Another new, family-run winery has appeared on the scene in the Niagara region and I would be remiss if I didn’t finally post about our brief visit there late last year. We first met the Aure folks at the Ottawa Wine and Food show in November. Upon learning that we were planning a trip son William enthusiastically invited us to check out the new winery facility in Beamsville.
The main building is stunning with high ceilings and soaring glass. This new facility supports many sustainable design elements including a “green” roof, passive solar, and natural ventilation. The other outbuildings all sport bright red roofs making the winery quite visible as you approach from most directions. William explained that “Aure” is based on an old French spelling meaning “wind”. Having just opened last May, they have an end target of producing 5000 cases a year, with initial (2010) production starting around just 250 cases.
Stunning Architecture
After a quick tour of the cellar and winemaking facility next door we sampled the wines. Here’s what we tasted:
Tasting Bar at Aure Wines
2010 Gamay Blanc de Noirs: I have this thing for white wines made with traditional red wine grapes. This white Gamay with a lsight pinkish hue is dry, crisp, and has light mineral notes. A hint of strawberry hits both the palate and the nose. Designed to pair with food this wine simply says “Summer is here!”. $15.20
2010 Riesling: I love how Riesling can express some of those petrol notes much earlier in a hot season, and this one shows the heat of 2010. Very light petrol and pool vinyl notes on the nose, but not enough to mask the lemon zest that shines through. Lots of green apple and citrus on the palate, the zesty acidity smoothes out on the finish. $15.20
2010 Giggle Juice White: A purposely made white blend of Vidal and Riesling, this wine is designed for the younger crowd (hence the name). Light citrus notes on nose and palate, this one is likely a little too dry for the target audience (William stated that they were going to move it towards more of an off-dry in later versions for just that reason). $11.50
2010 Gamay: A light, fruity Gamay with notes of sweet spice and a little bit of earthiness to fill it out. Bone dry, it has the illusion of sweetness mid-palate and then the palate is cleansed with a moderate peppery finish and slightly tart cherry. Unoaked. Very food friendly wine. $16.20
2010 Giggle House Red: The red brother to the white Giggle Juice, this one includes hybrids Chambourcin and Baco Noir. Light oaking keeps this food friendly. The wine is fruit forward and dry, although candy notes briefly appear mid-palate. $11.50
2010 Cabernet Franc: A nice, slightly tight cab france, there is lots of sweet berry fruit and spice on the nose and palate. Nicely balanced acidity and tannins hold this together through the finish which has vanilla notes from the 1 year in oak. If you can hold this for a while (I have Cab Franc consumption issues myself) I think it will get even better over the next 1-3 years. $22.20
Marechal Foch Reserve and Cabernet Franc Reserve wines are due out this summer (2012). If the initial wines from Aure are an indication, these reserves should be worthy of another trip back for us!