Township 7 wins best Canadian sparkling wine

Photo: Township 7's  Mary McDermott

When Township 7 Vineyards & Winery recruited winemaker Mary McDermott several years ago, her experience in making sparkling wine in Ontario likely was one reason she was hired.

Those skills are now paying off. Earlier this fall, Seven Stars Polaris 2016 sparkling wine was judged the best Canadian sparkling wine at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine Championships in London.

Even more impressive, the wine was a finalist in two categories – including Supreme World Champion. Those trophies went to venerable Champagne producers. The champion was Dom Pérignon. It is a great accomplishment for Township 7 to be competitive against producers that have been making benchmark Champagnes for centuries.

I reviewed the wine earlier this year. I liked it but perhaps my score was a touch low.

Township 7 Seven Stars Polaris 2016 ($35.97 for 3,588 bottles). This is a Blanc de Blancs made from 100% Chardonnay. The wine spent about 18 months en tirage. This is also a sophisticated sparkling wine, beginning with aromas of citrus, Granny Smith apples and brioche which are echoed on the palate. There is a very active mousse which, again, gives the wine a creamy attack. However, the bright acidity gives the wine a crisp finish. 92.

Township 7 has been making sparkling wine since 1999. However, it has been expanding its bubbly portfolio considerably since Mary came aboard.

These are by no means the only appealing wines from Township 7. Four excellent table wines were released this fall.

Here are notes on the wines.

Township 7 Pinot Gris 2018 ($18.97 for 348 cases). The wine, which was fermented in stainless steel, begins with aromas of apple, pear and citrus. It is crisp and focussed on the palate with flavours of citrus and pear. There is five percent Viognier blended into this wine. 90.

Township 7 Viognier 2018 ($24.97 for 598 cases). The fruit for this wine is from the Raju Vineyard in Osoyoos, close to the U.S. border. The fruit was fermented in stainless steel and in three barrels. This wine seduces with perfumed aromas of pineapple and stone fruit. The promise of the nose is delivered with intense fruit flavours – apricot and peach. This is a delicious Viognier with bright and expressive fruits. 92.

Township 7 Merlot 2017 ($24.97 for 1,105 cases). The fruit comes from the winery’s two estate vineyards, primarily from Blue Terrace at Oliver. The wine was aged 18 months in French and American oak. Decanting helps unlock the aromas of cherry, plum and spice as well as the flavours of cherry and black currant. 91.

Township 7 Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 ($27.97 for 875 cases). There is 11% Merlot blended into this wine. The wine was fermented in 4,000-litre oak fermenters. It also aged there for 10 months before being transferred to French and American oak barrels for eight more months of aging. The wine begins with aromas of black cherry, black currant, blueberry and cedar. There are dark fruits on the palate. There are firm tannins on the texture. The wine also benefits from decanting. 91.