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www.buyersandcellars.ca Cellar Profile
Dan Sullivan of Rosehall Run has succeeded at crafting elegant PEC wines for over 20 years, focusing on highlighting the specific terroir of the County and creating some of the best examples of cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the world. Dan received the “Best Red Wine in Ontario” medal at the 2020 Ontario Wine Awards for his signature JCR Pinot Noir 2018. Sitting on the “Hungry Point” isthmus, surrounded by Lake Ontario on 3 sides, the vines dig deeply into the rocky, calcareous limestone soil. The long sunny days and cool evenings of the region, along with the high acid levels and low pH of the estate soils, ensure Rosehall wines are never lacking in freshness and structure. It is this kind of nervy tension that allows for the production of sublime sparkling wines, both traditional method as well as tank-fermented sparklers, including the exceedingly popular “Pixie” brand. The key to Rosehall’s success is its attention to detail in the vineyard. Sullivan believes that he simply bottles what the vineyard gives him. Yields are infinitesimally small compared to other wine regions, made smaller still by careful selection. Grapes are harvested at full phenolic ripeness, made difficult by the sometimes slow ripening and by the inherent climactic dangers of long hang times.
Region
Nestled between Lake Ontario in the North, Lake Erie to the South and the Niagara River to the East, the Niagara Peninsula is one of Canada’s top wine producing regions. The moderating effects of the bodies of water create a moderate temperature during the growing season, similar to France’s Bordeaux and Burgundy regions. With almost 15,000 acres under vine, Niagara produces a number of grape varieties, most famously, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Cabernet Franc.
Vineyard
Selected vineyards from the Niagara Region, known for superior quality Gamay and Pinot Noir.
Varieties
Gamay Noir is a grape variety that is most famous for producing the light, fruit-driven red wines of Beaujolais. While it offers fresh, red-fruit and candied aromas, the wines can also be deep and complex. The first vintage of Gamay Noir in Canada goes back to 1978; the grape has taken firm root throughout the country ever since.
Winemaking
Gamay, Pinot Noir and Zweigelt were all vinified separately, in stainless steel, with short 72-hour skin contact to gather colour. The wine is then blended and aged in stainless steel until bottling.
Tasting Notes
Showing characters of citrus fruit and watermelon on the nose, the palate is lively with tangerine and pink grapefruit.