Premier Cuvée 2018

TASTING NOTES

The nose is complex with aromas of fresh dough, lemon cream, and stony minerality. On the palate the mousse is fine with flavors of white cherry, red current, lemon cake, almond, fresh croissant and brioche, complemented by refreshing acidity on the long finish. Certainly perfect to drink now but will further develop complexities through short to medium term aging.

This wine will pair nicely with fresh oysters, halibut, or lobster. Also, a perfect pairing with triple cream cheeses and potato chips with a creamy onion dip. Or serve on its own as the perfect aperitif.

VINTAGE NOTES

The winter of 2017/2018 was again mild, with an especially warm February, but a cool April with some snow and ice pushed bud-burst back for an average start to the growing season. Once the summer finally started it was hot and humid, with prolonged periods of extreme heat. Luckily rain started in September, perfect to refresh grapes destined for early picking such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay for sparkling and Pinot Gris and Chardonnay for whites. Unfortunately, the rain did not stop and there was some pressure to pick late ripening whites and early ripening reds before disease set in. Gamay, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Merlot had to be sorted in the vineyard and again on sorting tables in the winery to ensure only pristine bunches were kept. The rain finally subsided in late October so late-ripening varieties such as Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon were harvested in pristine condition. Overall yields were low with intense ripeness in most varieties. Early picked whites are crisp and full of flavour while later picked reds are full-bodied with ripe tannins. Wines will be drinking well on release or can cellar for the medium term.

APPELLATION

VQA Niagara Peninsula

VINEYARD

Select Niagara Penisula

GRAPE VARIETY

37% Pinot Noir

63% Chardonnay

BRIX AT HARVEST

17.5

ALCOHOL CONTENT

12.5%

RESIDUAL SUGAR

3 grams/Litre

92 pts MICHAEL GODEL, WINEALIGN

Always the most autolytic of 13th Street’s sparkling wines from a mix of chardonnay and pinot noir though the former is usually and nominally more prevalent than the latter. There is an extra level of punchy unction and stuffing salpicon to develop another level of Premier Cuvée gastronomy. All the elements of a full and substantial sparkling wine are present to make this 2018 one of Niagara bubbles you need to know. Drink 2023-2027. Tasted November 2023.

91 pts DAVID LAWRASON, WINEALIGN

This shows impressive structure, depth with and intensity and a slightly creamy palate. The nose is lifted and complex with plenty of mature nutty and brioche character, dried apple and a touch of farmy/earthiness. Sturdy, with a hint residual sugar but it is built on firm acidity. The length is excellent to outstanding. Tasted November 2023

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.