Inniskillin is one of Niagara’s vinous treasures.
Steeped in history and founded by two true industry pioneers — Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser — Inniskillin believed from the very beginning that if Niagara was to survive as a bona fide wine region it would have to start planting premium vitis vinifera grapes, the preferred family of grapes grown to produce fine wines in the great wine regions of the world. When sourcing these limited grapes became a challenge in the early 70s, Ziraldo took the lead and planted a vinifera vineyard, which included Riesling, Chardonnay and Gamay and formed the quality base for Kaiser to work with.
On July 31, 1975, Inniskillin Wines, located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, incorporated and its founders Kaiser and Ziraldo were granted the first winery license in Ontario since prohibition.
It has been producing excellent wines ever since from its estate located on the Brae Burn Estate Vineyard, which is home to the historic Brae Burn Barn built in the 1920s. Though no longer owned by Ziraldo and Kaiser (Vincor Canada now owns Inniskillin along with Jackson Triggs and Le Clos Jordanne in Niagara), it is still committed to making quality wines using 100% Ontario grapes from vinifera grapes.
The winemaking is now in the hands of Bruce Nicholson, a skilled craftsman who has continued the legacy of quality with the winery’s portfolio.
Inniskillin makes a diverse portfolio of wines and quality shows from the least expensive the top wines.
Here are a few to enjoy.
Inniskillin Winemaker’s Series Two Vineyards Riesling 2010 ($18, Vintages, winery, 88 points) — A lime bomb on the nose with touches of tangerine and fresh cut apples. Quite tart on the palate in a refreshing style that delivers quince and lemon-lime flavours.
Inniskillin Winemaker’s Series Barrel Aged Pinot Gris 2010 ($20, winery, June 9 at Vintages, 88 points) — Fruit is sourced from the excellent Montague Vineyard and Nicholson elected to age the fruit in French oak to give the wine mouth feel and elegance. It shows pretty pear, melon, spice and a dash of wild honey on the nose. The flavours are rich on the palate with layers of apple-pear fruit with a kiss of oak spices that are well integrated through the finish.
Inniskillin Cabernet Franc 2010 ($14, Wine Rack, LCBO, winery, 86 points) — A lot of bang for the buck here in this affordable Cab Franc. It has a nose of smoky currants, roasted herbs, leaf tobacco and toasted spices. It’s smooth on the palate with decent concentration of fruit for a wine at this price and shows flavours of currants, plums and mocha spice with softish tannins.
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