# Marquette (2021)

- **Producer:** Georgian Hills Vineyards
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Marquette
- **Region:** Ontario, Canada
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.7%
- **Average price:** €14
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–17 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, herbaceous, black pepper, vanilla, cloves, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

Georgian Hills Vineyards was founded by Robert Ketchin, who recognized the cool-climate potential of South Georgian Bay in the 1990s. Due to freezing winters, the winery pivoted from Vitis vinifera to focus heavily on cold-hardy winter varieties like Marquette, which acts as a robust, disease-resistant relative of Pinot Noir. This wine represents the frontier of Canadian hybrid winemaking, showcasing that Marquette can produce elegant, dry, food-friendly red wines that mimic the complexity of cool-climate European reds.

## Interesting facts

- Marquette is a winter-hardy hybrid grape released in 2006 by the University of Minnesota, featuring Pinot Noir in its pedigree.
- The vineyards experience a highly compressed growing season of only 18 weeks between bud break and harvest.
- Vines rely on the moderating 'lake effect' of Nottawasaga Bay to protect them from deep winter frosts.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity and medium body make it highly versatile. It cuts through the richness of grilled meats and savory pizzas, while its low tannins ensure it doesn't clash with lighter proteins like veal.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-picked and hand-sorted from estate vineyards in the Beaver Valley. Fermentation takes place on the skins to carefully manage color and delicate tannin extraction. Following fermentation, the wine is matured in oak barrels to integrate its high natural acidity, soften the structure, and introduce complex secondary characteristics.