ONTARIO'S 2002 VINTAGE
by Professor Hrayr Berberoglu.

July 5, 2005


Ontario's 2002 vintage was one of the best in memory as several wineries have been able to produce fine, cellar worthy wines. Many wine lovers think of Ontario as a better white wine producing region than red, but the hot growing season of 2002 yielded an abundance of fine red wines.

Experience shows that modern wines in general and Ontario wines in particular fail to improve for decades after release. The vines are relatively young and winemakers use techniques to minimize tannins in an attempt to make the wines palatable within a year or two.

The best wines of each winery should be purchased at the winery store, or from the Classics Catalogue of L C B O 's Vintages division. Most wineries prefer to sell their premium wines directly for two reasons; to maximize their profits and ensure that the wine is in perfect condition upon delivery (cork taint excluded over which the winery has no control).

It is worth pointing out that the best wines are produced in very small lots; some as little 60 9-liter cases, and at most, 100 cases.

The best Ontario 2002 red wines:

Trionfo, Magnotta
Cabernet franc Limited Edition, Magnotta
Enotrium, Magnotta
Gamay, Kacaba Vineyards
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Kacaba Vineyards
Funk Meritage, The 13th Street Wine Company
Delaine Vineyard Cabernet sauvignon/Merlot, Jackson-Triggs
Delaine Vineyard Pinot Noir, Jackson-Triggs
Founder's Reserve Pinot Noir, Inniskillin
Cabernet Franc Reserve, Hernder Estates
Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Hernder Estates
Cabernet Franc, Pillitteri
Family reserve Merlot, Pillitteri
Cabernet Franc Reserve, Peller Estates
Baco Noir Reserve, Henry of Pelham

White wines:

Limited Edition Chardonnay Lailey
Sandstone Chardonnay, The 13th Street Wine Company
Reserve Chardonnay, Legends Estate
Chardonnay Musque, Chateau des Charmes
Unoaked Chardonnay, Vineland Estates
Delaine Vineyard Chardonnay, Jackson-Triggs
Sauvignon Blanc, Magnotta
Special Edition Pinot Gris, Magnotta

Icewine

Vidal, Thomas and Vaughan Vintners
Cabernet Franc, Magnotta
Riesling, Magnotta
Sparkling Riesling, Pillitteri

Note: Some Ontario wineries ship within the province. Most have web sites providing detailed information. There are also specialized companies that facilitate ordering and shipping at extra cost.

Hrayr Berberoglu took early retirement after lecturing on restaurant management and conducting wine, beer and spirits seminars for over a quarter of a century.

Now he consults and writes to increase wine, beer and liquor awareness. He conducts seminars and would be pleased to consider your requests. To peruse the list of his published books and order please contact him at hirayrberberoglu_3@sympatico.ca

Hryar Berberoglu www.littlefatwino.com