Pillitteri Estates Winery
Pillitteri Estates Winery, located in Niagara-on-the Lake offers a diverse range of wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Niagara Peninsula, characterized by its proximity to Lake Ontario, cool climate, and mineral-rich soils. Each wine is crafted with care and attention to detail, reflecting the winery’s commitment to quality and tradition.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE WINE REGION OF ONTARIO?
Ontario’s wine regions benefit from a unique combination of a moderate climate and diverse geographical features. The Niagara Escarpment and other geographic features also create diverse growing conditions, ideal for cultivating different grape varieties. Ontario has focused on growing a wide range of grape varieties, including classic European varieties and hybrids better suited to the local climate. Varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir thrive in the region, producing high-quality wines. The wine industry in Ontario has benefited from research and innovation, with organizations like the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) providing scientific support and studies tailored to the specific needs of the region’s winemakers.
Ontario’s lakes have a moderating effect on the local climate and the vineyards near the lakeshores experience milder temperatures compared to more inland areas. The moderating effect protects vineyards from extreme cold, reducing the risk of frost damage and its impact on grape yields. During summer the cool breezes from the lakes help to temper the heat and help Riesling and Chardonnay. Lakes also have a role in enriching the soils of the surrounding areas.
The soil in Ontario has a high concentration of limestone. Limestone soils tend to have good drainage properties, which can prevent waterlogging and ensure that grapevines don’t suffer from excessive moisture. This controlled water supply can help balance vine vigor and grape production. Limestone contains essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can be beneficial for the vine’s health. It can also help regulate the availability of certain nutrients, which might contribute to the specific flavors and aromas in the grapes. Limestone soils typically have a higher pH, which can influence the acidity of the grapes.
ONTARIO’S APPELLATIONS
Ontario’s appellations are geographically defined areas with unique soil and climate conditions that influence the characteristics of the wines produced there.
Niagara Peninsula: This is the largest and most well-known wine region in Ontario, located near the famous Niagara Falls. It is known for its diverse range of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Icewine.
Prince Edward County: Situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, this region benefits from a cooler climate, making it suitable for growing grape varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as some aromatic whites.
Lake Erie North Shore: Located in the southernmost part of Ontario, along the northern shore of Lake Erie, this region is known for its robust red wines and Icewine production.
Niagara Escarpment: This appellation is situated along the Niagara Escarpment, a unique geological formation. The region is known for producing high-quality Cabernet Franc, Riesling, and Chardonnay wines.
Twenty Valley: Also known as the Twenty Mile Bench, this sub-appellation is part of the Niagara Peninsula region. It is recognized for its excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc wines.
Beamsville Bench: Another sub-appellation of the Niagara Peninsula, the Beamsville Bench is known for its diverse range of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Creek Shores: This appellation is located along the southeastern shore of Lake Ontario, known for producing wines from grape varieties like Riesling and Pinot Noir.
Lincoln Lakeshore: Situated along the southern shore of Lake Ontario, this region is recognized for its exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.
KEY FEATURES OF RIDGE ROAD ESTATE WINERY INCLUDE
Before you head to Pillitteri Estates Winery, please read this guide on how to enjoy your trip.
Wine Tasting
We chose the Sip and Shop Special Offer. It is a guided-tasting flight for $20.
We start with the white 2020 Market Collection Dolce Bianco.
A classic aromatic white blend, the dominant characters in this wine reflect the wines used in the blend. Notes of lychees in syrup, white flowers, lime zest, and peaches fill the nose. The palate is medium sweet with notes of delicious golden apple, candied citrus, and stone fruit jam. The moderate sweet palate would make this a great accompaniment to a simple fruit salad or alongside a granita or sorbet intermezzo during a meal. This wine would make for a great white sangria base during the summertime.
Next, we try the 2014 Reserve Shiraz Icewine.
The 2014 vintage has an enticing ruby color and draws you in with a nose full of sweet cherry, dates, preserved redcurrant, honey, and roasted pepper. The palate comes to life with flavors like the nose but with additional tones of raisin, caramel, hazelnut, fruit cake, and milk chocolate which add wonderful complexity to this Icewine as they fade slowly over the long, smooth finish.
This wine is perfectly served by itself as an aperitif or digestif. It can also be enjoyed with strong cheeses or desserts less sweet than the Icewine that incorporate chocolate and berries, such as milk chocolate-covered pretzels, or dark chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis.
The third wine we taste is the 2017 Family Reserve Icewine Cabernet Franc.
The 2017 Family Reserve Cabernet Franc Icewine is a classic take on this rare Niagara specialty. With great color intensity in the glass, it opens up with a plethora of confected red fruit characteristics like strawberry and raspberry jam along with maraschino cherry and a backdrop of baking spice. The palate shares similar descriptors with the nose but with an emphasis on rhubarb, caramelized sugar, milk chocolate, and a savory quality. Despite being a lusciously sweet wine, there is ample acidity to keep it fresh and to reduce the perception of sweetness which ultimately leads to a very flavourful desert wine with a smooth mouthfeel.
Cabernet Franc Icewine pairs well with dark chocolate, red berry-driven desserts, and strong cheeses.
I am sticking with the sweet and ice wine category and finally try the Family Reserve 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine.
For an Icewine to reach Family Reserve Icewine it must meet strict winegrowing and winemaking standards: residual sugar, acidity, and alcohol must be balanced in perfect harmony.
The palate is very soft with just enough acidity to preserve freshness and just enough sweetness to achieve an exceptional silky texture. This balanced mouthfeel is also accompanied by an explosion of cooked red fruits which are like those which dominate the nose, along with honey and red currant. As the wine moves into its long finish, the sense of fresh fruit moves into more brown sugar and dried fruits which will only become more prominent as the wine ages in the bottle.
This wine pairs very well with fruit-based desserts like strawberry rhubarb pie or something as simple as dark chocolate to balance out the wine’s luscious sweetness.
Vineyards and Philosophy
The story of Pilitteri Estate Winery traces back to 1948 when Gary Pilitteri Sr. and his wife Lena planted their first vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. What began as a modest family venture soon blossomed into a renowned winemaking enterprise. Over the decades, the Pilitteri family’s dedication to their craft and their vineyards’ unique terroir have established them as stalwarts of the Canadian wine scene.
At the heart of Pilitteri Estate Winery’s success lies its unwavering commitment to quality winemaking. Embracing both traditional techniques and modern innovations, the winery crafts a diverse range of wines that reflect the unique character of the Niagara region. From robust reds to crisp whites and luscious ice wines, each bottle bears the imprint of the Pilitteri family’s passion and expertise.
Pilitteri Estate Winery is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Recognizing the importance of preserving the land for future generations, the winery employs eco-friendly practices throughout its operations. From water conservation and energy efficiency to organic farming and wildlife habitat preservation, every effort is made to minimize the winery’s ecological footprint. By prioritizing sustainability, Pilitteri Estate Winery not only produces exceptional wines but also contributes to the long-term health of the environment.
Wine Store
The store has a selection of red, white, rose and their other offerings.
Barrel Head Restaurant
Barrel Head is on-site and serves wood-fired pizzas and all their wines.
Nestled in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Pillitteri Estate Winery stands as a testament to the rich tradition of winemaking in Canada. Founded in 1948 by Gary Pillitteri, this family-owned winery has flourished over the decades, garnering acclaim for its commitment to quality and innovation. With a focus on producing premium wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Niagara Peninsula, Pillitteri Estate Winery has become a cornerstone of the Canadian wine industry.
