Markey Writes

For the second year in a row we spent a weekend in Prince Edward County for a little getaway. Last year, we did an impromptu trip over Canada Day weekend and had such a great time that we decided to go back for another visit. The county itself is not very big, with Picton as the largest of a series of little (and very quaint) towns. We spent two days tasting a variety of local wines that ranged from everyday to exceptional. Below is a list of our favourites.

The Old Third was one of our favourites from both visits. They only produce Pinot Noir, making both white and red wines from the grape, and they are both delicious. Although one of the more expensive vineyards, it is well worth the price. We bought a bottle last year of their 2010 vintage, and again this year picked up a bottle of the 2011, as well as a bottle of their first production year for their unique white Pinot. Unfortunately, this year with the cold weather over the Spring, they lost most of their crop to frost. But, not all is lost, they will still be producing the white wine for 2013.

A new addition to our list of places to visit was Hubbs Creek Vineyard. Although not on the tour dockets, other producers let us in on the best kept secret in the county for great Pinot Noir.

Once there, we got a special tour with John John Battista Calvieri, the italian trained wine maker and part owner with his brother Joseph of Hubbs Creek Vineyards. Hubbs Creeks boasts the oldest vines in the county at 12 years old, and has only been making wines from their stocks for the last two years. Like the Old Third, Hubbs Creek specializes in only two grapes – Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, both which are equally delicious. Although perhaps not one of the most picturesque stops along the way, for anyone looking for well-balanced and beautifully made wines that demonstrate the terroirs of PEC, Hubbs Creek should not be missed.

The 2011 vintage Pinot Noir is excellent and about $10 less expensive than other county pinots of the same quality. Based on the barrel tasting John gave us, the 2012 looks like it will be even better.

Finally, beyond just having good wine, Norman Hardy was a delightful stop for us to taste their new outdoor pizza oven. Norman Hardie has been a constant promoter of County wines and many of his wines can be found in your local LCBO. With a great selection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Norman Hardie’s wines offer a great expression of country wines that can equally be enjoyed on their own or with rich foods like the shitake mushroom pizza we enjoyed on their patio.

Here is a complete list of the standouts wines that we enjoyed during our trip that we recommend anyone heading to the area to make sure to try, or to pick up at your local LCBO.

• Closson Chase – County Chardonnay (2010)
• The Old Third – Pinot Noir Red (2010, 2011) & White (2011)
• Carney’s Cairns – Chenin Blanc
• Sandbanks – Baco Noir Reserve
• Norman Hardy – County Chardonnay (2011)
• Norman Hardy – VQA Pinot Noir (2009)
• Hubbs Creek – Pinot Noir (2011)
• Hubbs Creek – Pinot Gris (2011)
• Lighthall – Pinot Noir (2011)
• Hinterland – all their sparkling, but for me, especially the Rose.
• Exultate Estates – Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
• Here is our loot – we look forward to sharing with friends and family in the coming years. Happy sipping.