Tasting Note – This is a first for Hidden Bench, and a style not often seen in Canada, where it probably should be more common. This could be my house, mid-priced sparkler forever. It is a traditional method sparkling riesling aged 20 months on its lees. So don’t expect a lot of yeasty/autolytic character, but do expect a certain quiet, confident elegance and evenness. There are fairly complex aromas of pear, lemon, fine herbals and subtle bread crust. It is light bodied with a very fine mousse, tidy taut acidity and chalky minerality. A dollop of 5gms/L of residual sugar brings a mere suggestion of sweetness. I love the balance of this wine!  And the length is excellent as well. It’s a great vision for Niagara riesling, without saying riesling on the label, which is probably a stroke of marketing genius.

Backgrounder – Hidden Bench makes a scintillating traditional method pinot/chardonnay based Brut Natur, but this 100% riesling is something brand new, and very fetching!  Made from “the purest estate fruit”, the juice is cold settled, then racked to stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve acidity, which is key. After six months of tank ageing, the wine was blended, and the tirage is added. After 20 months in the bottle on its lees, the bottles were riddled, disgorged, then topped with the same wine.

Accolades: Gold National Wine Awards of Canada