Derek's second home - our new barrel cellar where we are fermenting and aging
Chardonnay and aging Pinot Noir October 23, 2005
| home | wine list | winemaker | vineyard | events | recipes | restaurants | canadian oak | orders | contact us |
| contact the winemaker directly at Derek@Laileyvineyard.com |
|
"Winemaker
Derek Barnett has a knack for crafting wonderfully complex wines." Winemaker
Derek Barnett "has vaulted Lailey into the top-five category
of local wineries. Some of the best Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc
and Merlot wines to be had in Ontario." "Winemaker
Derek Barnett has a sterling reputation for Chardonnays, which |
|
Derek was born in England and studied agriculture in
the UK. He came to Canada to work in agriculture in 1973. In 1991, he
had the opportunity to make wine for a small winery north of Toronto
called Southbrook winery. While at Southbrook, Derek made strong connections
with vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake, including Lailey vineyard. Derek's passion for winemaking and his expertise developed over ten years of making wine at Southbrook. There, he learned to express the terroir of Niagara. He earned many awards for his wine, and was voted Winemaker of the year in 2000 at the Air Ontario wine awards. In the fall of 2001, Derek moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake to become winemaker and business partner at Lailey Vineyard. Now with access to some of the oldest vines in Canada, planted in 1970 at Lailey Vineyard by Donna and David Lailey, Derek is crafting world-class wines. His particular talent is in making elegant wines by allowing the fruit characteristics to evolve from the grapes naturally. Derek has a keen ability to recognize what arrives from the vineyard. He then goes to work developing the expression of what he has found naturally occurring in each variety and in each distinct vintage. Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc are Derek's favourite varietals, but they also provide the greatest challenges. With all grapes, the balance of acid, fruit and sugar at harvest is central to quality wine production. This is especially true for the three varietals Derek has chosen as his favourites. Derek ferments in small batches so that he can watch closely the differences in flavours related to specific clones, yeast selections, harvest dates and vine canopies. He pursues passionately the specific conditions and techniques that develop or enable the expression of certain aromas, flavours and textures in the wine. All of Derek’s winemaking efforts have the dinner table in mind. In other words, his wines show especially well with food, as he believes that wine is essential to a well-balanced and delicious dining experience. |
|
Derek's second home - our new barrel cellar where we are fermenting and aging Chardonnay and aging Pinot Noir October 23, 2005 |