Divergence – 2021 Viognier Mazza Vineyard
What do the Toronto Maple Leafs and Viognier have in common?
In the early 1990s a passion returned to the wine growing region of France. The grape varietal Viognier was gaining international recognition and popularity. Grape Growers in Australia, South Africa, USA and Canada took notice and started growing Viognier. The hype was legit, but there was one issue – Viognier is a love it or hate it type of wine.
The early 1990s also saw the resurgence of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The passion returned during the 1992-93 Stanley Cup playoff run that ultimately ended up falling short.
The Leafs would spend the rest of the 1990s and early 2000s as a legitimate threat to win the Stanley Cup, however much to the joy of non-Leaf fans they were unable to make it to the Cup Finals.
The 2010s felt like it was back to the Harold Ballard era ownership style from the 80s (putting profit before on-ice success). This year the Leafs are amongst the best teams in the league and are looking to end a 56 year Stanley Cup drought.
The Leafs are “Canada’s Team” for some and “Enemy No. 1” for everyone else.
So what do the Toronto Maple Leafs and Viognier have in common? They are both a Love/Hate commodity.
VINTAGE
The 2021 vintage started with relatively good vine and bud health from a small crop and mild winter. Summer temperatures were among the hottest on record and conditions were optimal for flowering and fruit set. In August, what appeared to be an early and ripe vintage stalled due to drought. This was followed by record rains in September and October resulting in a rapid increase in cluster weight and dilution of berry contents. Where harvest was able to be delayed until adequate ripening, most varieties are showing good fruit character early with delicate aromatic white varieties and fruit driven red varieties.
Wine Description
Inspired by the great Viognier wines of the old world, this is a wine arising from opportunity and risk/reward in the vineyard. Extended hang time in a challenging September and October allowed the fruit to fully ripen. Hand sorting in the vineyard and winery, barrel fermentation at cool temperature, and extended lees aging all help to create the delicacy, texture, and volume in this wine. Sweet fruit and floral aromas are followed by a rich and creamy palate. This wine will reward extended cellaring to reveal even more complexity with time in bottle.
Learn more on the Divergence Website: 2021 Viognier Mazza Vineyard
Wine Stats
Variety: 100% Viognier
Alcohol.: 13.6%
Residual Sugar: 4.8 g/L
Titratable Acidity: 5.9 g/L
pH: 3.29
Bottling Date: 2022-09-01
Production: 95 cases
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