Cuvée Rosé NV

TASTING NOTES & FOOD NOTES

Pale pink in the glass. The nose hints at ripe red berry, mineral and light spice notes. The palate is dry and fruity with a creamy and fine mousse with flavours of wild strawberries, raspberry cream and light toast. The finish is long and persistent with cleansing acidity and persistent red fruit flavours. Although delicious and perfectly appropriate to drink this wine immediately, this wine will change and mellow through 2023.

THIS IS AN LCBO VINTAGES ESSENTIAL

Suitable as the perfect aperitif to serve friends and family on arrival at between 5 and 8o C. This wine will pair nicely with shellfish or poached fish in pink sauces, smoked salmon or tuna tartare, charcuterie plates or antipasti . Although not sweet enough to pair with dessert, try with high-fat creamy, fresh and bloomy rind cheeses such as Upper Canada ricotta drizzled with honey and topped with toasted, candied nuts. Will marry nicely with fresh strawberries in season drizzled with a little aged balsamic or topped with cracked pepper.

WINEMAKING NOTES 

A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fermented and aged in the traditional method. The Chardonnay provides structure and backbone while the Pinot Noir provides fruit, power and richness. This dry sparkling wine underwent second fermentation in the final bottle and aged sur lattes (en tirage) for a minimum of 18 months during which the bubbles became smaller and more compact. A slight autolytic, or toast and bread character also developed during this time. After dosage of 8 grams of sugar mixed with reserve Pinot Noir was added, the wine was aged a further 3 months before release to allow all elements to integrate. This wine was not exposed to oak and did not undergo malolactic fermentation.

92 pts CAROLYN EVANS HAMMOND, THE TORONTO STAR

Toronto Star - July 6, 2023

91 pts RICK VANSICKLE, WINES IN NIAGARA

This is the top selling Canadian sparkling wine at the LCBO and the only one in the portfolio to receive a dosage of 8 g/l, which is still dry but a bit of a departure from the other sparklers in the portfolio. It’s a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a splash of Gamay that’s fermented and aged in the traditional method. It was aged sur lattes (en tirage) for a minimum of 18 months during which the bubbles became smaller and more compact. It shows a gorgeous rose petal colour in the glass with an energetic mousse. It’s loaded with red berries, cranberries, rhubarb, lemon zest and a subtle toasty note. It’s fresh and the bubbles pop on the palate with a barrage of red berries, subtle earthy/autolytic notes, red currants, and a dry impression through a finish that features mouth-watering acidity and verve.

About 13th Street Winery

Established in 1998 by four wine-enthusiast friends, 13th Street Winery marks over a quarter-century of winemaking in the beautiful Niagara region in 2023. Purchased in 2008 by its current owners, the Mann and Whitty families, the winery represents not just a legacy of excellent wines, but also a place that visitors can call their home away from home. It has evolved into an entity that mirrors the unique terroir of Niagara, and offers guests an immersive experience that goes beyond just winetasting.

The 13th Street Winery’s dedication to quality and innovation was recognized in 2022, when it was named the No.1 Winery in Ontario and ranked second across Canada at the National Wine Awards. Notably, the winery also received the Outstanding Achievement in Architecture from the Niagara Biennial Design Awards 2020, further testament to its commitment to offer the very best to its patrons.

At the heart of the winery’s operations are its owners and partners, Doug and Karen Whitty, and John and June Mann. Bonded by their shared passion for wine, food, art, and a keen sense of hospitality, they continue to uphold the vision for the 13th Street Winery. Both families, deeply rooted in Niagara and devoted to its community, have brought together their unique strengths and experiences to shape the winery’s journey.

Women Wine Leaders

Karen Whitty is Doug’s wife and the General Manager of 13th Street Winery. With a degree in Biochemistry from McMaster University, Karen started her career working for the federal government with Agriculture Canada. Following eighteen years and several scientific publications, Karen left her Vineland Agricultural Research Station in 2005 to devote her time and energy to facilitate the growth and excellence of Whitty Farms. Upon her introduction, Karen implemented and directed administration, marketing, processing and value-added initiatives at Whitty Farms. Congruently, Karen excels at these same responsibilities as General Manager at 13th Street.