Way back in 2014 I tasted the 2007 Aria and was impressed. Nebbiolo as you may know is the grape in the sought after Italian Barolos and Barbarescos. The story becomes a bit of a winding road after that. Closed since 2012 the winery/vineyard has gone through some wild swings in ownership and direction to where I found them, reopened and at Taste Ontario with new owners. Sadly the Nebbiolo vines were decimated in one of our harsh winters, but this wine was saved in the barrel and later bottled as a wonderful piece of Niagara history. I do believe this leaves Ridgepoint as the remaining grower of Nebbiolo in Niagara. Interestingly, Alvento has some of the 2007 still in the bottle available for the collector …
This wine is dark in color with some nice classic Nebbiolo flavors, lots of dark berries, smooth silky long tanins, and some nice acidity. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice palate coating tannins along with some tartness. There’s some nice rustic notes and wood present as well. This wine is ready to drink now as long as you like a bit of a bite to your wine. I would give it an 88+. Available for $45 a bottle at the Winery. They’ve also got a bed and breakfast on site!
