Top Canadian Rieslings

The best rieslings at the Wine Access 2011 Canadian Wine Awards

(73 entries, 42 medals)

Canadian riesling celebrates yet another highly successful year, with healthy entry and medal counts similar to last year. Ontario dominated again with 28 of the medals, but there were also strong showings by B.C. riesling stalwarts like CedarCreek. Notably, Nova Scotia also moved into the medals this year with a bronze for Gaspereau Vineyards. But, with two golds and three silvers, Tawse is the biggest story — and a pair of $20 rieslings took the golds. Actually, all the golds are under $20. After tasting the final rounds, Cawston, B.C.’s Rhys Pender commented on “the fantastic level of quality. Winemakers are clearly respecting the grape with good results. Plenty of racy intensity.” “Riesling rocks!” said Ottawa’s Janet Dorozynski. “It is clearly among the best white grapes, if not the best, right across the country.”