QUARRY ROAD PINOT NOIR 2021 – Tawse Winery

Overview

The Quarry Road Pinot Noir 2021 is one of the most emblematic expressions of Tawse Winery’s portfolio, combining elegance, precision, and terroir identity. Sourced from the renowned Quarry Road vineyard, situated on limestone slopes with optimal exposure and altitude, this Pinot Noir reveals fine structure, vibrant aromatics, and a long, persistent finish. The 2021 vintage was marked by slow ripening, preserving freshness, acidity, and aromatic clarity, making it a wine with both immediate appeal and significant ageing potential. Contains sulfites.

Wine background

Quarry Road Pinot Noir originates from an iconic vineyard, formerly a limestone quarry, now transformed into one of Tawse’s most prestigious parcels. The soil rehabilitation and vineyard development required years of careful work to restore vitality and enhance the unique character of the site. From its first vintages, the wine has been recognized for its natural elegance, pure red fruit expression, and distinctive mineral undertones. The 2021 vintage confirms the vineyard’s ability to produce complex, refined, and expressive wines that reflect the growing reputation of Canadian Pinot Noir.

Vineyard philosophy

Quarry Road is farmed using organic and biodynamic principles, with meticulous attention to soil health, biodiversity, and vine vitality. The higher elevation compared to surrounding vineyards, along with significant diurnal temperature variation, allows slow, balanced ripening. Yields are deliberately low to concentrate flavor and structure, and hand-harvesting ensures only the best clusters reach the cellar. The limestone-dominant soil contributes to the characteristic tension and minerality, supporting both elegance and ageing potential.

Winemaking approach

In the winery, the focus is on gentle handling to preserve the vineyard’s character. The 100% Pinot Noir undergoes controlled fermentation with careful extraction to maintain aromatic purity and finesse. Ageing takes place in French oak barrels, blending new and second-use wood to provide structure without overpowering the wine’s elegance. The 2021 vintage stands out for its precision and delicacy, with a limited production of just 164 cases emphasizing its exclusivity and collectible nature.

Tasting notes

Colour: bright ruby red with garnet reflections.
Nose: blackberry, crisp cherry, black tea, balsamic herbs, and subtle mineral notes.
Palate: elegant, vibrant, harmonious, with silky tannins and a long, savory finish.

Food pairings

Quarry Road Pinot Noir 2021 pairs beautifully with beef bourguignon, roast duck breast, slow-cooked pork, or artisanal charcuterie boards. It also complements meat pies, mushroom risottos, autumn dishes, and light game poultry. Its freshness and fine tannins make it ideal for dishes with delicate sweet-spicy flavors or long cooking times.

Technical Sheet

• Vintage: 2021

• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

• Vineyard: Quarry Road

• Appellation: Niagara Peninsula

• Production: 164 cases

• Ageing: French oak barrels (new + second fill)

• Style: elegant, mineral red

• Ageing potential: long, ideal 8–12 years

• Additional notes: 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.