Stratus Riesling, 2021

This deliciously refreshing dry wine boasts a vibrant nose of bright candied green apple, pomelo and mandarin orange. Adding to the classic purity of the fruit’s characteristics, subtle spicy notes of ginger and allspice are complemented by elegant flavours of fresh lime zest and golden sweet apricot on the palate. Chalk-like minerality adds further depth to the finish that is enhanced by a strong backbone of acidity.

Growing Conditions: Defined by highly variable weather, 2021 was unpredictable from start to finish. The year started with warmer than average, January temperatures. Spring settled into predictably seasonal temperatures and generally dry conditions – a great start to the growing season. As the summer progressed, hot and dry conditions prevailed. Despite unexpected scattered rain and severe thunderstorms at the end of the month, extreme heat and drought were the predominant challenges faced in August. Unstable weather in the fall, presented challenging harvest conditions. Rain and humidity at inopportune times required a strategic approach to picking grapes at their peak. Many of the red varieties were harvested at the tail end of November and in early December.

VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake