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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
Officially identified in 2007 as a VQA appellation of origin, Prince Edward County is separated from the mainland by the Bay of Quinte at Belleville and is completely surrounded by the waters of Lake Ontario. The soils and microclimates of the County, coupled with an all-pervading limestone base, provide an ideal growing environment for cool-climate grapes.
Vineyard
Grown under the fastidiously watchful eyes of vineyard owner Robert Nedelko and Dan Sullivan, these vines, now approaching thirty years of age, are a magnificent display of the greatness of Ontario terroir.
Varieties
Gewürztraminer’s homeland lies in the foothills of the Alps. It is a pink grape, just like Pinot Gris/Grigio, that also grows really well in cooler climates. The variety is inherently bursting with bright aromatics of lychee and rose petals. While sometimes it can be perceived as a sweeter variety, its naturally heightened acidity and alcohol content can create seamlessly balanced and complex aromatic wines. Muscat Ottonel is easier to cultivate in cooler climates than the other Muscats (there are 200+ different varieties of muscat alone!). It ripens late and is sensitive to noble rot, which makes it a prime candidate for creating rich dessert wines. It often shows intense aromatics of flowers and orange peel.
Winemaking
Both the Gewürztraminer and Muscat were harvested late to reach their peak ripeness. The varieties are then co-fermented cold and slow in stainless steel vats.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of tropical fruits, marmalade, grapefruit and lychee. The ticklish sweetness on the palate — marked by notes of tropical fruits, honey, candied citrus and lychee — is balanced by acidity. Tasty with a lovely long finish.