WINE TERROIR
Terroir (tehr-waar); a common phrase amongst wine enthusiasts, covering the specific environmental qualities of wine development including its growth process, temperature, climate, and soil composition. Tasted through its aromatic and earthy notes.
The Town of Essex is ripe with agricultural growth & prosperity. The soil in this region has the main ingredients for a unique wine terroir. We are situated within parallel 41-43 N, a globally recognized environment for growing grapes and making wine. Other popular wine destinations situated on this parallel are California, Spain, France, & Montenegro.
The proximity to the equator, climate in our region, ripe soil, and of course terroir make for some absolutely fantastic wines. The terroir of any wine is the relation to the environment the grapes were grown in. The main three considerations into a wines terroir are soil, topography, and climate. The wider more vague considerations are the authenticity and specific local flavour (with contrast to globally grown & produced varieties).
These magical ingredients allow grape plants to thrive here. Topographically the Town of Essex is situated on the shores of Lake Erie and also in proximity to the shores of Lake St. Clair. Being located on Lake Erie allow the vines and grapes to maintain moderate temperatures into mid to late November. Our unique placement along the equator also enables grapes to thrive, with warm temperatures during the day, and cooler temperatures at night without drastic change. The soil in Windsor Essex is the perfect balance between limestone, sandy loam, protective loam, and clay.
FUN FACT!
Another huge benefit to this region is the southern proximity! You do not have to take a flight out to California, Spain, or Italy just yet... Southern orientation produces heat and an extended growing season, which allows the region to grow Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, two varieties that cannot grow in the Niagara region.
Varieties that can grow in The Town of Essex:
- Gewurztraminer
- Riesling - Chardonnay
- Pinot - Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir
- Gamay Noir
- Baco Noir
- Viognier
- Auxerrois
- Vidal
- Merlot
- Meritage
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Cabernet Franc
- Syrah - Regent
- Chambourcin
- Marechal Foch
If you enjoy the Niagara and Prince Edward County wine regions and their selection of wines, you are sure to love what there is to offer in the Town of Essex! Now go taste some different wines and stop wining about it, haha, get it?
Learn more about our wineries here!