2019 Van Alstine White
White port is rarely seen outside of Portugal, which is why we decided to make some ourselves. This wine comes from a single vine in our vineyard that went through “spontanious mutation” from Frontenac Noir to become Frontenac Gris and then mutated again to become Frontenac Blanc. We had our viticulturalist take clippings from one vine and graft them onto root stock so by the next spring we had enough vines to plant the first one acre commercial planting of Frontenac Blanc in Ontario. With Frontenac’s intense taste profile, high brix of sugar and high acid, it lends itself to making a beautiful fortified wine that is fruit-forward, beautifully balanced and leaves the palate clean.
17.5% alc./vol. 375 mL
Fortified white wine
Property Grown
Best enjoyed now to 2039
Winemakers’ Notes
The fruit was picked in mid-October, crushed, de-stemmed, pressed and inoculated with selected yeasts to encourage aromatics. Racked off sediment a month later and cold stabilized. Finished by balancing to desired sweetness - A little lower in sugars and in alcohol than a true Port.
Tasting Notes
Another first, Karlo Estates VanAlstine White is an unusual fortified wine made exclusively from property-grown Frontenac Blanc. The nose is of fresh pear, pineapple, passionfruit, apricot and honey with hints of rose. On the palate, tropical notes and citrus blend with coconut water like a tiki bar explosion to interplay with a kiss of hazelnut. Balanced sweetness gives way to a lingering finish. Accused of being “Heaven in a glass.” by the Cellar Sisters. This wine sells out fast.
Pairing Notes
Traditionally served as an aperitif when people first arrive with salted nuts or something spicy, it’s meant to help you relax, warm up and get the party started right. It also pairs well as a dessert wine with things that are savoury like cashew cheesecake, almond crème brûlée or apple strudel.