In the belief that quality and value go hand in hand, Château des Charmes is dedicated to producing world class wines in Canada using only the finest grape varieties.
Please note: Prices include bottle deposit
 2007 Barrel Fermented
Chardonnay, Estate Bottled
(V.Q.A. Niagara-on-the-Lake)
This estate grown Chardonnay is barrel fermented and aged in 100% French Allier oak. Château des Charmes uses only highly prized oak barrels sourced from a single forest in France. The Estate Bottled Chardonnay is round, full bodied and very concentrated. Flavours of oak and butter make this dry, white wine a classic companion for most grilled foods. Winner of numerous awards and accolades over the years. 3,974 cases produced. Harvested October 15, 2007.
“A fulsome, well-balanced chardonnay with ripe apple-pineapple, light toast, butter and clove on the nose. It’s medium-full bodied and fleshy, with a good core of acidity. The finish is fresh, with a dash of clove. Very good length, and terrific value. 88 pts. Very good.”
– David Lawrason, Toronto Life Eating & Drinking Guide, 2010
“This is a delicious wine for the price. Straw-coloured with a nose of apple, cut grass and a discreet note of oak. On the palate it offers sweet apple and melon flavours. It’s richly extracted, full-bodied with moderate length. 88 pts. Very good.”
– Tony Aspler, Tidings, September, 2009
“Sit down folks, because I'm about to extol the virtues of a Chardonnay. So when one strikes my palate and awakens my senses, I like to shout about it. Those who follow Ontario's growing seasons know that 2007 was a great year, but the always reliable Chardonnay did alright for itself. This beauty starts off with a great vanilla-caramel nose and pleasant white fruit smells - I like smelling (and tasting) fruit in my oaked Chardonnay … the fruit continues onto the palate with vanilla and a touch of spice - great acid balance gives this one a pleasant long finish ... and the more than reasonable price bumps this wine up to a five star rating. Outstanding. 5 / 5 stars.”
– Michael Pinkus,OntarioWineReview.com, June 2009
Food Pairings
This wine is a perfect match for roast poultry, pork, or thick cream pastas.
Awards
Cellars of the World International Competition, 2009 - Gold
Sugar Content (0) Retail Price $13.95
2007 Chardonnay Musqué, Estate Bottled
(V.Q.A. Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Chardonnay Musqué is a unique clone of Chardonnay that was pioneered in the Niagara Peninsula by Château des Charmes’ founder Paul Bosc. 2007 Chardonnay Musqué is pale gold in colour with a wonderful aromatic bouquet of spiced fruit and honeysuckle. This full bodied Chardonnay is non-oaked in order to allow the wine to fully express it’s unique musqué characteristic. 724 cases produced. Harvested September 27, 2007.
“This intense, aromatic white showcases a unique type of Niagara-grown chardonnay grape. Its ripe pear and macaroon aromas lead to a rich, beautifully balanced play of peach and papaya.”
– Annie Reid and Kelly Robson, Chatelaine, October, 2009
“Niagara excels at musqué, a clone with a floral muscat-like aroma that’s unusual for chardonnay. Expect licorice and melon aromas, rich texture and good length. Chill well; pair with salads. 89 pts.”
– David Lawrason, TorontoLife.com, July, 2009
Food Pairings
Chardonnay Musqué is best enjoyed with grilled chicken or salmon or on its own as an aperitif.
Awards
Ontario Wine Awards, 2009 – Silver
Sugar Content (0) Retail Price $16.95
2007 'Old Vines' Riesling, Estate Bottled
(V.Q.A. Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Estate grown and bottled from grapes sourced exclusively from the Château’s own vineyards, this dry Riesling has a bright, light gold colour with pronounced lemon and lime aromas and mineral notes, fresh on the palate with a clean, lingering finish. 1,508 cases produced. Harvested October 19, 2007.
“Riesling continues to be a strong suit at Château des Charmes. From the very ripe 2007 vintage this may be the most buxom they have ever created. Look for very attractive, ripe petrol, peach, mossy and spicy character nose. Quite full bodied, and lush. Very good to excellent length. Best 2009 to 2013.”
– David Lawrason, WinerytoHome.com, July, 2009
Food Pairings
Dry Rieslings are the most versatile of food wines. You won’t go wrong trying this wine with seafood, poultry, Asian cuisine, or even white meats with fruit sauces.
Awards
Ontario Wine Awards, 2009 – Bronze
Sugar Content (1) Retail Price $16.95
2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Bottled
(V.Q.A. Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Château des Charmes Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from grapes grown exclusively in our own vineyards. Bright, light gold colour with pronounced flavours of gooseberry and citrus fruit and a clean lingering finish. 1250 cases produced. Harvested September 18, 2007.
Food Pairings
Sauvignon Blanc is among the most versatile of food wines. You won’t go wrong trying this wine with herb chicken or cream pasta dishes or even Asian cuisine.
Sugar Content (0) Retail Price $12.95
2008 Sauvignon Gris, Estate Bottled
(V.Q.A. Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Château des Charmes Sauvignon Gris was sourced from grapes grown exclusively in our own vineyards. Bright, light gold colour with pronounced flavours of gooseberry and citrus fruit with a mineral influence and a clean lingering finish. A refreshing and easy drinking wine that is exceptional with food or as an aperitif. 352 cases produced. Harvested September 27, 2008.
Food Pairings
Best enjoyed with white meat, grilled fish or cream pasta dishes or even Asian cuisine.
Sugar Content (1) Retail Price $19.95
2008 Aligoté, Estate Bottled (V.Q.A. Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Château des Charmes Winemaster Paul Bosc was the first North American winegrower to import the Aligoté grape variety from Burgundy. By restricting the yield in the vineyard he is able to produce a dry, white wine with hints of green apples and butter. Crisp with excellent fruit concentration. 2,000 cases produced. Harvested September 30, 2008.
“For straightforward light sipping or mild fish and seafood, this wine is ideal, with subtle, fresh apple-pear fruit, a touch of minerality and grapefruit. Clean, bright acidity is key and length is very good. 87 pts.”
– David Lawrason, Wine Access Buyer's Guide, January, 2010
“Aligoté is a rare vinifera native to Burgundy, France, that has been grown by Château des Charmes since 1978. Big and fresh aromas of pear and melon. This affordable white shows crisp and refreshing citrus and apple notes. 3 ½ stars / 5.”
– Rick VanSickle, Osprey Media, January, 2010
“We began with an excellent Aligoté from Niagara's Château des Charmes. Winemaster Paul Bosc was the first in North America to import this Burgundy native, and the result is nothing short of spectacular, with bold, crisp fruit and a gentle mineral finish. Drinkable on its own, it develops additional character when paired with the right food.”
– Pam Grant, Victoria Times Colonist, December, 2009
“Tantalizing aromas jump from the glass with mineral notes and ripe Bosc pear. Expressing itself on the palate with tree fruit – Granny Smith apple, pear and citrus—there’s a persistent stream of crisp refreshing flavour through the lengthy well-balanced finish. Medium bodied and nicely textured, there’s a surge of nervy citrus on the aftertaste that’s looking for a cuisine match. Had mine with steamed mussels and it was divine.”
– Vic Harridine, WineCurrent.com, November, 2009
Food Pairings
Aligoté is best enjoyed with seafood, particularly shellfish or on its own as an excellent aperitif.
Sugar Content (0) Retail Price $13.55
2007 Late Harvest Riesling, Estate Bottled
(V.Q.A Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Château des Charmes Late Harvest Riesling is a rich and flavourful dessert wine. Exuding aromas of citrus and tropical fruit, it is full and sweet on the palate with excellent balancing acidity. This estate bottled wine is excellent to drink now, but will continue to develop in the bottle for many years. 1597 cases produced. Harvested October 24, 2007.
“Fantastic value as a subtle Icewine understudy. This Gold Medallist from the 2009 Ontario Wine Awards was 100% stainless-steel fermented and aged using a yeast specifically matched to Riesling. Think apricots, marmalade and fresh lemons. Alone, over berries or with chocolate. 91pts. Exceptional, stylish and memorable.”
– Frank Baldock’s Wine Express, March, 2010
“An excellent dessert wine which will be great with a creamy blue cheese, like gorgonzola. Classic honey, ripe peach, pear and citrus aromas are toned by some mineral and petrol notes. It is medium-sweet, with rich flavours that are balanced beautifully by a seam of racy acidity. Very good to excellent length. Best 2010 to 2013.Very good quality and enjoyable to drink. 89 pts.”
– Steve Thurlow, Wine Access Buyer’s Guide, March, 2010
“Winner of a Gold Medal as Best Late Harvest Wine at the 2009 Ontario Wine Awards. Classic honeycomb, ripe peach, pear and mango dominate this delicious medium-sweet dessert wine. Its rich flavours are balanced beautifully by a seam of racy acidity. This long-finishing dessert wine is a great match for a cheese plate. My note: Absolutely perfect for when you don’t want the concentrated sweetness of Icewine but still want that peach and peach preserve essence! This is a wine to come back to again and again. Pair with: Beemster, blue cheese. 90 pts.”
– Natalie MacLean, Natalie MacLean.com, February, 2010
“Shows a heady array of petrol, minerals, peach-lemon marmalade and lanolin on the nose. The fun never stops with this medium sweet wine that delivers honeycomb, peach compote and tropical flavours. Fantastic! 4.5 stars / 5.”
– Rick VanSickle, Osprey Media, March, 2010
“Delicately sweet but balanced by vibrant acidity, this has attractive custard pear and baked apple flavours alongside some honeyed Riesling florality. Moderate finish.Very tasty indeed. 89 pts.”
– John Szabo, WineAlign.com, February, 2010
“A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Ontario Wine Awards, this dessert wine is a fabulous expression of the vintage and the varietal. Luscious aromas of sweet tropical fruit—mangoes with a squirt of lime come to mind—ripe stone fruit and lemon delight pie. The flavours are consistent, with a honeyed texture that is well balanced with bright acidity. Sweet, but not too sweet, it’s harmonious with a beautiful heft. It’s a dream to sip with artisan cheese or a fruit tart. 4.5 stars./ 5."
– Susan Desjardins, Winecurrent.com, February, 2010
“A perpetual award winner (Ontario Wine Awards 2009 Gold). Expect peaches, apples, some orange marmalade, and later some apricots kick in. Great Riesling character, off-sweet. The winery suggests pairing it with any kind of chocolate.”
– Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, February, 2010
“This sweetie delivers on both the nose and the palate: peach, sweet pear, mac apple and a slight petrol note. That petrol will be full throttle in the next 3-4 years, so I recommend drinking it sooner than later,and why not, it's incredibly enjoyable right now. 4.5 stars / 5."
– Michael Pinkus, OntarioWineReview.com, January, 2010
Food Pairings
This wine is an excellent accompaniment to light desserts and creamy cheeses.
Awards
Ontario Wine Awards, 2010 – Gold
Ontario Wine Awards, 2009 – Gold
Sugar Content (10) Retail Price $21.95 / 375 ml.
2006 'Old Vines' Cabernet-Merlot, Estate Bottled
(V.Q.A. Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Cabernet-Merlot is a classically styled blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot that has been aged for one year in French oak barrels. The resulting wine is complex with flavours of dark chocolate, raspberry and cassis. Estate grown and bottled from grapes sourced exclusively from the Chateau's own vineyards. Ready to drink now, but will continue to develop in the bottle for 5-10 years. 2,300 cases produced. Harvested on October 15, 30, 2006.
Food Pairings
This full bodied red wine is excellent with any red meat or tomato pasta dish.
Sugar Content (0) Retail Price $19.95 / 750 ml.
2007 'Old Vines' Pinot Noir, Estate Bottled
(V.Q.A. Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Produced in small lots from 100% estate-grown Pinot Noir grapes, this fine wine is vinified according to traditional Burgundian methods including aging in small Allier oak barrels. Ruby in colour, velvety smooth in the mouth with a complex and lingering cherry flavour. 1640 cases produced. Harvested September 21, 2007.
Food Pairings
This Pinot Noir is finely matched with game, meats, rich pastas or strong cheeses.
Sugar Content (0) Retail Price $18.95.
2007 Cabernet Franc, Estate Bottled
(V.Q.A. Niagara-on-the-Lake)
The inaugural vintage of this wine was made from hand-selected grapes grown in our own vineyards. The tradition of sourcing grapes from different vineyards adds character and dimension to wine. The warm 2007 growing season produced concentrated currant and cassis aromas and flavours. Nine months in 1-year old French oak barrels layered in a touch of spice and smoke. 1,993 cases produced. Harvested October 12, 2007.
“An exceptional warm, dry growing season delivered grapes brimming with flavour, concentration and finesse. Nine months in French oak has added spice and smoke without masking the seductive cassis and blackberry fruit at the core. Ageable five years but delicious now with pork loin, New York steak, rabbit and feathered game. 92 pts. Exceptional, stylish and memorable.”
– Frank Baldock’s Wine Express, March, 2010
“…Château des Charmes Cabernet Franc is a delight, once again proving Niagara can produce a quality red under $15. A VQA red with solid depth. Full aromas of ripe summer cherries, blackberry, vanilla and a hint of mocha. The flavours show cedar, black cherry, blueberry and blackberry, all infused with a subtle weave of smokiness. Nice length. Can hold in a cellar for up to four years. 89 pts.”
– Gord Stimmell, Toronto Star, May, 2010
“This debut release of Cabernet Franc is a stunning value that shows the potential for this variety in Ontario. The nose shows aromas of black cherry, with raspberry, plum and oak spice. The palate is very even, almost elegant, midweight yet very tight, with very good length. Tannins poke through on the finish, so best with roast meats. Best 2010 to 2016. Very good quality and enjoyable to drink. 88 pts.”
– Steve Thurlow, Wine Access Buyer’s Guide, March, 2010
“Another great value from this St. Davids winery. Ripe bramble berries that are lightly spiced on the nose. The cherry-berry fruit comes at you in layers in the mouth with medium tannins and hint of earth and spice on the finish. 4 stars / 5.”
– Rick VanSickle, Osprey Media, March, 2010
“The highly extracted purple robe reflects the ideal conditions of the 2007 vintage. Rich ripe fruity floral notes complemented with sweet spice drift from the glass. Underlaid with ripe tannin and fresh acidity, an array of flavours wash across the palate—toasty char, dark berries and a pleasant earthiness. Robust and strongly textured, it’s a foodie’s wine. Enjoy it with herbed rack of lamb or veal chops, and don’t forget a few bottles for the cellar—it provides good value! 4 stars / 5.”
– Susan Desjardins, Winecurrent.com, March, 2010
“Cabernet Franc does well in Niagara, and this one shows its stuff effectively. You'll find good complexity in the solid flavours, good balance and nice tannic dryness. Drink it with red meats.”
– Rod Phillips, The Ottawa Citizen, March, 2010
“Done in a warm vintage, just crawling with over the top concentrated black fruit (blackberries, black currants, black cherries) but not sweet. Nine months in all French oak, crackling smoke and toast throughout. Nifty, and a steal at the price.”
– Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures Writing, February, 2010
“This is a very flavourful wine suitable for special gatherings - especially around the barbecue. The wine is aged for only nine months in French oak barrels. On the nose, expect aromas of fresh cherries and black berry fruit with a light tobacco and pepper - not overpowering. On the palate you will find more complexity including notes of blueberries, black berry fruit, more smoke and some vanilla. This is a great summer red for the barbecue. 4 stars / 5
– James Geneau, Gremolata.com, February, 2010
“I tried this wine as a sneak preview at the recent Château des Charmes new label launch… it delivers outstanding value and shows how Cabernet Franc flourishes in Ontario. The nose has aromas of cherry-tobacco and blackberry, while the palate is complex: smoky, tobacco, blueberries, black raspberries, smooth with a long smoky-vanilla finish. Buy half a dozen, this should evolve well over the next decade, and is a bargain at under $15. ****½ (out of 5).”
– Michael Pinkus, OntarioWineReview.com, October, 2009
Food Pairings This versatile Cabernet Franc will add flair to your favourite homemade gourmet burger and more than a little elegance to veal marsala.
Sugar Content (0) Retail Price $13.95.
2007 Cabernet Franc Icewine, Estate Bottled
(V.Q.A Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Cabernet Franc has acclimatized extremely well to the Niagara Peninsula so it is a good candidate to make into Icewine. We tend these blocks of Cabernet Franc like the others carefully managing the yields and of course keeping the bunches clean by removing any berries at the first signs of breakdown. Then we wait. And in late January, when the temperature dropped to -13ºC we hand-harvested the bunches by the light of the moon. 473 cases produced. Harvested January 20, 2008.
Food Pairings
This wine is an excellent accompaniment to simple but decadent desserts like New York cheesecake drizzled with a reduction of the Cab Franc Icewine and of course a glass of the wine on the side or a velvety chocolate fudge cake with a fresh strawberry compote between the layers.
“CdC’s first ever Franc Icewine is pure gold – cuvee gold that is, winning the top spot. It explodes with red fruits: strawberries, cherries and guava with a milk chocolate undercurrent. Full-bodied with an oh-so-long and seductive finale. Drink it with chocolate fondue or a plain cheesecake, as the wine will work as the fruit coulis. 92 pts.”
– Tidings, July/August, 2010
Cuvée, February, 2010 – Gold Award
Sugar Content (24) Retail Price $75.00 / 375 ml.
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