Tasting notes:

The Beamsville Bench is a narrow plateau sloping from the cliff of the Niagara Escarpment down towards Lake Ontario. The soil is deep and well-drained, comprising stones, gravel, sand silt and clay-even sandstone, shale and limestone. The deep Lake Ontario and the height of the cliff provide air circulation to modify the otherwise cold climate. Thirty Bench Wine Makers\' Sparkling Riesling Steel Post is a small lot Riesling with a very low dosage (5g/l). Very pale lemon-green in hue with tiny, persistent bubbles, the wine shows pure golden apple with a hint of apricot and a fresh bread overlay. Ultra-Brut in style, the palate is delicate, light-bodied and displays very fresh acidity and creamy mousse texture balancing the pristine flavours. Very good concentration and a lingering finish this beautiful expression is delightful as an aperitif and would match crabmeat gougères. [Patricia Stefanowicz MW]