Niagara River

Niagara River is a sub-region in Niagara Peninsula, Canada.

Vidal leads the plantings, with Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, plus one more alongside it.

Vines root into clay, free-draining and sand.

The climate is continental, running frost risk.

The vineyards themselves read as east-facing, riverside and slopes.

Icewine, dry white wine and red wine is what the region is known for, and in the glass it shows sweet and concentrated, character from the region’s terroir, rich and complex and blending cabernet sauvignon and merlot.

Quality is codified by the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA), which is worth reading off the label.

Producers worth knowing include Inniskillin, Reif Estate Winery and Two Sisters Vineyards.

Pour them alongside blue cheeses, desserts, rich meats and spicy dishes.

Serve at around 7°C.

In the glass.

Icewine: Sweet and concentrated.

Dry white: Character from the region's terroir.

Red: Rich and complex, Blending cabernet sauvignon and merlot.

Grapes planted here.

Classifications.

• Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA)

Producers worth knowing.

Bottles to look for.

• Closson Chase 'The Brock Vineyard' Chardonnay, Niagara River, Canada
• Reif Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Niagara River, Canada
• Reif Estate Winery Chenin Blanc, Niagara River, Canada
• Reif Estate Winery First Growth Pinot Noir, Niagara River, Canada
• Reif Estate Winery Grand Reserve Cabernet Icewine, Niagara River, Canada
• Reif Estate Winery Grand Reserve Vidal Icewine, Niagara River, Canada
• Reif Estate Winery Meritage Red, Niagara River, Canada
• Reif Estate Winery Pinot Grigio, Niagara River, Canada

At the table.

• blue cheeses
• desserts
• rich meats
• spicy dishes

Serving and cellaring.

• Serve at around 7°C.

Nearby regions.

Niagara River: common questions

More from here: every wine region in Canada, or the wider Niagara Peninsula guide.