itself by the pool, or with salads of light greens, berries and soft cheese.

Pinot Noir (VQA): While inherently drinkable, this wine lacked most of the characteristics I expect from a typical Pinot Noir.  While bright and fruit-forward as one would expect, I was disappointed with the lack of herbaceous, peaty undertones that I associate with this grape. 

Blanc de Blanc (VQA): It was HOT the day we were on Pelee Island.  Crazy hot.  Even after the sun went down.  This was one of the most refreshing wines to grace my glass that evening.  It is super affordable ($9.95) and with a sugar code of 1, just a very slightly off-dry blend of Vidal (65%), Riesling (25%) and Geishenheim (10%).  I will keep this on hand to drink on its own, as well as to serve with light chicken and fish.

Eco Trail Red (VQA): If you think you don't like Baco Noir, I highly recommend you try this blend of Baco (40%), Chambourcin (40%) and Cabernet Franc (20%).  This wine introduces itself with light, jammy essences of cherries and plums, and finishes with smooth cranberry and smoky leather notes.  It paired spectacularly with the pork schnitzel we were served alfresco.  

Pinot Grigio (VQA):  This was not my fav.  I'm not sure exactly what it was that didn't strike my fancy about this particular offering, but in researching the wine I have learned that it is blended with 15% Chardonnay, which I think lent somewhat to my confusion.  

I am very excited to have found not only a couple whites that I really enjoy, but also a rosé!  I plan to continue my love affair with Pelee Island wines, and am confident that every wine drinker can be dazzled by at least one of their creations.

Until we drink again, cheers!