A Canadian Rosé

Sheep in the Vineyard

As the summer is waning it seems to be time for another rosé. We haven’t reviewed many from Canada. Today’s offering carries the VQA designation often found on medium-priced or more expensive Canadian wines. The Featherstone Estate Winery occupies 23 acres (about 10 hectares) of rolling hills in the prestigious upper Twenty Mile Bench of the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario. The owners use no insecticides and have made a major commitment to “green” methods such as using falcons to deal with bird pests and sheep to eat excessive grape leaves and fertilize the grapes as well. They did not identify the grapes used in this wine. The companion wine is an Argentine Syrah rosé at two thirds the price.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Featherstone Rosé 2009 VQA Niagara Peninsula 12.5 % alcohol about $15.
In the absence of marketing materials let’s start by quoting the back label. “This is a vibrant rosé that combines the amiable characteristics of red grapes with the refreshing dry aspects of a white wine. Aromas of cherries, roses and the refreshment of spring are here. Serve slightly chilled, it is a tasty accompaniment to light vegetarian meals and most chicken or fish dishes.” And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine was long and slightly metallic. When paired with Wasabi-covered peanuts its acidity increased a bit. An omelet perked up with dried basil, black pepper, chilies, and garlic powder intensified this libation’s metallic taste. It was dark. A side dish of zesty guacamole rendered the contents of my glass nicely round. In the presence of a tomato, cucumber, red pepper, and radish salad our Canadian friend became very bright with a touch of metal and good sweetness. Fresh blueberries for dessert made this wine lemony.

This review of A Canadian Rosé continues on my web site at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Near_weekly_15_dollar_wine_reviews/Y2012/canadian_rose.php