Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Aligoté - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2017 Aligoté (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here (upon release)
Cost: $15.95
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: July 18th, 2018

Tasting Notes: An aromatic and bright, near-colourless Aligoté with a lovely nose of white blossoms, apricots and stonefruit followed by a mouth-watering and refreshingly sharp palate of apples, pears, lemon/lime and ginger flavours. Lemon drop candy and a touch of spice lingers on the moderate-plus finish. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 Aligoté -86pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2016 Aligoté (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $15.95
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 1949 cases
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A well-priced, citrus-scented Aligoté (Burgundy's other white grape) with food-friendly acidity and dryness. Look for pear, lemon drop, grapefruit, ginger and melon aromas and flavours. Pair with hard cheeses. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2015 Aligoté - 86pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2015 Aligoté (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $14.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 1687 cases
Date Tasted: October 4th, 2016

Tasting Notes: An aromatic Aligoté with floral and apricot notes on the nose followed by a medium-bodied, slightly-sharp, dry palate with lemon/lime, grapefruit and ripe apple flavours. A touch of spicy lemon zest and mineral notes linger on the finish. A wine to be enjoyed with hard cheeses and in its youth. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2011 Aligoté - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2011 Aligoté (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $13.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 1200 cases
Date Tasted: March 10th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Aligoté makes a nice alternative to its native regional cousin, Chardonnay. Certainly the lesser-known Burgundian white grape due to its more narrow spectrum of flavours, yet, can possess the same texture and pureness of fruit when handled minimally as they do at Chateau Des Charmes. Fresh, ripe, apple-medley flavours are complimented nicely by grapefruit acidity on the naturally, nearly full-bodied palate that finishes long with a touch of lime zest and light spice. Enjoy this wine in its youth as part of your regular summer patio-sipper rotation. Drink 2013-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Chateau Des Charmes 2010 St. David's Bench Vineyard Aligoté - 87pts

Chateau Des Charmes 2010 St. David's Bench Vineyard Aligoté (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery here and LCBO stores
Cost: $13.55
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 1573 cases
Date Tasted: September 13th, 2012

Tasting Notes: The lesser-known white Burgundy grape, Aligoté, is rare in the Canadian market both as an import and as a home-grown wine. Chateau Des Charmes from the Niagara Peninsula may produce Canada's only bottling of 100% Aligoté, while others have experimented with the high-yielding vine in blends. The Chateau Des Charmes release is a successful wine its combination of fresh acidity, spicy stonefruit, tangy citrus notes and balanced, lingering tartness. Priced as an under $15 value wine, perhaps not doing the wine justice, though consumers will benefit greatly for having a tasty, refreshing, food-friendly wine to choose from when purchasing for an upcoming dinner party. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Château des Charmes 2008 Aligoté - 86pts

Château des Charmes 2008 Aligoté (St. David's Bench) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $13.95
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 2000 cases
Date Tasted: July 31st, 2010

Tasting Notes: A straightforward and refreshing white wine made from the "other" white Burgundy grape, Aligoté. Aromatic notes of flowery perfume are supported by strong mineral and stonefruit aromas on the nose. Crisp, tart lemon zest and grapefruit flavours on the dry palate. A touch of spice lingers on the moderate finish.

The perfect wine to expand your palate with while not breaking the bank. Enjoy with a hot, sunny deck or when you want to be reminded of a hot, sunny deck. Drink 2010-2011.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010