Angel’s Gate Riesling

In the category of “noticed on the shelf but ignored for no good reason” is the Angel’s Gate Riesling. I will be the first to give my wife full credit for picking this one out. She’s not a big Riesling fan, but knows that it’s my favourite grape. So imagine my surprise when she arrived home last night bearing a cold bottle of the Angel’s Gate 2004 Riesling (Ontario VQA).

I will confess to being a bit set in my ways when it comes to Riesling. If I want a dry Riesling, I’ll buy a fine bottle from Ontario’s Henry of Pelham or BC’s Cedar Creek. If I want a bit of sweetness, I’ll go for the delicious Cave Springs Off-Dry or (my favourite) the Vineland Semi-Dry (both from Ontario). If I feel like something different, I’ll try any number of fine German Rieslings. And because of my habits, the Angel’s Gate has just never crossed my palate before.

But this was oh so good. The nose was classic Riesling, with lots of minerals and citrus in evidence. The first sip tasted almost sweet in a floral kind of way, but quickly dried out with a long and crisp blast of minerals and lime juice. There was plenty of acidity in the mouth too, but it was balanced by some very rich floral and citrus flavours. I had this on its own, but it would also be perfect with an order of takeout Indian food from one of our fine local restaurants (my preferences would be Ivory).

At $14.63 plus tax at your neighbourhood MLCC, it’s a bit pricier than some other Rieslings. But I’d say its worth the price. Angel’s Gate is a small boutique winery, and I’ve heard very good things about their work before. And this vintage is already sold out at the winery – so act fast if you’re interested.