Last stop on my Prince Edward County FORD Foodie Road Trip was Closson Chase Vineyards. We popped into visit after our tour and tasting at The Grange of Prince Edward County Winery.
Closson Chase is a quality-driven producer that has helped spearhead the birth of the Prince Edward County wine industry. Since 1999, it has been committed to creating distinctive wines. The estate is over 30 acres of south facing, limestone-rich soil under vine; planted high density to the classic Burgundian-varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with small yields, French-inspired vinification and careful barreling in 100% French oak.
Closson Chase, in addition to it’s estate grown wines, produces both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced from vineyards it leases in the Niagara Peninsula. It’s tasting room is housed in a century-old barn that has been totally restored with a twenty-first century flair. When we arrived the barn also featured lounge chairs and a wee art exhibit. We were most impressed by the vineyards beautiful garden at the entrance of the barn. Horticulturalists rejoice!
Inspired by Prince Edward County’s maritime tradition, the Closson Chase label makes reference to international signal flags, incorporating and original painting for Closson Chase by master painter and printmaker David Blackwood. As the foundation of his painting, Blackwood used the red, white and blue of the maritime representing ‘C’ – affirmative – adjusting the blue to closely match that of the United Empire Loyalists who first settled the County at the eastern end of Lake Ontario. It is a rich colour still evident in the blue and white houses that dominate the countryside. The red may be translated appropriately as an expression of life and the animating qualities of wine. In the lower left hand side of Blackwood’s painting, the letter ‘C’ and its watery reflection echo the County’s island landscape encompassed by water. Blackwood’s elegant work graces the label of every bottle of wine produced by Closson Chase.
We sampled:
Closson Chase Vineyards Sans Chene Chardonany
Closson Chase Rose
Closson Chase Vineyard Pinot Noir
