Page 60 - Grapevine March-April 2020

International News

through the entire Niagara Escarpment appellation. High in calcium-magnesium, the dolomites give the
The enormous cliff formation faces north and, com- wines of Beamsville Bench a distinct minerality,
bined with the moderating effect of Lake Ontario, similar to a Chablis. Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc and
creates the perfect micro-climate for nurturing a Pinot Gris are being produced here with notes of
diverse variety of grapes. The escarpment shelters slate and wet stone, complemented by fresh pear
the vineyards from prevailing southwest winds and and crisp green apples.
traps warm lake air from the north, allowing for
later bud bursts and less risk of frost in the spring, Just a few kilometers from the Beamsville Bench,
as well as extended growing seasons in the fall. you find yourself in the Twenty Mile Bench with a
Hot days followed by cold nights allow grapes to terroir comprised predominantly of limestone and
retain their acidity while fully ripening, making for shale. These soils provide excellent water holding
exceptionally well balanced, food-friendly wine. capacities during the growing season. Combined
The streams that run through the escarpment pro- with the numerous streams that dissect the escarp-
vide drainage during the spring melt and provide ment and provide drainage in the spring, Twenty
an excellent source of groundwater during the dry Mile Bench is a highly regarded VQA sub-appella-
summer months. tion. Here you will see producers focusing primarily
on Burgundian style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The soil in the Niagara Escarpment is rich and These beautiful cool climate wines are a breath of
complex. UNESCO recognizes the region as a World fresh air after an onslaught of overripe and over-
Biosphere Reserve due to the regional appellation’s produced New World wines the market has been
fossil-rich sedimentary soils, not unlike Burgundy seeing over the recent years.
and Loire Valley. The Beamsville Bench sub-appel-
lation has some of the most sought after vineyard Directly next to Twenty Mile Bench, nestled
land because it’s home to fossil-enriched dolomites. between the escarpment and Lake Ontario, the

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