Pillitteri Estates Reserve Vidal Icewine (20cl) 2015

Canada’s wine industry only began to blossom in the 1970s, with the proliferation of small, quality focused wineries – and in particular, the “consistently high quality of the sweet wines” that began to appear (Jancis Robinson MW). Gary Pillitteri – a fruit farmer and market stall holder whose parents had emigrated from Sicily in the 1940s – made his first icewine in 1988. It won a Gold medal in a local competition and Gary went on to found one of the Niagara Peninsula’s most successful cellars, now with over 800 top international and national awards. This Reserve wine can only be made in outstanding vintages, making it a rare treat. The grapes can only be picked when they are frozen, so this is a true labour of love. Sip slowly and savour.