Thanks to a mild 2022-23 winter, yields in 2023 were high and spring was warmer than usual, with some of the warmest weather of the year in May and early June. The summer that followed was characterized by an abundance of rain that led to a lack of heat and sun, thus slowing fruit development and increasing disease pressure. Luckily once September arrived, temperatures increased and the rains stopped, which ultimately saved the quality of the vintage. Although disease pressure had been mitigated, lack of ripeness from the summer rains still forced a later than usual harvest date for most varieties.

Riserva Bianco is a sophisticated expression of Canadian winemaking, seamlessly uniting Vidal, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer table wines with the delicate sweetness of naturally frozen grapes. By blending our fresh white varietals with world-renowned dessert wine, it reflects the innovative spirit of the Pillitteri family and our winemaking team. The nose opens with bright, inviting aromas of ripe pear, honeydew melon, candied pineapple, lime blossom, jasmine tea, and a gentle hint of honey, a hallmark of the Select Late Harvest Vidal. On the palate, it delivers a masterclass in balance, where vibrant acidity and freshness from the table wine integrate beautifully with the richness and depth of the dessert wine. The result is a polished, aromatic white that’s both refreshing and indulgent, with a lingering, lightly sweet finish.

Technical Information:

Appellation: VQA Ontario

Blend: 34% Vidal, 26% Riesling, 10% Gewurztraminer, 30% Vidal Select Late Harvest

Alcohol: 11.5% ABV

Residual sugar: 26.6g/L

750ml bottle | White Wine, Vin Blanc