Ravishing Reds

Wineries to visit Lailey Vineyard’s, Pillitteri Estates Winery, Marynissen Estates Winery, Joseph’s Estate Wines

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On this tour, we’ll introduce you to our take on two popular varietals: Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.  These are wines that won’t fly the white flag when faced with strong flavours at the table. Cabernet Sauvignon is a complex, full-bodied red muscled with tannins that will raise red meats and hard cheeses to new heights. This varietal is at its best after a few years in the bottle so look to older vintages for immediate consumption or cellar one of our newer releases. Cabernet Franc takes a softer approach but still has the weight to marry with grilled steak, game and lamb. We’re extremely proud of our achievements with these essential reds and invite you to taste them at our wineries.

Cabernet Franc

Lailey Vineyard’s superb Cabernet Franc goes a long way to supporting their view that this is the region’s premium red wine varietal. The grape ripens earlier than other ‘big’ reds and shows ripe red fruit flavours.

Joseph’s Estate's 2004 VQA Cabernet Franc took first place for taste at the Ontario Cabernet Franc Challenge in 2007. This wine won from a deeply challenging field of 39 wines.

Pillitteri Estates Winery notes that 2002 was a benchmark year for Cabernet Franc and this is certainly evident when tasting some of their finest 2002 vintage reds. Their Cabernet Franc Family Reserve won Best Red at the Cuvee Awards in 2006, as well as the distinguished Trophée Citadelles at Les Citadelles du Vin in France. Honours such as a Bronze Medal at the Canadian Wine Awards for the 2002 Cabernet Franc attest to the big, bold character of Pillitteri reds.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Ontario, planted in the early ‘70s, are located at Marynissen Estates Winery. It’s a sumptuous wine to age for a few years in your cellar.

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