ONTARIO'S GRAND SLAM WHITE WINE VINTAGE 2002
by Professor Hrayr Berberoglu.

July 5, 2005


When I tasted, for the first time, a Canadian wine in 1968, (I believe it was something Duck) it smelled and tasted so terrible that I felt compelled to dispose of the bottle as quickly as possible.

Since then, Ontario and British Columbia wine quality improved so much that now certain wines are exported to finicky Europeans who like to turn up their noses at non-European wines, except of course the English. They buy South African, New Zealand, Chilean and American wines as much, if not more than European products. They look at price and more importantly value.

Recently I had an opportunity to taste several Ontario boutique winery whites and I must admit I was impressed. The L C B O carries many Ontario wines, but not these. In fact, the best of the province must be purchased at the winery stores simply because these wines are produced in small quantities.

Also worth mentioning is the fact the 2002 vintage was exceptional, comparable to 1998, another hot year, but better.

In dry years vine roots dig deeper in the soil in search of water, and in the process absorb more minerals and other desirable flavours. Generally, Ontario is considered a cool climate wine-growing zone, but in the last decade during the growing season hot weather dominated; in fact in some cases surpassed degree-days in Bordeaux.

In addition, important to note is that Ontario wine makers use oak barrel aging more judiciously. Maybe they remember the famous French saying: " Oak must support the flavour of wine not dominate it", and " We never put oak in wine but wine in oak". It is also possible that the cost of barrel aging requires due restraint.

Here are my recommendations. (All wines are vintage 2002)

Pinot Gris, Malivoire
Sauvignon Blanc, Creekside
Pinot Gris Thomas and Vaughan Vintners
Sauvignon Blanc, Henry of Pelham
Riesling, Innsikillin (General List)
Riesling Reserve, Henry of Pelham
Chardonnay Musque, Cave Spring Cellars
Chenin Blanc, Cave Spring Cellars
Gewürztraminer, Angel's Gate
Riesling Dry, Vineland Estates (General list)
Riesling off dry, Vineland Estates (General list)
Pinot Blanc, Vineland Estates
Chardonnay, Thirty Bench
Chardonnay, Reif

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