Earth Day Launch, Canada's First Biodynamic Wine - John Hanna & Sons
Date: Apr 22/09, Wed Time: 04:30:00-06:00:00 Style: Drop-In
Earth Day Launch of Canada's First Biodynamic Wine – In conjunction with John Hanna & Sons and Southbrook Vineyards, we toasted Earth Day with the launch of the first biodynamic wine produced in Canada.
Southbrook Vineyards owners Bill & Marilyn Redelmeier were on hand to personally introduce their 2008 Cabernet Rosé, and share stories and experiences of the journey culminating in the launch of this historic new wine.
Over 25 restaurants across Ontario, from Ottawa, Toronto, Prince Edward County, Muskoka, western Ontario and Niagara celebrated the simultaneous launch of the wine on this day - Earth Day.
Southbrook's vineyard was certified organic by Pro-Cert Canada in the fall of 2008 and then they became the first winery in Canada to be certified biodynamic by Demeter Canada. The Cabernet Rosé is the first wine to be released from its estate-grown grapes since certification and marks a milestone for the winery. This holistic farming approach recognizes the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem. It goes beyond the standards for organic farming by recognizing the interrelationship between the soil, plants and animals, and the energy forces affecting the farm, such as lunar and planetary cycles.
Ann Sperling, director of Winemaking and Viticulture at Southbrook explains, "Biodynamics says the farm should be self-sustaining - an entire living system. The resulting practices are about quality in the bottle-and quality of life," she adds.
Biodynamic farming has been practiced for years by many outstanding wine producers in Europe such as Chapoutier, Domaine Leflaive, Zind-Humbrecht and Coulée de Serrant. Southbrook's arrival as the first Canadian member of this very special club represents an important milestone for both the winery itself, as well as the Ontario wine industry.
The quality of the Cabernet Rosé 2008 impressed top wine critics. "A lovely rosé to kick off the spring season," said wine writer David Lawrason. "It's medium weight, silky, off dry yet lively with a juicy, tart finish. Very zesty." Wine expert Tony Aspler agreed, calling the Rosé a "terrific summer wine."
This event was a great excuse to knock off work a little early and come in for a glass of Rose on the way out to a nice Earth Day dinner.
Thanks Andrew, you really have some great ideas!
www.southbrook.com
