THE NEW LOOK INNISKILLIN IS WORTH LOOKING INTO
I have a soft spot for Inniskillin because it started the whole Niagara thing and has been an excellent performer every year since. Also I kinda like that it’s named after a town in Ireland. (To be more accurate, after a British/Irish army regiment with ties to the current winery’s location). This Celtic connection is brought out in the winery’s new logo ““ which also keeps the winery’s Art Nouveau styling. More important than any of this information is the excellent quality of the first three wines to sport the new logo.
The unoaked Chard is low flavoured in the style of a Pinot Grigio. Well above the average everyday white for light foods or general drinking. And a rare value priced local. I’ve always liked Inniskillin’s everyday Pinot and the 2011 is a wonderful cool-climate expression of the grape. Refreshing with tasty pure fruit flavours. Lightly chill. The Merlot is crafted in the classic Bordeaux style. Vibrant, herbaceous, very dry and crying out for a food partner. Very different from today’s image of Merlot as a soft, pretty wine.
All three wines will appeal most to fans of traditional French wines ““ which is the natural expression from Niagara. Bravo Inniskillin for staying true to its Niagara roots. And wearing the Celtic connection! Slainté.
INNISKILLIN 11 Unoaked Chardonnay, VQA Niagara 66266 $12.95
INNISKILLIN 11 Pinot Noir, VQA Niagara 261099 $15.95
INNISKILLIN 10 Merlot, VQA Niagara 188177 $15.95
