Tawse Limestone Sparkling 2021

Overview

The Limestone Sparkling 2021 from Tawse Winery is an elegant and refined sparkling wine made from carefully selected grapes of the Niagara Peninsula. It stands out for its vibrant freshness, fine bubbles, and balance of fruit and minerality. Ideal for special occasions or as an aperitif, Limestone Sparkling 2021 showcases Tawse’s expertise in crafting complex and harmonious wines, combining traditional sparkling techniques with the unique regional terroir. Contains sulfites.

History of the Wine

Limestone Sparkling was created to explore the potential of Niagara Peninsula white grapes for producing high-quality sparkling wines. The 2021 vintage offered ideal conditions, with day-to-night temperature swings preserving freshness and aromas. Bottle fermentation and aging on lees follow traditional methods, delivering aromatic complexity and fine, persistent structure typical of top-class Méthode Classique sparkling wines.

Vineyard Philosophy

The grapes for Limestone Sparkling 2021 are sustainably farmed, without herbicides or pesticides. Canopy management and hand harvesting ensure balanced clusters with natural acidity and concentrated aromas. Tawse’s philosophy focuses on highlighting the minerality of the terroir, resulting in freshness, precision, and elegance—essential elements for a superior Méthode Classique sparkling wine.

Winemaking Approach

In the winery, the wine undergoes careful processing: controlled fermentation in stainless steel, followed by bottle fermentation using the Méthode Classique. Aging on the lees adds complexity, creaminess, and fine, persistent bubbles. No aromatic wood is used, preserving purity, freshness, and mineral tension. The result is a delicate, balanced sparkling wine ready to enjoy, highly versatile at the table.

Tasting Notes and Pairings

The colour is bright straw yellow with green highlights and fine, persistent perlage. On the nose, citrus, green apple, pear, and subtle bread crust notes from lees aging emerge. On the palate, it is fresh, harmonious, and lively, with vibrant acidity, delicate bubbles, and a long, mineral finish. Perfect as an aperitif, with oysters, shellfish, sushi, or light fish dishes.

Tech Sheet

• Variety: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

• Vintage: 2021

• Production method: Méthode Classique, aged on lees

• Alcohol: 12%

• Serving temperature: 6–8°C

• Allergens: contains sulfites

The history of Tawse Winery

Founded in 2001 by Canadian entrepreneur Moray Tawse, the winery stands on the slopes of the Twenty Mile Bench, one of the most prestigious areas of the Niagara Peninsula. From the outset, the goal was to craft Canadian wines capable of standing alongside top international labels, combining technical precision with deep respect for the land. Over the years Tawse has earned major accolades, including multiple awards as Canada’s Winery of the Year, establishing it as a leading force in Ontario’s wine scene. Despite its growth, the winery remains faithful to its founding values: authenticity, discipline and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Vineyard philosophy

Tawse Winery cultivates vineyards on limestone-based, well-drained soils ideal for Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. The agricultural approach is strictly organic and biodynamic, fully certified and implemented with daily commitment. Biodynamic preparations, compost made on-site, biodiversity and adherence to natural rhythms form the core of the philosophy, aimed at maintaining living, healthy soils. Manual work is essential—from pruning to harvesting—ensuring careful control of each parcel and precise grape selection. The cool climate of Ontario encourages slow ripening and remarkable aromatic purity.

Winemaking

In the cellar Tawse blends technical expertise with artisanal precision. The gravity-flow underground facility allows gentle handling of the grapes, minimizing mechanical intervention and preserving freshness. Fermentations rely on both indigenous yeasts and controlled techniques depending on style and varietal. Ageing takes place in stainless steel, concrete, French oak barrels and foudres, with a focus on micro-oxygenation and varietal clarity. The goal is to create wines that reflect the Niagara Peninsula’s identity through tension, mineral drive and clean, expressive aromatics.

Distinctive character

Tawse Winery excels in harmonizing nature, technique and discipline, producing wines of purity, elegance and unmistakable terroir expression. A benchmark for biodynamic viticulture in cool climates, the estate continues to invest in sustainability, research and precision farming. Each bottle captures a rare balance between European tradition and Canadian spirit, offering an authentic and contemporary wine experience. Tawse stands today as one of the most dynamic and influential wineries in North America.