(Niagara, Ontario, Canada)
Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery, a small family estate on the east side of the Niagara wine region, built an international name for itself with wines from this hybrid grape (which was created in 1902.) The 2019 vintage captures every quality that has earned it a following since 1988. It pours dark red but clear, appears heavy-bodied but sits light on the palate, and delivers satisfying first notes of black cherry. Somehow rich but bright and lively at once, it’s perfect with anything grilled that’s rich and smoky. But why not try it with strawberries dipped in dark chocolate? Or a well-aged gouda or mimolette? About $21/bottle.