Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2021

Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2021 is a single vineyard expression from the Vinemount Ridge sub appellation of the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario.

The Charles Baker project is a collaboration with Stratus Vineyards, where Baker serves as the director of marketing and sales while producing his namesake Rieslings. The winemaking philosophy focuses exclusively on Riesling, seeking to highlight the unique terroir of specific Niagara sites through minimal intervention and a commitment to dry and off dry styles. The Picone Vineyard, owned by Mark Picone, is considered one of the most significant sites in the region, featuring 40 year old vines planted on a high altitude limestone bench.

Wine Description

This 2021 Riesling presents a brilliant, pale straw colour. The aromatic profile is classic and intense, offering a bouquet of lime zest, green apple, and white peach, underpinned by distinctive flinty and petrol notes. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied with high, bracing acidity that is expertly balanced by a touch of residual sugar. It features concentrated flavours of citrus and slate-like minerality, leading to a crisp and exceptionally long finish.

The wine is 100% Riesling, sourced entirely from the Picone Vineyard. It was fermented using cool temperatures in stainless steel to preserve the purity of the fruit and the site's mineral character. This vintage has an ABV of 11% and reflects the producer's dedication to sustainable viticulture.

Food Pairing

The vibrant acidity and mineral backbone of this Riesling make it a perfect partner for spicy Asian cuisines, such as Thai green curry or Szechuan peppercorn chicken. It also pairs beautifully with fresh Ontario trout, pan seared scallops with lemon butter, or a classic Wiener Schnitzel. For a cheese course, it complements soft, creamy options like Camembert or tangy goat cheese.

Vintage Quality

The 2021 vintage in Niagara was a season of resilience, characterized by a wet and humid summer that demanded meticulous vineyard management to prevent disease. However, a warm and dry autumn allowed the Riesling grapes to reach optimal ripeness while retaining the high natural acidity that defines the region's best white wines.