2020 Quintus
Quintus is the final stepping stone in our quest to make our “Holy Grail” wine; Sextus. Made in only five previous vintages, Quintus combines the five classic “First Growth” grape varieties to gain fascinating complexity. There are only 5 true Bordeaux First Growth producers, considered to be among the very best in the world. However, the prices on the current releases hover over $1,000.00 a bottle. Our late co-founder, Richard Karlo set out to prove that Ontario’s terroir could create similar magic for an affordable price. So we sought out the best fruit and value. With his remarkable blending skills, our Winemaker, Derek Barnett, has married the classic noble grape varieties, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon into the sixth vintage of Quintus in Karlo’s history, the 2020.
13% alc./vol. 750 mL
Dry Red Wine
VQA Ontario
Winemaker’s Notes
All varieties, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, were picked at optimal ripeness, crushed and destemmed before being fermented in small lots with multiple daily hand punchdowns. Following extended skin contact, the wines were aged separately for 23 months in oak casks prior to being racked. After bench trials, the five wines were blended and gently hand bottled.
Tasting Notes
The colour is deep garnet. On the nose, aromas of violet florals, raspberry, and wild strawberry juice with savoury notes, vanilla, toasted marshmallow, tobacco, earth, white pepper and a hint of dark chocolate. With a weighted body, structure and grippy tannins, you’ll find the soft, clean ripe fruit of red and black raspberry with cherry, blackberry, dark plums and cassis. Added complexity comes from black olive, liquorice and sweet oak.
Pairing Notes
Dark barley stews, black beans, portabello mushrooms, salt and pepper kettle chips, seitan brisket, chickpeas, smoked paprika, tamari, “facon” BLTs, lentils, brown rice, oats, black mushrooms, ancient grains, and deluxe salted mixed nuts.