Premium Burgundy Alternative You Need To Taste… and it’s not Pinot Noir… or from France.

September 2024

Ottawa, ON

If you love everything about premium Pinot Noir but find the prices a bit too steep, you’re certainly not alone. While Cru Burgundy can be extraordinary, there are excellent value alternatives that won’t break the bank. Niagara single vineyard Pinot Noir is a fantastic first option, but if you’re seeking something even more budget-friendly, consider a single vineyard Gamay Noir from Niagara. These wines are a superb choice for Pinot Noir aficionados due to their similar profile and food-friendly nature. With vibrant acidity, soft tannins, and bright red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry, Gamay Noir provides a comparable elegance and complexity to Pinot Noir, often at a fraction of the price. Its versatility makes it an ideal companion for a range of dishes, from grilled salmon to roasted poultry, making it a delightful and sophisticated alternative for those in search of quality without the premium price tag.

Thomas Bachelder is renowned for his focus on producing ultra premium single vineyard wines throughout the Niagara Peninsula. Although Thomas produces some of the best and most sought after single vineyard Pinot and Chardonnay in Ontario, his latest project includes 9 single vineyard expressions of Gamay Noir from the Niagara region that highlight the great 2022 vintage. One that particularly impressed me was his newest single vineyard Gamay Noir from Corey Mio’s Lincoln Lakeshore Sub Appellation vineyard in Beamsville, Ontario, located just below the Beamsville Bench. Mio 2022 (12.5% ABV, 25% whole cluster pressed), offers a complex bouquet including cherry, raspberry, incense, herbs, and leather. The palate highlights the beautiful integration of refreshing fruit with fine grained tannins adding textural complexity making this a wonderful food pairing wine to enjoy year round. From charcuterie to roasted poultry to grilled sausages and braised dishes too, the structure and complexity of 2022 Mio Gamay Noir will hold up and complement practically any savoury dish you wish to enjoy it with. Enjoy 2024-2028. Tasted May 2024. 93 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Available winery-direct $29

Check out Bachelder’s full portfolio of wines at www.bachelderniagara.com