Winemaker's Notes
There are two distinct styles of Pinot in the world of wine: big, jammy fruit bombs typical of hot climates, and a more delicate, nuanced and balanced wine with silky tannins that is more typical in cool climates. Our Pinot Noir most often is described in the latter style. It should remind you of strawberries and violets on the nose with a hint of mushrooms. On the palate the tannins are nicely integrated giving the wine structure and ageability.
In memory of Michèle Bosc, $1 from the sale of each bottle of Cuvée Michèle Pinot Noir at the winery or online will be donated to the Camp Kerry Society which specializes in providing bereavement programs and support to individuals and families impacted by serious illness, grief and loss.
Vineyard Manager's Notes
Pinot Noir is known the world over as the “heart break grape” because of how difficult it is to grow well. The slightest bit of moisture in the air can spell trouble so it is critical that we stay vigilant during the growing season. Our sustainable practices mean we are in the vineyards routinely, so we can spot the beginnings of a problem and stop it from developing.
Our sustainable practices include never using herbicides; we control weeds by tilling them into the soil where they add nutrients; our cellars are geothermal environments where heating and air conditioning are not needed at any time during the year. These are just a few examples of our environmentally friendly practices both in the vineyards and in the winery.
Bosc Family Food Pairings
The classic Burgundian pairing of Pinot Noir and locally raised lamb can certainly apply in Ontario with many farmers raising lamb. Try this Pinot Noir with a lamb burger fresh off the grill topped with caramelized onions.
Technical Notes
| Harvest Date |
Alcohol |
Brix at Harvest |
PH |
Total Acidity |
Cases Produced |
Residual Sugar |
| September 22 |
12.1% |
23˚ |
3.65 |
4.5 |
4415 |
1 g/L |
Featured Accolades
"A lovely young wine, with some forest floor (mushrooms, earth) to complement the red fruit (strawberries are hinted by the winemaker). Estate grown and bottled. Good written notes on the back label are spot on. Just under subtle oaking, with a moderate intensity of medium flavours. Ready to drink now. Cork closure, 12.1% ABV. Try with lamb burgers. Dedicated to the late Michèle Bosc." 90 points. --Dean Tudor, Gothic Epicures, March 2020.
"Clean, simple, fruity, soft, easy drinking pinot, oak-free, designed for immediate consumption. Chill and crack." 86 points -- John Szabo, MS, WineAlign.com, March 2020.
"Please note this significant label change on Château des Charmes general list Pinot Noir. ($16.95) Going forward from the 2018 vintage, it will carry the “Cuvée Michèle” designation in honour of Michèle Bosc, beloved partner of winery president Paul Bosc Jr. The wine is full of verve, charm and grace...so utterly appropriate of a tribute to her. Raise a glass with a cherished one and celebrate life. It’s short." -- Konrad Ejbich, WineZone, March 2020.
"A tribute to Michèle Bosc’s memory—along with her favourite white grape, Aligoté—this new-world styled pinot noir offers an aromatic nose of strawberry coulis, Swedish berry and a bit of earthy tone in the backdrop. This is medium-light bodied with crunchy red fruit acidity a nice little grip of tannin and a dry fruity-savoury finish. There’s excellent value in this pleasing wine. It’s lovely poured with grilled salmon or red tuna sashimi. 90 points -- Louise Boutin, winecurrent.com. March 2020
