The Niagara Region is home to some of the finest wines in Canada, including reserve wines that are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Reserve wine is a special category of wine that is known for its exceptional quality, complexity, and aging potential. In this blog post, we will explore what reserve wine is in the Niagara region, how it is made, and why it is highly prized by wine lovers.
What is Reserve Wine in the Niagara Region?
Reserve wine is a term used to describe a specific category of wine that is made from the best grapes, using the most meticulous winemaking techniques, and aged for a minimum of one year in oak barrels. The term “reserve” does not have a legal definition in Canada, but it is commonly used by winemakers to indicate a wine that is of higher quality than their standard wines.
In the Niagara region, reserve wine is produced using only the best grapes, which are carefully selected and handpicked to ensure that they are of the highest quality. The winemakers then use traditional winemaking techniques, such as open fermentation and barrel aging, to create a wine that is more complex, nuanced, and age-worthy than their other wines.
How is Reserve Wine Made in the Niagara Region?
The production of reserve wine in the Niagara region is a delicate and meticulous process that requires expert winemakers and top-quality grapes. The grapes used for reserve wine are often handpicked and sorted to ensure that only the best grapes are used. After being crushed, the juice is fermented in small batches using only native yeasts. This slow fermentation process helps to preserve the delicate flavors and aromas of the grapes.
After fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year. The oak barrels used for aging are carefully selected to add depth and complexity to the wine without overpowering the natural flavors of the grapes. During the aging process, the wine is regularly tasted and monitored by the winemakers to ensure that it is developing properly.
Why is Reserve Wine Highly Prized in the Niagara Region?
Reserve wine is highly prized in the Niagara region because of its exceptional quality, complexity, and aging potential. The use of only the best grapes and the most meticulous winemaking techniques ensures that reserve wine is of the highest quality. The aging process in oak barrels gives the wine a unique flavor profile that is more complex and nuanced than non-reserve wines.
Reserve wine is also highly prized for its aging potential. Because of the long aging process in oak barrels, reserve wines can be aged for several years and even decades, developing even more complex flavors and aromas over time. This aging potential makes reserve wine a highly sought-after commodity among wine collectors and connoisseurs.
Notable Wineries and Reserve Wines in the Niagara Region
There are several wineries in the Niagara region that are known for their exceptional reserve wines. One of the most notable is Inniskillin Wines, which was founded in 1975 and is one of the oldest wineries in the region. Inniskillin produces a range of reserve wines, including its award-winning Vidal Icewine, which is made from grapes that have been left to freeze on the vine.
Another notable winery in the Niagara region is Trius Winery at Hillebrand, which was founded in 1979. Trius produces a range of reserve wines, including its Trius Red, which is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine has a deep, rich flavor profile with notes of blackberry, black cherry, and vanilla.
Conclusion
Reserve wine is a special category of wine that is highly prized for its quality, complexity, and aging potential. In the Niagara region, reserve wine is produced using only the best grapes and the most meticulous winemaking techniques, making it a sought-after commodity among wine collectors and connoisseurs. The aging potential of reserve wine also makes it a great investment for those looking to start a wine collection or add to an existing one.
Overall, reserve wine in the Niagara region represents the pinnacle of winemaking, showcasing the region’s unique terroir and the skill of its winemakers. If you’re a wine lover or collector, be sure to seek out some of the exceptional reserve wines produced by the wineries in the Niagara region. With their exceptional quality, complexity, and aging potential, they are sure to impress even the most discerning palate.
