Skin Contact Wines

Mellow & Salty

Cantine Barbera is located in Menfi, on the west coast of Sicily. The vineyards, that are farmed following organic and biodynamic practices, are about one mile from the Mediterranean Sea: an uncontaminated deep blue sea. The low cliffs and sandy dunes create a beautiful environment for the grapes to thrive, and are also protected by the Belice River Natural Reservation Fund.

Fresh and pleasant like the briny wind blowing from the Mediterranean, this Inzolia comes from young vineyards and is a charming white wine that offers pure Sicilian pleasure at every sip. The wine has a fresh and charming bouquet of pear, broom and almond blossoms that melt into lush and intense scents of white peach and fine herbs. On the palate, it's juicy and tastes of white orchard fruit and is well balanced by a fresh acidity and an intense saline quality.

Pair this wonderful and textured white with rich fish dishes, Moroccan cuisine and other spiced meals. It is also great with fresh salads and grilled vegetables.

Floral & Textured

Born from a partnership that started on Lighthall Road between Vigneron Glenn Symons & Négociant Nicholas Pearce. Hand harvested Pinot Gris from vineyards in South Bay, PEC blended with Vidal from Wismer-Foxcroft Vineyards in Niagara bring you the 2021 edition of Ward 5 PGV. Each variety was de-stemmed and fermented separately. Pinot Gris was left on The skins to ferment for 27 days, while the Vidal was left for 12 days on skins. The wines were blended together at pressing, and left to bind together before tartaric stabilization. The wine was then filtered with a 0.2 micron cross-flow system prior to bottling.

The vibrant orange colour of this wine certainly matches the initial aromas – dried apricot and orange peel greet the nose right away, while notes of steeped black tea, late-season lilacs, and honeysuckle also linger. The brightness of the Vidal shines through on the palate with a citrus driven profile up front, while more rounded notes of Earl Grey tea and extra virgin olive oil leave a smooth finish.

All the flavours from the bordering countries around the Mediterranean Sea are a match made in heaven. North African, Middle Eastern, and Southern European flavours of olive oil, savoury herbs, cumin, cinnamon, saffron, and citrus are all ideal. These flavours with grilled fish, legumes, vegetables, and stewed meats all excel.

The label features artwork by Lilja Schaer, an up and coming local artist based in Toronto's Eastside Leslieville. Lilja draws her inspiration from the natural environment that surrounds her. She is also influenced by her Estonian-Canadian heritage. Lilja also happens to be Nick's 7 year old niece.

Waxy & Juicy

Joan Ramón Escoda has been shaking the pillars of winemaking in his home-country and abroad since the 90's. He is an absolute anarchist, a radical winemaker, a rock'n'roller and a grass-roots innovator; and his wines are everything but banal.

The Loire Valley has always had a special importance for Joan Ramón, as it has been key in his journey and evolution as a winemaker. As a consequence, he is madly in love with Chenin. This blind love for this white grape took him to plant some vines in Conca del Barberá, which resulted in a great success thanks to the cold and humid weather of the hills in Prenafeta. The high altitude makes possible the unbelievable: a juicy and mellow skin-contact wine with hints of caramel, citrus and earthy notes.

Pair Els Bassots with creamy cheeses and white meats.

Herbal & Textured

Located in Snežatno in the Goriška Brda zone of Slovenia, near the border of Italy, Štekar winery is known for producing wines in the traditional manner, with extended skin contact and little or no sulphur added.  The hilly rugged terrain is marked with monuments to both world wars.

Rebula, also known as Ribolla Gialla, is a grape native to Friuli in Italy and this little corner of western Slovenia. As the natural fermentation began, the skins remained with the must for 24 days before being removed. The wine remained in giant Acacia wood barrels for eight months before being bottled without filtration. The result is expressive and spectacular; aromatic and inviting on the nose, the Rebula showcases yellow fruit, a firm structure. 

You can pair this wine with a variety of cuisines, from brothy Asian-inspired dishes, to steak and potatoes.

Salty & Fresh

Joan Ramón Escoda has been shaking the pillars of winemaking in his home-country and abroad since the 90's. He is an absolute anarchist, a radical winemaker, a rock'n'roller and a grass-roots innovator; and his wines are everything but banal.

Mas del Gaio is the top white from Celler Escoda-Sanahuja. An old-vine expression from rustic limestone vineyards next to the winery, blending Garnacha Blanca, Macabeu, and Parellada. Garnacha Blanca and Macabeu are fermented together. Once everything is combined, the wine is aged mostly in large amphora and old French barrels. Mas del Gaio has aromas of stone fruit, lemon verbena, and fuzzy peach skins, with a long, fleshy and salty finish. Fantastic acidity and viscosity from the lees aging. Tropical too, with subtle notes of passion fruit.

Pair it with fish dishes and cured cheeses.

Mellow & Textured

Two real taste enthusiasts, winemaker Julien Bonneau and Chef Alexandre Lavigne were eager to share their own range of wines and created Cuvée Emma made from vineyards located on the hillsides of St Bonnet sur Gironde in the south of the Charente Maritime, a sub-region near the Ocean, on the outskirts of Bordeaux.

Emma embodies the purity of a natural wine, Alexandre Lavigne and Julien Bonneau attach a great importance on sustainable vine cultivation were the balance of the plant and grape maturity are essential. Winemaking is naturally done without the use of sulphites. Made from Sauvignon Blanc, this white wine has aromas of caramel, peaches and dried fruits on the nose. On the palate, there is great texture and length. 

Enjoy with firm cheeses or fish in a beurre blanc.

Fresh & Fruity

Located in the town of Pilio, about thirty miles east of Rome, Abbia Nova is a brand-new artisanal winery by cousins Daniele and Pierluca Proietti. The name 'Abbia Nova' refers to an ancient Roman road linking the town of Piglio, in the southwestern part of the region, with Abruzzo.

Listening to our producers' stories about the uniqueness of certain grapes make our hearts beat faster. Abbia Nova is one of those wineries. Their Senza Vandalismi Bianco is made from Passerina, an ancient and traditional grape of the Marche region but also cultivated in the Lazio. 

Leaning on the refreshing side of oxidation, on the nose, this young wine boasts intense evolution, leading with apple and pear compote, lemon lime cordial, macadamia nuts and salted almonds. It's full but fresh on the palate, rich with tension and backed by a beautifully balanced acidity. 

Spicy & Tropical

Husband and wife duo Ilya and Nadia started Leaning Post winery in Niagara over 10 years ago. Initially a virtual set up, the winery now located on Highway 8, has become a reference producer in Niagara.

Harvested on September 25, 2021, the grapes were destemmed, into concrete tanks where it went through a spontaneous fermentation. It remained in concrete and aged on skins for 25 days, then it was gently pressed into clay amphora (17%) and stainless steel (83%). This wine was racked only a handful of times prior to being bottled unfiltered on April 13, 2022.

This wine represents the evolving nature of wine in Niagara. Orange marmalade, jalapeño pepper jelly, and passionfruit dominate the nose and palate, while elderflower honey, cream and lemon dominate the palate with a rich and oily texture. It is all tied together with bracing acidity, gorgeous texture and a seam of fine tannin. Chill and drink as it warms to reveal new facets of its unique personality.

Enjoy with fish tacos or fish and chips.