Inniskillin Illuvia
In Stock
A quintessential expression of Niagara’s signature variety, ILLUVIA unfolds with opulent notes of sun-dried red plum and ripe blackberries.
Each sip evokes the strength, sophistication, and layered complexity of Niagara’s finest terroir — a wine as captivating as the land from which it was born.
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
The 2022 Niagara harvest started on September 15th. The summer was relatively warm and dry, early precipitation in the fall maintained the vines and no stress was seen going into harvest. September began with typical conditions without the high humidity. Following the harvest of red hybrids, the early vinifera grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc showed great potential. Late September brought moderate precipitation in short bursts, which allowed maturity and ripening to happen with no stress to the vines. and growers made quick work of harvesting the lighter than normal crop. The remaining grapes were allowed to hang get full ripening potential, as conditions were ideal. Growers made quick work to harvest the lighter than normal crop. As several varieties suffered significant bud damage due to colder than normal January resulting in bud death. Harvest finally wrapped on November 5th at Inniskillin Niagara. Quality overall was excellent, we just wish we had more fruit.
Production Notes
Grapes for this ILLUVIA came from Seeger Farms Vineyard from 30 year old vines in the Four Mile Creek VQA appellation, increased sunlight hours, wider spaced rows and cool nights from airflow by the river makes this an ideal site. This wine had a two day cold soak to build color and tannin structure, fermented at 28c for 12 days till dryness with co-inoculation for MLF completed along side primary fermentation. This wine was rack and barrel down in 25% new French oak barrel and aged for 22 months in barrel to build structure and complexity in this cool climate Cabernet franc. Only the best barrels were emptied into the final blend to showcase the beautiful terroir of this vineyard site.
Winemaker Notes
One of the classic “noble” varieties of Bordeaux, the Cabernet Franc is prized for its soft, yet ample tannins,
and its rich and seductive flavours.The 2022 vintage displays the characteristic aromas of black currants,
raspberries, and violets, intensely folded to a ripe full mouth feel that is both balanced and lingering.