And once again another example of planting a few grape varieties and doing them well. The day I was there I was told that Marlize the winemaker is on maternity leave. Okay so you may be thinking she is not involved. I say oh my goodness her sense of smell and taste are heightened. Apparently during pregnancy things become more pronounced. I can't wait to taste these wines when they come to market. (She's just not doing the heavy lifting I was told.)
The wines I tasted were delightful, approachable, great value for your money. The tour that I piggy backed onto (okay so I was eavesdropping) was very informative. I must say that Niagara wineries have really taken on board in a big way the importance of nurturing the environment from the ground up for generations to come.
Here at Flat Rock Cellars this is evident from the moment you enter. From geo thermal heating and cooling within the winery (note to the pond out front) to natural lighting inside the tasting room (reducing energy that would be used by regular lighting systems, and by the way everyone looks lovely in this kind of light if I do say so), all has been well thought out.The grapes are hand picked which again reduces the intrusion to our environment and the soil (by emitting gases and compacting the soil with the weight of tractors). They have a 5 level gravity fed system reducing the energy required to move the grapes through the winemaking process.
Nothing goes to waste. Everything from the ozone technology used to clean the barrels and tanks without chemicals, to having only water run off which is re-used, it doesn't get much better than that.
There is much more to learn about Flat Rock Cellars and is well worth a visit.
I tasted the following wines:
2008 Nadja's Riesliing
Clear, pale lemon
Mineral, citrus, lemon notes
Light/medium body
With soft acidity and medium finish
The alcohol is 10.5% which I love.
2008 Estate Riesling
Clear pale yellow
Full lime and mineral on the nose
Medium body with a balanced acidity
Again a medium finish.
This too is low alcohol at 9.5%. Great for these hot muggy days we're having. Actually great on any day. I prefer this one to the one above.
2007 Unplugged Chardonnay
Clear pale yellow
Soft oak nose, apple notes
Light butter palate (which is nice not to be overwhelmed with wood).
Medium body
Medium/long finish.
A nice appealing Chardonnay.
2007 Pinot Noir
Clear pale purple/ruby
Cherry, light strawberry, earthy notes
which follow through on the palate
Medium body with a medium long finish
Again a nice example of Niagara Pinot Noir.
All of these wines are very approachable and affordable. They are not heavy handed in any way whatsoever. Delicate and lovely, not over blown and over ripe. Yay! You can actually taste the wine nuances and not alcohol extract. Very European! Love it!
The LCBO also carries some of their wines if you can't make it to the winery.
Cheers
Fantastic, fabulous post! Put me on that list for your tours to Niagara. I love learning how there is so much great stuff in our midst. Who knew ? You did. Obviously !
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