Meet Empress. It is our honor to introduce 2 wines made in the Méthode Classique or Traditional Method honouring the evolution of winemaking on Pelee Island.
Empress and Empress II are a passion project of Winemaker Martin Janz and find their roots deep in Pelee Island’s winemaking history.
A Nod to Pelee Island’s Past
“The vintage of 1894 was taken in making what came to be marketed as L’Empereur Champagne….It is believed that the initiative, at this early date, of the Vin Villa Vineyards and J.S.Hamilton represented the only manufacturing of champagne in Canada. Two degrees of dryness were made: ‘Sec’ and ‘Extra Dry’. ” – The Vinedressers – Ron Thiessen, Pelee Island Heritage Centre
These days the term “Champagne” may only be used in reference to those sparkling wines from the Champagne region in northeast France made in the Traditional Method. A law was passed in 1927 established this and the first Champagne quality rules. Today, 126 years later, we can say that in 1894, the first sparkling wine was made in this Traditional Method on Pelee Island.
For more history, read our 2020 blog about Pelee Island’s Sparkling Past.
Méthode Classique / Traditional Method
Both Empress offerings are brought to life through the same process that is utilized to create Champagne.
The process is more labour intensive that the Charmat Method (also known as Tank Method) of making sparkling wine. That is the method we use in the other sparkling wines such as LOLA Secco VQA and Bella Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé. (Read more about in our blog “The Difference Between the Bubbles“.
Empress
In 1894, Pelee Island produced one of Canada’s first Méthode Classique or Traditional Method wines, “L’Empereur”. 127 years later, Pelee Island Winery has created “Empress”, a nod by our winemaking team to the past, with a glimpse to the future.
95% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Noir, 100% South Islands VQA. This small batch offering of 1200 bottles has been bottle fermented for over 9 months. Empress is the embodiment of Pelee Island’s winemaking team’s masterful techniques and commitment to excellence with its fresh and creamy lasting aromas of lemon and gentle flinty notes.
Experience the evolution of winemaking on Pelee Island. Retail $29.95
Sipping Suggestions – Oysters. If you’re not quite sure about how to choose or prepare them, check out Prince Edward Island Seafood for everything you need to know, including some amazing recipes.
Empress II
In 1894, Pelee Island produced one of Canada’s first Méthode Classique or Traditional Method wines, “L’Empereur”. 127 years later, Pelee Island Winery has created “Empress”, a nod by our winemaking team to the past, with a glimpse to the future.
100% Riesling, 100% South Islands VQA. Empress II is the embodiment of Pelee Island’s winemaking team’s masterful techniques and commitment to excellence with its subtle aromas of orchard fruit and fresh lemon, followed by a long gentle and toasty finish.
Experience the evolution of winemaking on Pelee Island. Retail $24.95
Sipping Suggestions – Cerviche is a simple and delicious offering.
Looking Forward to Pelee Island’s Future
In 1894, J.S. Hamilton represented 3 vineyards under the umbrella of the Pelee Island Wine Co. Today, Pelee Island Winery is a single estate winery. What hasn’t changed is the connection to the land in which the grapes are grown. Empress and Empress II are both 100% South Islands grapes, grown on Pelee Island.
Our choice to work within Sustainable Winemaking Ontario practices, both in the vineyards and in the winemaking process, is our commitment to the further evolution of Pelee Island. Respecting the land and creating VQA wines that continue to introduce Ontarian’s and the world, to the beauty and bounty found here on Pelee Island, it is our hope that our region will continue to flourish as a winemaking leader another 127 years from now.
Cheers!
Pssttt… Don’t forget! While you’re here to sign up for our Birthday Club and receive a $20 Gift Voucher for your birthday!