As far as red wine pours there is no doubt Ontario Cabernet Franc can stand up to the best. Ontario Gamay Noir has that potential. The Divergence 2021 Gamay Noir from Divergence Wines in the Niagara region of Ontario is made from grapes grown on the Wismer Wingfield Vineyard. Divergence Wines appeared on the scene in 2022. New guys on the block.
Aroma: The first characteristic you note is smokiness but in that there is black cherry and blackberry. Once the wine opens up after 15 minutes in the glass and with some movement the smokiness is shifted to the background and some gruff raspberry makes its presence known.
Palate: Tannins are laid back however they are certainly not hiding. The wine is smooth with light red cherry predominating with delicate smokiness. The fruit noted on the nose fails to fully materialize on the palate leaving a tart finish. The fruit seems “Lost in Space”.
Personality: Remember that Seinfeld episode where George’s father “stops short”! Well this wine “stops short” on the palate. Please decant me at least 45 minutes prior to serving.
Food Match: Corn beef pasta sauce served over bucatini pasta. Easy peasy and terribly tasty. Sautee onion then throw in field Sheppard peppers in strips and then splash some red wine then Ontario field tomatoes and lastly a tin or two or corned beef. I used Beamsville Bench Sheppards and tomatoes so how much more Niagara can you get? No herbs required just some fresh ground pepper.
Cellarbility: Drink in 2023
Price: $28.
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 86/100. Rick VanSickle 91/100.
(Divergence 2021 Gamay Noir, Wismer Wingfield Vineyard, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Divergence Wines, Ontario, 750 mL, 12.2%).
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