2022 Bella Terra “Wild Ferment” Riesling | 91pts

This is my 3rd vintage tasting this wine and this is by far the most friendly and approachable release of the Wild Ferment Riesling, mostly because of the higher residual sugar. Once austere and geeky, the 2022 version is much friendlier.

Textural but also energetic, this Riesling might have the most NOTL authenticity of them all. No petrol/kerosene delivery here, only pure fruits, florality and minerality.

On the nose, gentle aromas of honeydew, fresh pineapple, yellow apple, citrus and jasmine. Roundness and purity lift the palate with stunning flavours of mandarin, honey melon, peach, pineapple and lemon drop. A burst of ginger highlights the length of the mineral driven finish.

Outstanding complexity for a wine under $25. (Carl Boucher, August 12, 2024).

2022 Bella Terra “Wild Ferment” Riesling
ON, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
100% Riesling | Dry (12.9g/L RS) | 11.5% ABV
91pts Carl's Wine Club

Food pairings: spicy sausage on the grill, Cajun chicken thighs with wild rice
Drink now until 2032
Winery Price: $24.95 including tax & deposit