niagara wines with winemaker gian luca di loro
The Niagara Peninsula has a fantastic wine scene.
Former best wine taster (ONAV) in Italy, Gianluca Di Loro is a young but talented winemaker and sommelier.
Founder of Di Loro Wines , a consulting firm for wineries striving to improve the quality of their production and restaurants that need wine training for their staff. “I have noticed that restaurants have two main problems, it is difficult to find staff with knowledge of wine due to the high turnover in the industry and it is difficult to organize professional training internally.”
Augusto : We asked Gianluca to tell us more about Niagara, the region of Ontario where high-quality wines are produced.
Gianluca: The Niagara Peninsula is truly a fantastic wine region, known for its exceptional quality and diversity.
Let’s dive into some of the key areas and what makes them special!
Terroir Overview
Niagara’s terroir is diverse, influenced by the Great Lakes, the Niagara River, and the Escarpment, which help moderate the harsh climate and create diverse micro-terroirs. This diversity is key to producing such a wide range of wines.
Niagara-on-the-Lake vs. The Bench
Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the most well-known sub-appellations, especially famous for its ice wines. The area has a slightly warmer climate, ideal for growing late-harvest grapes. The combination of fertile soil and a longer growing season allows for rich, concentrated flavors to develop in the wines. In contrast, the Bench, located along the Niagara Escarpment, is an area with higher elevation and well-drained soils, which are perfect for producing premium wines, particularly from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Cooler temperatures during the growing season allow for longer ripening periods, enhancing the complexity of the wines.
Augusto: Do you have any “favorite” terroirs in the Niagara Region?
Gianluca: I have worked with wineries in both Bench and Niagara on the Lake and if I had to choose one sub-appellation that I am particularly in love with, it would definitely be Twenty Mile Bench.
This sub-appellation is particularly notable for its unique mix of limestone and clay soils, which provide excellent drainage and nutrients for the vines. The altitude also plays a role in capturing warm sunlight, helping the grapes ripen beautifully. This area is making a name for itself with high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which showcase the elegance and finesse these varieties can achieve.
However, this is just my personal preference, as I like wines that are fresh, fine and elegant in style rather than richer, bolder ones (probably easier to achieve in a warmer area like Niagara on the lake ).
Augusto : What can you tell us about VQA?
Gianluca: VQA stands for “Vintners Quality Alliance.” This certification is essential to ensure that wines meet specific quality standards and are made with grapes grown in Ontario. It helps consumers identify quality wines that truly represent the region. When you see a VQA label, you can be sure it is a product of local terroir and craftsmanship. In a recent conversation with Donald Ziraldo (co-founder of Inniskillin Winery and one of the creators of VQA Ontario), Donald mentioned his intention to pursue a national standard for Canadian wines: VQA Canada. I truly believe this initiative could be beneficial to the rapidly growing Canadian wine industry, allowing them to ensure an even higher quality product for the end consumer. Overall, the Niagara Peninsula, with its distinct sub-appellations and commitment to quality, is a must-visit for wine lovers. Each area offers a unique expression of the land, making each bowl a reflection of the rich diversity of the region.
Augusto: Gianluca, in addition to being an oenologist, you are also a Sommelier and an ONAV wine taster. Do you think the role of “Taster” could be relevant here in Canada?
Gianluca: I have always been aware that there is no limit to wine knowledge, and we will never know enough about any subject because the world of wine is constantly evolving, but it is essential to continue growing to keep up with it. That is why I have always tried to have a holistic approach to wine.
No matter what your career path is, whether you are a sommelier or a winemaker or a wine writer or a wine enthusiast or even all three at once, ONAV can certainly be a great tool to learn more about it from a technical perspective. Because yes, wine is subjective and at the end of the day it is all about preference, and the perfect wine will never exist. However, it is important (in my humble opinion) to be able to recognize a well-made wine from a flawed one, cork taint from a slightly reduced one, Prosecco from Franciacorta (just to name a few), whether you are a sommelier or a consumer, and this is something ONAV can help you recognize with confidence.
We thank Dr. Gianluca Di Loro and in case you have any questions this is his email address
Contacts: gianluca@dilorowines.com