2006 Hart Cellars Vignoles (Lake Erie, NY)

Although the Vignoles grape is probably most frequently used for late-harvest and possibly cryogenic icewines, this is a grape that clearly makes a most enjoyable table wine too, as evidenced by the 2006 example produced by home winemaker Howie Hart in New York State. I have consistently picked up a strong, pin-point pineapple nose in Vignoles table wines – including those from Michigan – and that same aroma is there in all its glory in Howie's wine. Vignoles is all about fruit – and that's what makes it an interesting and versatile variety. We do not have any wineries producing commercial Vignoles in Ontario, and personally I think it is a pity since this could be yet another suitable grape for our climate.