The inaugural International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4c) took place recently in Niagara, with 56 producers from all over the world in attendance, pouring some fabulous cool climate Chardonnay. Thirty Ontario wineries started the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Association – a not-for-profit group devoted to this much-maligned varietal. The i4c featured the finest examples of cool climate Chardonnay in the world at participating Niagara wineries hosting tutored tastings, educational seminars and food and wine pairings over a glorious weekend in July.
Wine Spectator’s world-renowned Matt Kramer took part in the weekend festivities, stating that Ontario is among the top New World regions in the world for producing Chardonnay. To kick- start the festivities a band played while a river of Chardonnay kept pace with plenty of oysters, pork belly and other luscious foods at Flat Rock Cellars.
The i4c was the initiative of Harald Thiel, vigneron and proprietor of the Hidden Bench, based in Beamsville, Ont., made possible with the support of Wine Country of Ontario, Vintages, Green Belt and a bevy of Ontario and international wineries.
From blanc de blancs Champagne and sparkling wines made entirely from Chardonnay, to still wines and Chardonnay Icewine, there was a Chardonnay for every taste throughout the weekend’s highly successful event series.
There is no question in my mind about world-class Chardonnay being produced across Ontario, in the Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County and Lake Erie North Shore. There are clear climatic and soil type similarities between some of these local areas and Burgundy, France.
What makes Ontario’s cool climate Chardonnays special is their uncompromising seam of refreshing acidity and sublime minerality. These Chardonnays are highly food-friendly; think of acidity as a flavour enhancer, just like salt when it comes to cooking. Chefs use a pinch of it to bring out flavours; think of a squeeze of citrus in vinaigrette, or drizzled over a filet of fresh water fish. Also, Ontario’s cool climate Chardonnays are not high in alcohol, so therefore can be enjoyed on their own, not to mention that you can eat more, too, while sipping them. Remember, alcohol contains glycerol and is very filling, creating
