Niagara’s Stratus Winery makes super concentrated wines ““ which are usually blends. You get a lot, and you pay a lot. Stratus is not for the timid palate, nor purse. Fortunately they offer a 2nd line ““ under the Wildass label, that’s in the mid-price range. One of my faves is their four-white-grape blend sold as Wildass White. Bottle age has turned the current offering into a most intriguing local white.
There is a little Gewurtz perfume, but the Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes dominate for a White Bordeaux feeling. Or is it Alsace ““ maybe a blend of both experiences. Quite rich, with savoury/herbaceous flavours and feelings. Can match Chard for impact, and glamour. Suggests the traditional pork dishes of Alsace, but also an herb roasted chicken. (Metro’s bargain-priced Tuesday “˜Tuscan BBQed chicken’ was a perfect partner, and offset my guilt at having a $20 mid-week wine). Get a few bottles for summer BBQs that need a “˜full’ white.
WILDASS 09 White, VQA Niagara 85100 Vintages $19.95
