Flat Rock's Twisted wines are celebrating 20 years with this excellent rendition of their original Niagara white blend. Crunchy orchard fruit flavours meld seamlessly with lychee fruit, ginger spice, lime peel and a hint of rosewater. No need to twist yourself in a knot finding your new favourite; it's been here all along.
Opulent nose, with layers of toast, cashew nut, hints of struck match, and lush vanilla oak leading to a textured palate of bright lemon, plush peach, rounded, supple oak spice and apple. Score - 95. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2023)
100% Riesling. One measure of Ontario's success in the wine world is the fact that so many different varieties seem to be happy there -- Chardonnay and Pinot can both be outstanding, while Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Gamay all show great promise. (And that's before we start talking about Ontario's dazzling panoply of icewines.) Riesling, though, may still be the most successful variety of all, as this assured dry table wine shows. The scents trace out citrus and cologne in pithy, zesty style, while the wine is no less zesty and pithy in the mouth: crunchy apple and juicy clementine with a twist of lemon peel. Crisp natural acidity, balanced and fruit-resonant, leaves the mouth tingling after every sip. Best in Show. Score - 97. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2022)
Flat Rock Twisted 2023 Charmat method bubble is a great value sparkler. Produced from 86% Riesling, 13% Chardonnay with the balance in Gewürztraminer, it is fragrant with ripe apple, lemon zest, tart orchard and stone fruit flavours on a lively and persistent mousse. Winemaker Andrea Perez Castillo suggests a pairing of sushi, tempura vegetables or potato chips. Score - 91. (nataliemaclean.com, Dec. 14, 2024)
From an industry leader, this floral Riesling comes at you with gorgeous citrus, flowers, herbs and mineral, plus lively freshness and zest. Intense, complex and an amazing value, it's an Ontario gem. Try it with spiced sushi or a spiced honey-glazed ham.
Traditional grapes with a twist. This is an off-beat blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay. Vivid grapefruit, lime, herbs, nuts and stony minerality. Makes a great sipping wine or pair it with spicy calamari or roasted pork tenderloin.
The 2024 Twisted Rosé has plentiful ripe strawberry, raspberry, apple and citrus. Pair this tangy, zesty, vibrant, fun, food-friendly wine with spicy sushi, salmon, or a platter of grilled summer veggies.
Flat Rock is one of Ontario's most trusted Chardonnay producers, and this unoaked version is among the most consistent wines in the region. It's ripe and quite plush, yet crisp, bright and refreshing, with impressively presented orchard fruit and a noted purity of mineral expression. Precise and perfectly cool-climate. Pair it with grilled chicken or grilled stuffed mushrooms.
The vintage-dated Riddled sparkling editions from Flat Rock are a most intriguing set of wines ... There is a fullness and rich mousse quality to '21 that's not far from '20, with a slower-paced and mellow feeling gained. Tons of fruit and also flavour though some past Riddled vintages have shown much more long-lived potential. Like 2006 and 2011, still this '21 will continue to surprise for a spell. Drink 2024-2028. Tasted October 2024. Score - 90. (Michael Godel, winealign.com)