Why PEC is great for making wine
Prince Edward County is renowned for its unique terroir, making it an excellent region for wine production. The area’s distinct geology, characterized by broken limestone bedrock and stony soils, provides ideal conditions for viticulture.
During the spring, these soils offer excellent drainage, ensuring the vines aren’t waterlogged, which is crucial for healthy growth. However, the limestone acts like a wet sponge, retaining enough moisture to support the vines throughout the hot summer months.
This combination of soil properties forces the vines to grow deeper in search of water, which leads to smaller yields with highly concentrated flavors. As a result, the wines produced here are known for their complexity and depth, making Prince Edward County a sought-after appellation for wine enthusiasts.
Did you know that Prince Edward County grows apples? The region’s climate and soil conditions make it an ideal location for cultivating specific apple varieties used in hard cider production. The county’s unique climate, influenced by its proximity to Lake Ontario, creates the perfect growing environment for apples, helping them develop rich and complex flavors.
Additionally, the soil in the area contributes to the high quality of the apples. The combination of stony and well-draining soils helps produce apples that are perfect for cider making, which is why Prince Edward County has become a hub for crafting some of the finest ciders around
Prince Edward County Wine Pairing
Prince Edward County is known for its cool climate wines, which feature crisp acidity and balanced flavors—perfect for pairing with a variety of BBQ dishes. The region’s sparkling wines, rosés, and lighter reds like Pinot Noir or Gamay work beautifully with the smoky, savory flavors of BBQ.
Here are some common pairings, and some paring we did in the first season of Jarvis Bros Cookout.
- Smoked Brisket: A bold BBQ dish like brisket pairs well with red wine so we choose Amanda’s Vineyard’s red wine. Its light body and earthy undertones enhance the richness of the meat without overpowering it.
- Smoked Chicken Thighs or Ribs: Try a Chardonnay from the region. Its acidity balances the fattiness of these cuts, and its oak notes complement the smoky flavors. For craft beer lovers try a Pale Ale. We chose an American Lager from 555 Brewing and a citrus beer called “So Many Friends” from Prince Eddys Brewery.
- BBQ Turkey: For smoked or fried turkey, we paired it with white wine from Amanda’s Vineyards. The bright fruitiness and acidity cut through the richness of the turkey.
- Cider Pairings: Prince Edward County is also famous for its ciders. A dry, crisp cider pairs well with pork ribs or chicken, adding a refreshing contrast to BBQ’s heavy, smoky taste. We paired a delicious pear cider from County Cider Company with deep-fried local Yellow Pickerel and chips caught fresh from Lake Ontario.
What are the challenges of growing grapes in Prince Edward County?
The harsh winters and the unique climate present significant challenges for grape growers, requiring careful attention to site selection and vine management. This is the main reason for growing hybrid grapes in PEC.
Growing hybrid grapes offers several significant benefits:
- Disease Resistance: Hybrid grapes are often bred to resist common vineyard diseases like mildew, botrytis, phylloxera, and Pierce’s disease, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Cold Hardiness: Hybrids can withstand colder climates, making them ideal for regions with harsh winters, like PEC.
- Drought Tolerance: Many hybrid varieties are bred for improved drought tolerance, reducing water usage and making them more sustainable. Prince Edward County gets harsh winters and dry hot summers.
- Fungus Resistance: Hybrids have been developed to resist fungal infections, further decreasing the need for pesticides.
- Environmental Sustainability: The reduced need for spraying and irrigation makes hybrids a more sustainable choice for modern vineyards
What grape varieties thrive in Prince Edward County?
Popular varieties include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc, which thrive in the cool-climate conditions of the region.
When is the grapevine growing season in PEC?
The growing season typically starts in late spring, and although it may be slightly delayed, a sunny fall can lead to great vintages.
How does Prince Edward County’s climate affect the quality of its wines?
The cool nights and warm days help to create high-quality wines by enhancing grape acidity, which is crucial for flavor balance.
Due to the uniqueness of the wine we wanted to pair some with BBQ and smoked meats.
