Niagara College Teaching Winery
We were proud to feature Niagara College Teaching Winery in September 2023.
The Niagara College Teaching Winery is the first facility of its kind in North America. Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, there is a terrific amount of viticultural knowledge in the region and the terroir is a global destination for those with a passion for winemaking and a desire to contribute to its growth and development. The NC Teaching Winery has a history of producing award-winning, 100% VQA wines from head winemaker Allison Findlay and former head winemaker, Gavin Robertson.
Wines included in your package:
Enthusiast Red & White: 2022 Balance Dry Riesling, 2020 Dean’s List Meritage
Enthusiast Red Only: 2020 Dean’s List Cabernet Sauvignon Unfiltered, 2020 Balance Merlot Cabernet
Enthusiast White Only: 2018 Balance Brut Riesling, 2020 Dean’s List Viognier
Expert Red & White: 2022 Balance Dry Riesling, 2020 Dean’s List Meritage, 2020 Gastronomy Shiraz
Expert Red Only: 2020 Dean’s List Meritage, 2020 Balance Merlot Cabernet, 2021 Balance Pinot Noir
Expert White Only: 2018 Balance Brut Riesling, 2018 Dean’s List Chardonnay, 2020 Gastronomy Chardonnay
Master Red & White: 2022 Balance Dry Riesling, 2018 Balance Brut Riesling, 2018 Dean’s List Chardonnay, 2016 Balance Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, 2020 Dean’s List Meritage, 2020 Dean’s List Merlot
Master Red Only: 2020 Dean’s List Meritage, 2020 Balance Merlot Cabernet, 2021 Balance Pinot Noir, 2019 Tom Thomson Red, 2020 Gastronomy Shiraz, 2019 Dean’s List Fortified Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes
BALANCE DRY RIESLING, 2022
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineGeographical Indication: VQA Beamsville Bench
Varietal: Riesling
Vineyard: Niagara College Teaching Vineyard
Alcohol: 11%
Residual Sugar: 5 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 333
Appearance: Clear, bright. Light straw colour.
Nose: Wonderful notes of white flowers, tropical fruit, peach, lemon, and hints of minerality.
Palate: Medium acid, light body. Nicely balanced with flavours of nectarine, grapefruit, orange, lemon, and a touch of baking spice.
Quality: 90 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding.
Food Pairing: Roasted chicken caprese, creamy Tuscan butter shrimp, grilled cod with tomatoes and thyme, snow crab legs with garlic butter, and vegetarian pho.
DEAN'S LIST MERITAGE, 2020
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineTasting notes written by Tony Aspler.
Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara Peninsula
Varietals: Merlot (57%), Cabernet Sauvignon (21%), Malbec (11%), Cabernet Franc (6%), Petit Verdot (5%)
Vineyard: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc – Concession 5 Vineyard; Petit Verdot & Malbec – Lizak Vineyard
Alcohol: 14%
Residual Sugar: 0 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 413
Appearance: Deep purple in colour.
Nose: Cedary, spicy nose of black fruits.
Palate: Well extracted flavours of blackcurrant and plum with toasty oak notes. Great mouthfeel.
Quality: 90 – 92 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding. Can be consumed now but will reward cellaring for 1–2 years.
Food Pairing: Filet mignon, grilled lemon-herb portobello mushrooms, Brie crostini with honey and prosciutto, penne with sausage and fennel, and pulled pork sandwiches.
DEAN'S LIST VIOGNIER, 2020
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineTasting notes written by Tony Aspler.
Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
Varietal: Viognier
Vineyard: Smith Farms
Alcohol: 14%
Residual Sugar: 2.1 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 152
Appearance: Clear, bright, lemon yellow in colour.
Nose: Spicy, peach pit nose with a thread of minerality.
Palate: Medium-bodied, dry, richly extracted peach and lemon flavour with a floral note.
Quality: 90 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding. Drink now and through 2024.
Food Pairing: Pomegranate and honey-glazed chicken, lobster risotto, beef enchiladas, bacon and cheese perogies with caramelized onions, and cinnamon-roasted butternut squash.
DEAN'S LIST CABERNET SAUVIGNON UNFILTERED, 2020
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineTasting notes written by Tony Aspler.
Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Concession 5 Vineyard
Alcohol: 13%
Residual Sugar: 0 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 204
Appearance: Dense purple-ruby in colour.
Nose: Cedary, spicy, blackcurrant nose with vanilla oak notes.
Palate: Medium-bodied, richly extracted black and redcurrant flavours, with grainy but ripe tannins and a lively core of acidity.
Quality: 89 – 91 points – Wine Club Canada. Very Good+ / Outstanding. A well-balanced wine that needs 1–2 years to harmonize its tannins.
Awards:
Food Pairing: Shepherd’s pie, beef teppanyaki, sous vide prime rib roast, smoked tofu with roasted vegetables, and blackened halibut.
BALANCE BRUT RIESLING, 2018
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineTasting notes written by Tony Aspler.
Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara Peninsula
Varietal: Riesling
Vineyard: Huebel Farms
Alcohol: 12%
Residual Sugar: 8 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 295 (6-bottle cases)
Appearance: Pale straw in colour with an active mousse of tiny bubbles.
Nose: Apple and grapefruit zest bouquet.
Palate: Light-bodied, crisply dry, apple and grapefruit flavours. Sustains well on the palate to a lengthy, fresh, lemony finish.
Quality: 89 points – Wine Club Canada. Very Good+. Drink now or hold 1-2 years.
Awards:
Food Pairing: Honey-pepper coconut shrimp, pulled pork nachos, Hawaiian pizza, spanakopita, and sheet pan chicken parmesan.
BALANCE MERLOT CABERNET, 2020
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineTasting notes written by Tony Aspler.
Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
Varietals: Merlot (80%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%)
Vineyard: Concession 5 Vineyard and Lizak Farms
Alcohol: 13.5%
Residual Sugar: 1.8 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 475
Appearance: Deep purple colour.
Nose: Cedary, spicy, plum and blueberry nose with oak spice.
Palate: Medium-bodied, dry, elegant, floral plum and red berry flavours. Well-balanced and harmonious. Well-structured with ripe tannins.
Quality: 89 – 91 points – Wine Club Canada. Very Good+ / Outstanding. Can be opened now but will reward 1-2 years cellaring.
Food Pairing: Ribeye steak, coq au vin, red wine lamb burgers, crispy pork bites with creamy horseradish sauce, and black cherry-filled chocolate truffles.
DEAN'S LIST CHARDONNAY, 2018
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineGeographical Indication: VQA St. David’s Bench
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vineyard: Niagara College Teaching Vineyard
Alcohol: 13%
Residual Sugar: 0 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 183
Appearance: Clear, bright. Golden colour.
Nose: Intense aromas of white flowers, buttered popcorn, pine, and hints of oak spice.
Palate: Medium acid, medium body. Delightful flavours of green apple, grapefruit, lemon-lime zest, and baking spice. Great mouthfeel.
Quality: 90 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding.
Food Pairing: Brie spinach dip with baked pita, shrimp alfredo, cilantro and lime-grilled salmon, sautéed chicken with cherry tomatoes and roasted artichokes, and caramelized onion and garlic butter focaccia.
GASTRONOMY SHIRAZ, 2020
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineGeographical Indication: VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
Varietal: Syrah
Vineyard: Concession 5 Vineyard
Alcohol: 13.5%
Residual Sugar: >2 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 227
Appearance: Bright. Semi-opaque. Dark ruby-purple colour.
Nose: A dark floral bouquet is accompanied by dark cherry, blackberry, savoury green herbs, and black pepper.
Palate: Medium acid, medium tannin, medium body. Notes of black cherry, blackcurrant, tarragon, sage, and green bell pepper.
Quality: 90 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding.
Food Pairing: Philly cheesesteak, grilled venison sausages, roasted duck breast with soba noodles and mango, smoked vegetable skewers, and fried dill pickles.
GASTRONOMY CHARDONNAY, 2020
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineGeographical Indication: VQA St. David’s Bench
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vineyard: Niagara College Teaching Vineyard
Alcohol: 13.5%
Residual Sugar: >2 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 124
Appearance: Clear, bright. Straw colour.
Nose: A bright floral bouquet accompanied by buttery caramel notes.
Palate: Medium acid, medium body. Well-structured with flavours of green apple, lemon, caramel, and baking spice.
Quality: 91 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding.
Food Pairing: Chicken tikka masala, French onion soup dumplings, barbecued surf and turf, smoked lemon-pepper chicken wings, and mushroom and goat cheese calzone.
BALANCE PINOT NOIR, 2021
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineGeographical Indication: VQA Four Mile Creek
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Concession 5 Vineyard
Alcohol: 13%
Residual Sugar: 2 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 230
Appearance: Bright. Semi-opaque. Light garnet colour.
Nose: Notes of cherry, blackberry, earth, and a hint of smoke.
Palate: Medium acid, medium- tannin, medium body. Blackcurrant, plum, baking spice, savoury green herbs, and hints of black tea. Well balanced with ripe tannins.
Quality: 90 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding.
Food Pairing: Smoked beef short ribs, pork chops with cherry-balsamic glaze, grilled tuna steak, chicken pot pie, and spicy vegetarian quesadillas.
BALANCE BARREL FERMENTED CHARDONNAY, 2016
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineGeographical Indication: VQA St. David’s Bench
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vineyard: Donald Ziraldo Vineyard
Alcohol: 12.5%
Residual Sugar: 2 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 155
Appearance: Clear, bright. Light straw colour.
Nose: Light toast and spice aromas are followed by lemon, peach, and apple pie.
Palate: Medium acid, medium body. Notes of green apple, grapefruit, lemon, and baking spice. Well balanced with a round mouthfeel.
Quality: 90 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding.
Food Pairing: Crab cakes, Tandoori chicken, mussels with tomatoes and chile peppers, poached salmon with lemon and dill sauce, and tornado potatoes with queso fresco.
DEAN'S LIST MERLOT, 2020
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineGeographical Indication: VQA Niagara Peninsula
Varietal: Merlot
Vineyard: Concession 5 Vineyard
Alcohol: 14.5%
Residual Sugar: 0 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 277
Appearance: Bright. Semi-opaque. Dark ruby red colour.
Nose: A bouquet of violets, red licorice, cherry pie, menthol, and cigar box.
Palate: Medium acid, medium tannin, medium body. Blackberry, cranberry, plum, savoury green herbs, and a hint of smoke. Well-integrated but firm tannins.
Quality: 90 – 91 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding. Drink now or hold 1-2 years to soften tannins.
Awards:
Food Pairing: Chicken chile verde, beef brisket with wild mushrooms, gnocchi Bolognese with spinach, chicken-fried steak, and creamy cherry tomato pasta.
DEAN'S LIST RIESLING, 2022
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineTasting notes written by Tony Aspler.
Geographical Indication: VQA St. David’s Bench
Varietal: Riesling
Vineyard: Niagara College Teaching Vineyard
Alcohol: 12%
Residual Sugar: 2 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 80
Appearance: Clear, bright, pale straw colour with a lime tint.
Nose: Lovely white floral aromas accompanied by stone fruit, citrus, and green apple.
Palate: Medium-bodied, crisply dry, grapefruit and lychee flavours with a mineral note. Well-balanced with a long lemony finish.
Quality: 91 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding. Can be consumed now but will last in the cellar for a decade.
Awards:
Food Pairing: Thai red curry chicken, salmon and potato skillet, clams with sherry and Serrano ham, tomato and cucumber salad, and smoked pork chops.
TOM THOMSON RED, 2019
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineGeographical Indication: VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
Varietals: Merlot (56%), Cabernet Franc (32%), Cabernet Sauvignon (12%)
Vineyard: Fedorkow and Huebel Vineyards
Alcohol: 13.5%
Residual Sugar: 2.8 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 220
Appearance: Bright. Semi-opaque. Garnet colour.
Nose: Perfumed notes of violet, cherry, raspberry, green pepper, and cigar box.
Palate: Medium acid, medium tannin, medium body. Bold flavours of cherry jam, blackcurrant, plum, green pepper, and black pepper. Nicely balanced with smooth tannins.
Quality: 90 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding.
Food Pairing: Spicy shrimp stir fry, beef fajitas, teriyaki sirloin, Mediterranean roasted cauliflower, and duck confit.
DEAN'S LIST CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ, 2022
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineGeographical Indication: VQA Four Mile Creek
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Vineyard: Fruit Haven Vineyard
Alcohol: 13%
Residual Sugar: 2 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 80
Appearance: Clear, bright. Very pale salmon colour.
Nose: Delightful aromas of cherry, strawberry, fruit salad, pear, and red licorice.
Palate: Medium acid, light tannin, medium body. Red cherry, raspberry, grapefruit, mandarin, and a hint of sweet green herbs with mouthwatering acidity.
Quality: 91 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding. A wonderful patio sipper.
Awards:
Food Pairing: Grilled watermelon and mint salad, shrimp cocktail, bacon-wrapped scallops, grilled chicken with peanut sauce, and lamb gyro.
DEAN'S LIST FORTIFIED CABERNET SAUVIGNON, 2019
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineGeographical Indication: VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Concession 5 Vineyard
Alcohol: 18%
Residual Sugar: 96 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 53
Appearance: Bright. Semi-opaque. Garnet colour.
Nose: An intense nose of dried cherry, rum-spiced cake, toffee, and a nutty note.
Palate: Medium acid, medium tannin, medium body. Off-dry. Well-balanced with dried fruit, cherry, almond, and toffee on the palate with a round mouthfeel.
Quality: 91 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding.
Food Pairing: Spicy black bean burgers with creamy avocado sauce, pepper-crusted ahi tuna, prime rib with all the fixings, rosemary-braised lamb shanks, and spicy Mongolian beef skewers.
TOM THOMSON WHITE, 2018
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineGeographical Indication: VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc (42%), Chardonnay (36%), Viognier (13%), Pinot Gris (9%)
Vineyard: Huebel, Smith, and Coyotes Run Vineyards
Alcohol: 13%
Residual Sugar: 4.5 g/L
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 250
Appearance: Clear, bright. Straw colour.
Nose: Intriguing bouquet of lemon, buttered popcorn, oak spice, and vanilla.
Palate: Medium acid, medium body. Lovely flavours of lemon, green apple, caramel, and baking spice. Well balanced with a long finish.
Quality: 90 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding.
Food Pairing: Goat cheese-stuffed grilled chicken, pork tenderloin in puff pastry, shrimp orzo with feta, spring vegetable quiche, and Kung Pao beef.
SAVANT ICEWINE, 2020
Niagara College Teaching Winery, Niagara Peninsula Buy this wineGeographical Indication: VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Concession 5 Vineyard
Alcohol: 11%
Residual Sugar: 169 g/L
Volume: 200mL
Cases Produced: 170
Appearance: Bright. Semi-opaque. Pale garnet-tawny core.
Nose: Lovely strawberry, cherry, watermelon, cinnamon, and brown sugar aromas.
Palate: Medium acid, medium tannin, medium body. Off-dry. Strawberry, candied cherry, raspberry, and a touch of cinnamon. Great balance.
Quality: 91 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding.
Awards:
Food Pairing: Crawfish étouffée, Caribbean mussel curry, oysters with smoky bacon dressing, vegetable tempura, and crème brûlée.