WTN: 2010 Scotch Block Winery Halton White

$12.95 at the winery. Synthetic cork closure. 11% alc./vol.

Bright, clear straw colour with a pale yellow glint. Some very minor carbonation clings to the inside of the glass. Clean and fruity nose of pineapple, green apple, honeysuckle and canteloupe. Briskly crisp on the entry, balanced with residual sweetness. Bracing, clean, balanced palate-feel, with a zesty, just-off-dry, but crisp, texture. Fruity and lively.

[David M. Bueker]

What's the grape content?

Not really sure as it doesn't figure on the label. It's a blend that varies from year to year; but I do know that the initial launch (2002) was composed of Vidal, Seyval, Cayuga, and Auxerrois. It's a regional wine, and very good year in, year out.

[David M. Bueker]

Thanks. Having the freedom to vary the blend from year to year woud seem to be a big plus for most.

Thanks. Having the freedom to vary the blend from year to year woud seem to be a big plus for most.

Absolutely! As a home cider maker, I get to see this year in and year out. There are tart apples, tannic apples, bland apples and high-sugar apples. I know that's comparing apples and grapes . . . but blending of course has numerous purposes.

I got to see first hand one year what a smart thing they did at the winery planting a variety of grapes. One winter, the Cayuga was wiped out to the ground because of a protracted hard frost. The Seyval, however, was virtually unaffected.