In September the Ontario Wine Enthusiasts Club (OWEC) enjoyed a presentation from one of the most established wineries in the Niagara Peninsula wine region, Reif Estate Winery. With 13 generations of experience dating back to the old world, Reif is a 40 year old winery that has been open for 33 years. Rob, Reif's Winemaker, and Carol their Sales Director, brought a great selection of wines for us to sample including some reserve wines and their 1st Growth Merlot. They even brought us grapes from their vineyards to try as harvesting is under way!
Reif Estate Winery - OWEC PresentationReif Estate Winery - OWEC Presentation
Photo credit: © C. Silversides
Located in the Niagara-on-the-Lake regional appellation, Reif is in one of the warmest sub-appellations in Ontario, Niagara River. The effect of being surrounded by Lake Ontario, the Niagara river and escarpment, gives them an early spring and longer fall. This is good for a varietal like Cabernet Sauvignon which needs time to fully ripen - this is especially important during a cooler vintage.
Our tasting began with the Reif Pinot Grigio, another name for the Pinot Gris varietal, a grape with origins in the Loire Valley of France. We tasted their Gewürztraminer Reserve, a classic pairing with turkey (think Thanksgiving) and Thai food. Their award winning Red Meritage is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon driven Bordeaux blend with a smooth finish. Reif was granted use of the Meritage name by the Meritage Alliance in California for their hand-crafted wine made with noble grapes.
Speaking of wine, what's happening in Oakville? The OWEC presenter for October is Sprucewood Shores from the Lake Erie North Shore wine region of Ontario.
So there you have it: Niagara River, Reif, Wine Tasting