Drea's Cabernet Franc 2022

VINTAGE & VITICULTURE

Drea's Small Batch, Single Vineyard, Low Intervention Wines are crafted here at Reif, by Andrea Kaiser, daughter of world-renowned winemaker Karl J. Kaiser who co-founded Inniskillin Wines. As a visionary pioneer, his contributions to modern Canadian winemaking cannot be understated. She closely follows the tenants of her father's winemaking philosophies with a focus on natural fruit flavors and aromas, making bone dry wines that are well balanced with bright acidity. The wines in her collection are an expression of his legacy and are dedicated to her father, who affectionately called her 'Drea'.

Conditions for the 2022 harvest were very favorable as September was dry and warm. Fruit quality was excellent, but crop size was small due to vine damage from the winter. Grapes are sourced from Hubel Estate just down the road from Reif from Matthias Oppenlander who used to grow grapes for her father. The fruit from this vintage was harvested from a vineyard block planted in 1999. 

WINEMAKER’S NOTES

Since being released, Drea’s wines have taken the wine world by storm, receiving International Critical Acclaim including her Sauvignon Blanc being marked as distinguished by renowned wine writer Jancis Robinson.  Her wines are regularly recognized at the International Wine Challenge and TEXSOM and served around the world including the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C., NYC and London. Most recently her Rosato was named as one of the top Canadian Rosés by Decanter Magazine and her Dornfelder was listed at one of Canada’s first Michelin Star Restaurants. 

In 2020 Drea made the decision to make her first Cabernet Franc and that it would be a tribute to her father’s legacy in education and mentorship within the wine industry. Her father always had an open door and loved to share his knowledge with others. He was not only an inspiration to young winemakers but also a life-long teacher through established institutions and within his wine cellar. This legacy of learning was one that was recognized in 2017 through the establishment of the Karl J. Kaiser Memorial Fund at Brock University and a portion of proceeds from her Cabernet Franc wine sales are donated to this fund each year. The vintage of her Cabernet Franc was fermented and aged in French barrique for just nine months to give the wine some added complexity and soft vanilla notes, and then aged in bottle for a year before release. 

TASTING NOTES

A bright brilliant ruby colour with signature bright fruit flavours of black currant and an elegant savory mouthwatering taste. This wine also has soft vanilla notes and a gracious acidity. Drea’s favourite pairing is with her father’s version of ‘Sooke Harbour House’ Ontario rack of lamb seasoned with Keen’s dry mustard, dried mint, coarse salt and fresh ground pepper. Also exceptional with Glengarry Fine Cheese, Celtic Blue and Thornloe aged cheddar.

RESIDUAL SUGAR: 2g/L

ALCOHOL/VOLUME: 13%

BRIX AT HARVEST: 21

TOTAL ACIDITY: 5.9g/L

RELEASE DATE: October 1st 2024

AWARD: Bronze Medal at National Wine Awards