Pearl Morissette Primesautier

Grape: Lemberger (Blaufränkisch)
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Vintage: 2024
Body: Medium
Sweetness: Dry
Style: Juicy
ABV: 12%

A bright, energetic red from Niagara made from 100% Lemberger, better known in Austria as Blaufränkisch. Cranberry, raspberry and tart blueberry meet blood orange, violets and peppery herbs, with vibrant acidity and fine tannins keeping everything fresh. It’s light to medium-bodied, crunchy and absolutely happy with a slight chill.

Pearl Morissette has been particularly interested in what Lemberger can do in Niagara. The grape is much more commonly associated with Central Europe, especially Austria, Hungary and Germany, but its combination of freshness, spice and naturally vibrant acidity makes it a fascinating fit for Ontario.

And the naming gets wonderfully confusing. Lemberger and Blaufränkisch are the same grape, while in Hungary you’ll find it called Kékfrankos. One grape, several identities, and apparently a pretty good Canadian accent.

Bright, peppery and a little wild. A very convincing argument for more Lemberger in Niagara.