Fracette Rosé:
A Distinctively Canadian Sparkling
We are pleased to introduce Fracette, Ontario's newly established wine category. Like Champagne is to France and Prosecco is to Italy, Fracette is a new style of Sparkling wine crafted with Icewine and distinctively Canadian. Currently only available at our retail store and henryofpelham.com, you can find it at an LCBO near you this September.
The word Fracette (Frā- cette) is a combination of the word frozen and facetted and is pronounced like baguette. Our new Sparkling Rosé version of Fracette showcases the richness of Henry of Pelham’s iconic Icewine without the sweetness. Refreshing and complex, it has notes of fresh and dried fruit balanced with bright acidity.
Read on to discover how Fracette is made, what to pair it with, and what makes it unlike any other sparkling wine.
The Process
Our Fracette Rosé is produced in the Cuve Close method. This term means that the wine was in tank for secondary fermentation like Prosecco. This is different from a traditional sparkling which goes through secondary fermentation in bottle, like our Cuvée Catharine Sparkling wines, and Champagne.
What truly sets Fracette apart is the use of Icewine as the tirage liqueur, the sugar source that fuels the secondary fermentation and creates its natural sparkle. Rather than adding sweetness, the Icewine ferments completely, contributing layers of aroma and complexity while maintaining a crisp, dry finish.
To be labelled Fracette, wines must meet strict standards established by the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority:
- Sparkling wine made using Icewine as the tirage liqueur, for the second step in winemaking to make the wine sparkling
- 100% vinifera base wine, plus Vidal Icewine may be used
- Can be Traditional, Charmat or no-method declared
- Fracette must appear on label, Icewine Tirage may also appear on label
- Must contain less than 15 g/L of residual sugar and therefore qualifies only for the sweetness descriptor Brut or Natural Brut (no sweetener in the dosage).
- Must meet all other rules applicable to Sparkling wines and methods of production
The Tasting Notes
Our Fracette Rosé offers aromatic notes of honey, candied citrus, dried fruit, and hints of fresh strawberry.
The palate is dry and fruit forward, showcasing flavours of grapefruit and mandarin orange with balanced acidity. The base wine is crafted from Riesling, while Icewine is used during the secondary fermentation to build complexity without adding sweetness. A small addition of Zweigelt gives Fracette its delicate rosé hue.
Although Icewine plays an important role in its production, Fracette is not a sweet sparkling wine. Because the Icewine ferments during the secondary fermentation, the finished wine remains dry, refreshing, and balanced.
The Pairings
Fracette's vibrant acidity and elegant bubbles make it an incredibly versatile food wine suited for both casual gatherings and celebratory meals.
Some of our favourite pairings include:
- Grilled salmon served with fresh greens, strawberries, feta, and a balsamic glaze.
- Crispy fried chicken
- Atlantic oysters with mignonette
Fracette Rosé showcases Canadian innovation and collaboration. We are excited to share this new wine with you, so come by Henry of Pelham for a taste of this delicious new sparkling before it hits LCBO shelves this fall!
BOOK YOUR OWN EVENT
Birthday party? Bridal shower? Business meeting? Be the host with the most.
Intimate spaces for special occasions
Henry of Pelham offers several spaces for formal and informal events and meetings, with room for up to 30 people. We've helped host anniversaries, office parties, showers, birthdays, annual general meetings and more. Our light-filled ballroom, which is also a beautiful gallery space featuring work from Canadian artists, is a bright venue for daytime events and an elegant room to host evening gatherings. Our barrel cellar is a cool retreat from the summer heat and cozy space for fall and winter events for smaller groups. Catering is available from the Coach House Café.
And with anything from Henry's wine list available to event organizers, the drinks are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers.
WHEN:
September 25-26, 2017
TIME:
1 -4 p.m.
COST:
1 -4 p.m.
JOIN CLUB HENRY.
A Classic membership gets you complimentary tastings for two on every visit to the winery, 15% off regularly priced non-wine items in our retail store, and advance notice of special release wines, events and contests—all for free! We'll even mail you a membership card.
