Newest winery…. Red Tail Vineyard opens in Prince Edward County

We were joined in studio June 20th with the founders, husband and wife team Gilbert Provost and Pauline Jolcey of Prince Edward County’s newest winery, Red Tail Vineyard. Red Tail is one of the new “garagiste wineries”, organic in the vineyards and poised to continue to transform the county.

We were joined in studio June 20th with the founders, husband and wife team Gilbert Provost and Pauline Jolcey of Prince Edward County’s newest winery, Red Tail Vineyard. Red Tail is one of the new “garagiste wineries”, organic in the vineyards and poised to continue to transform the county. The only known winery in Canada to be powered “off grid” and powered strictly by solar power, this winery although small in its size is big in heart and passion for its wine and the land from which the grapes are grown.

Everyone knows Niagara-on-the-Lake, Pelee Island and Lake Erie North shore but how familiar are you with Prince Edward County? Prince Edward County is the latest area to become VQA designated and is “as close to paradise as Ontario gets” said the Toronto Sun and “one of Canada’s 8 Best Escapes” said Macleans magazine. Convenient to get to and drivable from most major cities, it’s just 50 miles from Kingston, 163 miles from Ottawa, 240 miles from Montreal and just 135 miles from Toronto. PEC is perfect for the wine and food aficionado, sport enthusiast or art lover either for a day jaunt or an entire weekend adventure.

Pauline and Gilbert always passionate about wine dreamt one day of turning that passion into something greater; owning a vineyard and a winery. Growing up in Trenton near the famous sandy beaches near Picton, Pauline’s love of the area and Gilbert’s wish to grow grapes and open a winery, one day finally came to fruition!

Red Tail Vineyard opened May 9th, 2009 to the public and is Prince Edward County’s 14th winery to grace the roster of wineries in the county. Red Tail Vineyard named after the Red Tail Hawk that seemed to always be there watching over them, bringing them inspiration and making their home his, is the couple’s lucky omen and continues to bring them good fortune.

Wine maker Gilbert always partial to the wines of Burgundy realized that the “terroir” of PEC is similar in nature to that of Burgundy with its lime stone bedrock and clay loam soil. Ideal for Pinot Noir, Gilbert knew that he could make a Pinot Noir that would express the classic characteristics while at the same time, make a wine he could call his own. Experts agree with Gilbert, as James Chado predicts that PEC Pinot Noir will be Canada’s next great wine success story.

Red Tail Pinot Noir 2007 with an expression of sour cherries and strawberries, a hint of pepper, soft tannins and a touch of oak is subtle and elegant. $23.95 per bottle.

Although the complementary white varietal in Burgundy is always Chardonnay, Gilbert a member of the ABC club (anything but Chardonnay) and a bit of a renegade opted to plant Pinot Gris. He always loved the Alsacian style Pinot Gris and decided to make one of his own.

Red Tail Pinot Gris 2007 done in the Alsacian style with tremendous complexity and spice, slight residual sugar with good acidity is the perfect wine for pairing with food. One of Gilbert’s recommendations: Chicken liver pate with a bit of citrus. $17.95 per bottle. Simply delicious!

Quanatities are limited of both wines ( less than 500 cases in all) but may be purchased at the winery or on line at http://www.redtailvineyard.com Gilbert and Pauline would be delighted to welcome you to their winery and give you a personalized tour.

Congratulations Pauline and Gilbert and much success to you both!