Gamay Noir 2022
WISMER WINGFIELD VINEYARD
This is the second vintage of this wine produced in this label. The Wingfield Vineyard managed by the Wismer Family may be better known for the adjacent Chardonnay block, however it has quickly become a favourite for this small block of Gamay.
Juicy and fruit driven, maturation in older French Oak barrels for 12 months helps to round out the structure and fullness of this wine.
This wine continues to demonstrate the potential for Niagara Gamay as a versatile and approachable wine for any occasion.
Gamay Noir 2022
WISMER WINGFIELD VINEYARD
This is the second vintage of this wine produced in this label. The Wingfield Vineyard managed by the Wismer Family may be better known for the adjacent Chardonnay block, however it has quickly become a favourite for this small block of Gamay.
Juicy and fruit driven, maturation in older French Oak barrels for 12 months helps to round out the structure and fullness of this wine.
This wine continues to demonstrate the potential for Niagara Gamay as a versatile and approachable wine for any occasion.
SENSORY PROFILE
Pale to medium ruby in the glass, this wine has typical aromas of cherry, raspberry, and savoury herbs. The palate is juicy, with a medium structure and smooth finish.
FOOD PAIRINGS
Although enjoyable on its own, this wine will accompany a variety of foods, especially simple fare such as pizza, pasta, and burgers. In the warmer months you may want the wine slightly chilled, while in the cooler months cellar temperature will bring out the most from this wine.
CELLARING POTENTIAL
Although enjoyable on its own, this wine will accompany a variety of foods, especially simple fare such as pizza, pasta, and burgers. In the warmer months you may want the wine slightly chilled, while in the cooler months cellar temperature will bring out the most from this wine.
VINTAGE
The 2022 vintage was largely shaped by a very wet end to 2021 followed by a sharp cold January that caused bud death across most vineyards and varieties. Some areas such as very close to Lake Ontario or on slopes with very good water and air drainage fared better, but overall, this winter led to a significantly reduced crop.
A slow start in spring was followed by a warm and mostly dry summer. August brought some storms, but the fall was again dry and relatively warm leading to good ripening conditions for the small crop that was hanging.
Quality is good to excellent due to the lower yields and favourable weather and the wines from 2022 will be sought after due to their relative scarcity.
WINE DATA
Variety: 100% Gamay Noir
Alcohol.: 12.2%
Residual Sugar: 0.5 g/L
Titratable Acidity: 7.0 g/L
pH: 3.25
Bottling Date: 2024-03-14
Production: 50 cases
VINEYARD AND HARVEST DATA
Appellation: Twenty Mile Bench
Site: Wismer Wingfield Vineyard
Soil: Oneida loam over clay till parent material
Clone: 509 and 565
Rootstock: 3309
Vine Age: 2016 planting
Harvest Date: 2022-10-14
Yield: 1.2 T/ac
VINIFICATION
Grapes were hand harvested and partially destemmed into two open top fermenters, keeping approximately 25% whole clusters. Native yeast were allowed to initiate the fermentation followed by inoculation with selected yeast in one of the two fermenters. The cap was punched down 2 times daily during fermentation.
The wine was pressed after two weeks and settled for a short time before being transferred to Neutral French oak barrels. After twelve months, the wine was racked out of barrel and gently filtered prior to bottling.
REVIEWS
“A juicy red berry and beet root nose and palate, with soft tannins and suculent acidity. Well balanced with a medium long finish. Tasted blind at NWAC 2024, June 2024.” 91 points – Janet Dorozynski Dip WSET, Ph.D.
“A lighter style, on the more pale end of the reddish blue spectrum, juicy, fresh, highly drinkable, the kind of wine to chill and enjoy in gulps. Tasted Blind at the NWACs June 2024.” 89 points – John Szabo, MS
“This is the second vintage of the Wingfield Vineyard on the Twenty Mile Bench. It was 25% whole cluster pressed and spent 12 months in neutral oak barrels. It shows a vibrant ruby colour in the glass, with purity of fruit in the dark cherries, anise, purple plums and earthy, savoury, spice notes on the nose. The spices are integrated on the palate and harmonize with the red berries, licorice/anise, plums, soft tannins, mulled herbs all leading to a vibrant, juicy finish.” 92 points – Rick Vansickle, Wines in Niagara