Scents of Summer & Aromatic Whites

By Ilona Brodovska

As the days grew longer and temperatures began to rise, the Toronto Vintners Club welcomed members and guests to a vibrant evening dedicated to Aromatic White Wines.

Showcasing expressive wines from France, Germany, Italy, and South Africa, the tasting highlighted the incredible diversity of grape varieties including Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Arneis, Ribolla Gialla, and Chenin Blanc. It was the perfect way to embrace the arrival of summer through wines bursting with fragrance, freshness, and personality.

The evening began with a refreshing glass of 2022 Tawse Spark Sparkling Wine. Bright and lively, it opened with delicate aromas of green apple, lemon zest, and white blossoms, complemented by fine bubbles and crisp acidity. The wine's refreshing citrus-driven palate and clean finish made it an ideal aperitif, setting the stage for the aromatic journey ahead.

Following the reception, members and guests took their seats for the formal tasting, where a selection of appetizers was served to complement each wine. Guest speaker Tim Reed Manessy led an engaging presentation on the world's most expressive white wine varieties, explaining how climate, terroir, and winemaking techniques influence each grape's aromatic profile. From the floral elegance of Viognier and Gewürztraminer to the vibrant acidity of Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, guests gained a deeper appreciation for the remarkable diversity these wines offer.

Throughout the evening, the tasting showcased a wide range of styles. The 2019 M. Chapoutier "Invitare" Condrieu displayed rich aromas of white peach, apricot, acacia blossom, and hints of vanilla, while the 2019 J. de Villebois Sancerre "Les Bouffants" offered vibrant citrus, gooseberry, and flinty minerality. Alsace shone with the 2015 Gustave Lorentz Altenberg de Bergheim Grand Cru Gewürztraminer, bursting with lychee, rose petals, and exotic spice, alongside the textured 2019 Domaine Weinbach "Cuvée Ste Catherine" Pinot Gris, layered with ripe pear, quince, honey, and subtle smoky notes.

The tasting continued with beautifully expressive examples from Germany, Italy, and South Africa. The 2021 Egon Müller Wiltinger Braune Kupp "Le Gallais" Kabinett demonstrated Mosel Riesling's hallmark precision, balancing orchard fruit with lively acidity and slate-like minerality. Italy contributed the floral 2024 Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis and the elegant 2024 Jermann "Vinnae" Ribolla Gialla, while South Africa's 2019 DeMorgenzon Reserve Chenin Blanc impressed with concentrated stone fruit, citrus peel, floral notes, and vibrant freshness.

As the evening concluded, members and guests ranked the wines to determine the group's favourites. The clear winner was the 2003 Wehlener J.J. Prüm Wehlener Kabinett Riesling from Germany's Mosel region. Matured beautifully over two decades, the wine captivated the room with evolved aromas of ripe apricot, peach, honey, and delicate wet slate minerality. On the palate, it combined luscious fruit with vibrant acidity, creating a wine that was both graceful and remarkably fresh. Its seamless balance, complexity, and long, elegant finish made it the standout wine of the evening and a memorable example of why mature Mosel Riesling remains one of the world's great treasures.

The evening was a wonderful celebration of aromatic white wines and demonstrated just how diverse, food-friendly, and captivating these varieties can be. From crisp Sauvignon Blanc to opulent Viognier and beautifully aged Riesling, each wine told its own story while reinforcing the artistry behind expressive white winemaking.

Here is how the group scored the wines:

Another memorable evening for the Toronto Vintners Club, filled with discovery, education, wonderful conversation, and exceptional wines. Here's to many more opportunities to explore the world's most exciting wine regions - one glass at a time!