COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2021
GRAPE
Marquette
PRODUCER
Georgian Hills Vineyards
REGION
Ontario
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
Tannins
Medium - Low
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Georgian Hills Vineyards was founded by Robert Ketchin, who recognized the cool-climate potential of South Georgian Bay in the 1990s. Due to freezing winters, the winery pivoted from Vitis vinifera to focus heavily on cold-hardy winter varieties like Marquette, which acts as a robust, disease-resistant relative of Pinot Noir. This wine represents the frontier of Canadian hybrid winemaking, showcasing that Marquette can produce elegant, dry, food-friendly red wines that mimic the complexity of cool-climate European reds.
ALCOHOL
12.7%
AVG. PRICE
€14
STYLE
Classic
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
15-17°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Marquette is a winter-hardy hybrid grape released in 2006 by the University of Minnesota, featuring Pinot Noir in its pedigree.
Fact 02
The vineyards experience a highly compressed growing season of only 18 weeks between bud break and harvest.
Fact 03
Vines rely on the moderating 'lake effect' of Nottawasaga Bay to protect them from deep winter frosts.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The grapes are hand-picked and hand-sorted from estate vineyards in the Beaver Valley. Fermentation takes place on the skins to carefully manage color and delicate tannin extraction. Following fermentation, the wine is matured in oak barrels to integrate its high natural acidity, soften the structure, and introduce complex secondary characteristics.
