D’Amato & Szabo: Wine Thieves – Ep 37: Ontario VQA Chardonnay

The Wine Thieves are thrilled to be back on home soil in beautiful southern Ontario investigating what might just be Ontario’s finest and most reliable grape variety, Chardonnay. Of the 51 varieties authorized for VQA production, chardonnay is number one by volume accounting for 13% of total VQA production. This episode gives you an overview of Ontario appellations and sub-appellations, and explanations of some of the major differences we’ve come to expect from this chameleon grape variety across the province. 

 

In discussion with winemaker friends Jay Johnston of Hidden Bench and Craig McDonald of Andrew Peller/Trius in Niagara, along with Dan Sullivan of Rosehall Run in Prince Edward County, John and Sara attempt to discover what makes chardonnay so popular with both producers and consumers, and why it is Ontario’s signature grape. Value is always part of the equation, and John also makes a bold prediction on  future pricing. Join us with a glass and get prepped for the upcoming i4C, the 11th edition of the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration on July 23rd in Niagara, which showcases Ontario’s finest in a global context.