Chardonnay RII 2021, Ferox by Fabian Reis

Description from the Producer

VQA Niagara Lakeshore

TASTING NOTES

To honour the second coming of the sold out 2021 Chardonnay Reserve, this 2021 Chardonnay RII evokes an inspiration of Côte Chalonnaise, yet is authentic to Niagara. The wine presents with a medium gold colour, courtesy of blending stainless steel (SS) and barrel-aged (BA) components. Primary aromatics of lemon peel, honeysuckle, Comice pear, coconut and acacia dominate, with subtle secondary notes of toast, yoghurt, biscuit and brioche evident once warmed and aerated – courtesy of fine lees aging for 3 years, and 100% malolactic conversion (MLC). The palate mirrors the nose, with a focus on honeydew melon, ripe Anjou pear, lychee and vanilla, with our barrel program highlighting structure. Acidity is lively yet balanced with the glycerol and texture of this wine, with slight residual sugar harmonizing the tasting experience.

100% of the Chardonnay was picked from our South Block, from vines planted in 1998 on September 21^st, 2021. Fruit was machine picked, optically sorted and pressed within 15 minutes of being picked. After cold settling, the juice fermented for 4 weeks, no greater than 18ºC. Once MLC was completed for the barrel-destined portion of wine, the volume was barreled down into 6 x 225L barriques with fine lees. The remaining volume was not put through MLC and stayed hermetically in stainless steel. After 3 years of aging, the wine was racked and blended, before fining, filtration and bottling on May 5^th, 2025.

FOOD PAIRINGS AND SERVING TEMPERATURE

When pairing, look to foods that have salt and acidity, thereby making the wine perceptively smoother, richer, fruitier and less bitter / acidic. Dishes like Enchilada stuffed pasta shells or lentil Bolognese will help brighten the wine, while still showcasing it’s intense aromatic and palate profile. Alternatively, dishes like a pine-nut crusted Tilapia and broccolini with lemon will highlight the textural components of this Chardonnay, whilst delivering acid and umami notes.

TECHNICAL NOTES

Blend: 1350L BA Chardonnay (3 x 225L neutral French oak and 3 x 225L neutral Accacia) & 550L SS Chardonnay

Alcohol: 12.0%

Residual Sugar: 4.4 g/l

Total Acid: 6.2 g/l