Welcome Spring with Riesling
The perfect wine to say hello Spring!
As winter begins to loosen its grip and the first signs of spring appear, there’s no better wine to celebrate the changing season than Riesling. Bright, refreshing, and wonderfully aromatic, Riesling feels just as at home on a crisp early-spring afternoon as it does on a warm summer patio. With International Riesling Day on March 13 and Easter celebrations just around the corner, this versatile white is the perfect companion for the changing weather and the fresh flavours returning to our tables. Read below for pairing ideas that are perfect for the changing season.
A history of Riesling
Riesling was first documented in Germany on March 13th, 1435. First referred to as "Riesslingen," Riesling found its common name in 1552, thanks to German Botanist Hieronymus Bock. In 1787, The Archbishop of Trier decreed that all poorly producing vines in Germany be replaced with Riesling which was growing very successfully. Within seven years of his decree Germany had one of the largest Riesling-growing areas in the world accumulating 23% of its overall grape production annually.
Today, Riesling thrives in cool-climate regions around the world, including our home in Niagara, with over 123,000+ acres grown annually worldwide. In addition to table wine, Riesling has found a special home in Icewine production due to its incredible cold resistance, high acidity and sugar levels. Riesling has quickly become one of Canada’s most celebrated varietals thanks to its vibrant acidity, expressive aromatics, and remarkable food-friendly character.
At Henry of Pelham, our Riesling grapes come from vineyards planted between 1984 and 2006 on our Homestead Vineyard planted on the south slope over a tributary to Richardson's Creek. The juice is press-fractioned, then gently destemmed and pressed again in the absence of oxygen to preserve the wine’s natural freshness.
The Classic Riesling
Our Classic Riesling is a vibrant and approachable wine that perfectly captures the freshness of the season. Its bright fruit character and lively acidity make it an easy choice for spring gatherings and the early days of patio season!
Flavour Profile
Aroma: Fresh and aromatic, with notes of green apple, lime, and subtle floral hints.
Taste: Crisp and refreshing with flavours of green apple and citrus. A touch of sweetness balances the bright acidity, making it lively and easy to enjoy.
Pairing: Clean and versatile, it pairs beautifully with dishes like white pizza with goat’s milk cheese, glazed ham, or classic fish & chips, making it perfect for both a week night in or Easter dinner!
The Dry River Reserve Riesling
Our Reserve Riesling offers a more refined expression of the varietal, showcasing the vibrancy and mineral character that Niagara Riesling is known for.
Flavour Profile
Aroma: Bright citrus notes of lemon, mango, and grapefruit.
Taste: Expressive, aromatic, and juicy with flavours of peach and lime blossom complemented by a subtle minerality.
Pairing: The wine’s bright acidity and gentle sweetness make it a natural partner for seafood dishes such as crab, grilled salmon, and lobster, making it ideal for celebrating the season’s lighter fare.
Speck Family Reserve Riesling
Crafted from select vineyard blocks, the Speck Family Reserve Riesling offers greater complexity and depth while maintaining the vibrant freshness that makes Riesling so beloved as the seasons change.
Flavour Profile
Aroma: Intensely aromatic with notes of peach, apricot, and delicate floral blossoms.
Taste: Rich and concentrated with ripe flavours of citrus, peach, and nectarine supported by a mineral backbone.
Pairing: It pairs beautifully with dishes like grilled calamari, goat cheese pizza, or other flavourful spring dishes that highlight fresh ingredients.
Whichever tier fits your style, raise a glass of Riesling this month and cheers to Riesling Day and the changing season!
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.
