Winemaker's Notes

Our Pinot Gris clone 53 on rootstock 3309 was planted in 1998 at a vine density of 3625 vines per hectare at our sustainably farmed Estate vineyard on the Beamsville Bench. A hot, dry summer followed through to the harvest.

On September 12th, we hand-harvested the fruit at an average of 23.2° brix, titratable acidity of 6.3 g/l and a pH of 3.3. After hand sorting, the majority of the fruit was destemmed and then left on the skins for an average of 3 hours. The rest went straight to press whole cluster. Gently pressed to 1.1 atmospheres, settled, then fermented cool in stainless steel. Aged in stainless steel to preserve fruit and crispness. The finished wine at 12.5% alcohol and 10.5 g/l of residual sugar, was bottled on July 25, 2008. Drink now until 2010.

Food Pairings

Wine Reviews

Bronze Medal Winner Ontario Wine Awards more

Gordon Stimmel Toronto Star
“The Malivoire Pinot Gris is a perfect patio starter, from a winery that eschews use of pesticides, herbicides and foreign chemicals in the vineyard. It’s immaculately pure tasting and a natural experience”.
“Another winning white... Aromas of cling peaches, apple, pear and delicate floral notes. The flavours show a clean minerality, plus a play of pear and floral citrus elements. Very clean and refreshing”

John Szabo Wine Access
There's a new look for Malivoire with their jazzy new labels, and the wine is as good as ever under aptly-named winemaker Shiraz Mottiar. The 2008 Pinot Gris is wonderfully fresh and elegant, with a fine balance of citrus, stone fruit and light spring flowers. The palate has great presence and rich texture, with crisp balancing acid and terrific lingering flavours. This should be in everyone's fridge for summer enjoyment. Rating: 90

Vic Harradine Wine Current
This flavourful and aroma-laden organic Gris delivers very good value. The perfumed nose offers up spice, lychee and Muscat-like aromas while the palate is drenched with flavours of ripe yellow peach, succulent apricot and an explosion of lemony citrus. Medium bodied and generously textured, it finishes dry, refreshing and mouth-watering delicious. Pair with pan-seared scallops over arugula lightly sprinkled with verjus. Rating: ****1/2

SaavyCompany.ca
An amazing crystal clear in colour, with aromas of stone fruit (think peach, nectarine, pear) and a slight floral nose (daisy perhaps?). The aromas continue as light acidity reminiscent of juicy white grapefruit through to the finish. A vibrant and refreshing wine that is well balanced, crisp & dry. Bring on summer!

Tony Aspler April 6, 2009
pale straw; minerally, peach pit nose; medium-bodied, fresh, white peach, dry, fresh and lively on the palate. Good length. Rating: 88