Great Ontario Wines Just Keep On Coming:Part Three: The Grange Of Prince Edward County
A Family Business Through The Ages
Caroline Granger maintains the helm of this winery which has been a working farm for two hundred years. The main building is actual the original Loyalist barn built in 1826 and reflects the endurance and greatness of this new Designated Viticultural Area called Prince Edward County. The business has gone through various incarnations in those years, being a sawmill, dairy farm and chicken canning factory.
It is difficult not to notice the passion she feels about her winery which is also her home. Caroline's passion is extended not only to her winery and vineyards but also to the region she resides in as well as the Ontario wine industry in general. One would think that being the CEO and President (her father, Robert, is Chairperson) of a progressively functioning winery would be enough to keep anyone totally involved but true to her heritage and personality, this former model also fulfills key positions within such organizations as the Wine Council of Ontario, The Farm Credit Corporation and Canadian Vintners' Association.
It is always a pleasure to drive up to "The Grange"as most lovingly call it. I always seem to mistakenly take the first road to the farm and thus go by the family home. I can't help but feel a tinge of jealousy when I see the home, farm/winery and impeccably kept vineyards.
The Winery
The main building spoken about earlier houses both the tasting bar and wine cellar. They sufficed as the hayloft and dairy parlour respectively in the old days. Today they would not be recognizable. While I have not been in the basement (dairy parlour), the former hayloft is an amazing display of planning and workmanship that make even the most hardened eyes of any wine lover melt. Spacious with a large central bar area, the setting is comfort and pleasing.
The Vineyards
Outside is the same story. The vineyards are impeccably kept. The grounds are well cared for and there is even a little pond with many frogs thus accentuating the outdoor country atmosphere. The six vineyards are all unique and amount to approximately 60 acres with over 72,000 vines planted. This is big by Prince Edward County standards.
Grapes grown are: Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Cabernet Franc, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.
Agri-Tourism
Any winery that is serious about staying in the business and successfully competing now must consider alternative uses for the grounds that house the winery and vineyards. Thus, at the Grange this is no different. Making use of the scenic landscape within its boundaries, the winery has offered a number of packages to the general public. Tours, both publicly and privately can range from the VIP of the winery to hiking tours. Special picnic packages are available and one cannot forget the special events-----some with special guest chefs such as Jamie Kennedy.
Late Arrival
Tino, Denise and I had spent much time at the other estates and were late in arriving at the Grange. Caroline was gracious enough to meet with us and share some of her wines with us.
I was driving so I made sure that I drank responsibly however, I have tasted several of the Grange's wines in the past and these are my notes.
The Grange Of Prince Edward County
White
The Grange Of Prince Edward County Trumpours Mill 2006 Chardonnay
Nose: Mellow, with white fruit evident (apple/pear), round and well integrated.
Palate: Rich with medium body. Nut and butter harmonize with ripe white fruit. Pleasant acidity with mineral almost pebble like taste as a background. In some ways almost Chablis like.
The Grange Of Prince Edward County Trumpours Mill 2007 Riesling
Nose: Floral hints with lemon citrus
Palate: Light in body, lemon citrus with a mineral almost steely touch to it. Crisp and clean on the finish.
The Grange Prince Edward County Trumpours Mill 2007 Pinot Gris
Nose: Floral hints with honey apricot and white fruit.
Palate: Apple and other white fruit, stone pebbles, some citrus acidity on finish
Red
The Grange of Prince Edward County Gamay Noir 2006
Nose: Ripe red fruit with some herbal hints
Palate: Ripe red fruit mainly cherry, some tangyness in the background with a very clean and crisp acidity. Nice finish.
Grange Pinot Noir
I didn't take notes on this wine that I tasted at the winery but it's character was amazing. I still have it in my memory.
Nose: Rich, earthy mushroom, saddle leather, spice, cedar shavings
Palate: Round with medium to full body. Big for a Pinot with some essence of chocolate, spice, pleasant acidity and long finish.
Caroline Granger maintains the helm of this winery which has been a working farm for two hundred years. The main building is actual the original Loyalist barn built in 1826 and reflects the endurance and greatness of this new Designated Viticultural Area called Prince Edward County. The business has gone through various incarnations in those years, being a sawmill, dairy farm and chicken canning factory.
It is difficult not to notice the passion she feels about her winery which is also her home. Caroline's passion is extended not only to her winery and vineyards but also to the region she resides in as well as the Ontario wine industry in general. One would think that being the CEO and President (her father, Robert, is Chairperson) of a progressively functioning winery would be enough to keep anyone totally involved but true to her heritage and personality, this former model also fulfills key positions within such organizations as the Wine Council of Ontario, The Farm Credit Corporation and Canadian Vintners' Association.
It is always a pleasure to drive up to "The Grange"as most lovingly call it. I always seem to mistakenly take the first road to the farm and thus go by the family home. I can't help but feel a tinge of jealousy when I see the home, farm/winery and impeccably kept vineyards.
The Winery
The main building spoken about earlier houses both the tasting bar and wine cellar. They sufficed as the hayloft and dairy parlour respectively in the old days. Today they would not be recognizable. While I have not been in the basement (dairy parlour), the former hayloft is an amazing display of planning and workmanship that make even the most hardened eyes of any wine lover melt. Spacious with a large central bar area, the setting is comfort and pleasing.
The Vineyards
Outside is the same story. The vineyards are impeccably kept. The grounds are well cared for and there is even a little pond with many frogs thus accentuating the outdoor country atmosphere. The six vineyards are all unique and amount to approximately 60 acres with over 72,000 vines planted. This is big by Prince Edward County standards.
Grapes grown are: Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Cabernet Franc, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.
Agri-Tourism
Any winery that is serious about staying in the business and successfully competing now must consider alternative uses for the grounds that house the winery and vineyards. Thus, at the Grange this is no different. Making use of the scenic landscape within its boundaries, the winery has offered a number of packages to the general public. Tours, both publicly and privately can range from the VIP of the winery to hiking tours. Special picnic packages are available and one cannot forget the special events-----some with special guest chefs such as Jamie Kennedy.
Late Arrival
Tino, Denise and I had spent much time at the other estates and were late in arriving at the Grange. Caroline was gracious enough to meet with us and share some of her wines with us.
I was driving so I made sure that I drank responsibly however, I have tasted several of the Grange's wines in the past and these are my notes.
The Grange Of Prince Edward County
White
The Grange Of Prince Edward County Trumpours Mill 2006 Chardonnay
Nose: Mellow, with white fruit evident (apple/pear), round and well integrated.
Palate: Rich with medium body. Nut and butter harmonize with ripe white fruit. Pleasant acidity with mineral almost pebble like taste as a background. In some ways almost Chablis like.
The Grange Of Prince Edward County Trumpours Mill 2007 Riesling
Nose: Floral hints with lemon citrus
Palate: Light in body, lemon citrus with a mineral almost steely touch to it. Crisp and clean on the finish.
The Grange Prince Edward County Trumpours Mill 2007 Pinot Gris
Nose: Floral hints with honey apricot and white fruit.
Palate: Apple and other white fruit, stone pebbles, some citrus acidity on finish
Red
The Grange of Prince Edward County Gamay Noir 2006
Nose: Ripe red fruit with some herbal hints
Palate: Ripe red fruit mainly cherry, some tangyness in the background with a very clean and crisp acidity. Nice finish.
Grange Pinot Noir
I didn't take notes on this wine that I tasted at the winery but it's character was amazing. I still have it in my memory.
Nose: Rich, earthy mushroom, saddle leather, spice, cedar shavings
Palate: Round with medium to full body. Big for a Pinot with some essence of chocolate, spice, pleasant acidity and long finish.
posted by Chuck Byers - Wine Consultant | 6:30 AM
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