An endearing red blend from Bella Terra’s own estate vineyards.
PondView Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake has recently changed its name to Bella Terra Vineyards.
The 2018 vintage of Bella Terra Red is a blend of the three main red varietals that grow in their vineyards: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
This lovely medium-bodied red wine has a charmingly bright ruby/garnet color. The nose has a rich dusty earthiness reminiscent of many wonderful wines from Bordeaux. Fragrances of red and black berries and currants with roasted plums and a slight smokiness rise out of the glass. Flavors of red and black fruit caress the palate with slight eucalyptus notes. A long, velvety finish, and firm tannins round out the wine.
Bella Terra Red is balanced, structured, and enjoyable. Harvested partially from their oldest vineyards (about 30 years old), this wine ably represents the terroir of this part of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Bella Terra Red was aged 18 months in French Oak barrels. This helps make it the substantial wine that it is.
The Bella Terra winery and its charming vineyards are well worth a visit. Many B&Bs are in the area if you want to make a weekend of it. You can buy this wine at LCBO stores or directly from the winery by phone or online at their website. They will ship Canada-wide. Currently on sale for $21.95 CAD. Notes by The Wine Baron tasting panel.
Blast from the past … Check out our fun video of our visit to their harvest party.
The Wine Baron 