Wine White Wine

June’s Chardonnay 2021
June’s Chardonnay 2021
TASTING NOTES
Our 2021 June’s Chardonnay is light straw in the glass. It is bursting with aromas of lemon zest and golden delicious apple with notes of fresh pottery and flowers. On the palate it is dry with refreshing acidity, a creamy texture and notes of lemon and apple. The finish is long and refreshing with lingering flavours of tart green apples.
Enjoy this Chardonnay with fresh oysters or a shaved fennel and apple salad.
WINEMAKING NOTES
The Chardonnay from June’s Vineyard has developed a consistent mineral-driven personality that is best coaxed out by careful manual harvesting, full bunch pressing and fermentation and aging in 100% stainless steel, with full malolactic fermentation. 2021 was an ample harvest of beautiful fruit. Following fermentation, the wine was kept in contact with its fine lees for 6 months prior to bottling in summer 2022, following light fining and filtration
VINTAGE NOTES
Late winter and early spring had higher than average temperatures leading to an early bud break on May 10th (one week earlier than last year). The high temperatures continued through spring leading to rapid canopy development, flowering and fruit set. The heat continued through the summer with just enough rain to refresh the vines. Harvest began in late August with Chardonnay for sparkling. After a two week break due to excessive rain, harvest continued throughout late September and early October with aromatic whites and lighter reds. Harvest continued throughout October and November with later ripening reds, ending with Cabernet Sauvignon in late November. Overall, yields were moderate due to thorough sorting and preventative management. Wines should be drunk on release or cellared for the medium-term.
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.