Made from two grapes that pretty much no one who isn’t fairly deep into wine would remember, Baco Noir is a hybrid American-European varietal.  While at one point this varietal was planted in France, it was banned when France outlawed hybrids, and now is almost exclusively planted in New York and Canada.  On my trip to Niagara on the Lake, Peller Estates poured me a sample of Baco Noir, and I became instantly infatuated. What is it about Peller Estates Baco Noir 2013 that’s so special though.

Sight:  A consistent purple with core with hints of hot purple around the edges.

Smell:  An interesting mix of gamey notes and charred oak waft out, proceeding deeper elements of both jammy and fresh blackberries.  There’s also a subtle amount of earthiness, hinting at mushrooms.

Sip:  Opening soft and round on the palate, it has plenty of acidity to keep it lively.  The blackberry flavors mix slightly with currants, and a touch of earthiness.  A subtle spicy smokiness is also present.  The gameyness on the nose downplays, and compliments the fruit flavors nicely.

Savor:  On the finish, it gets a little more into charred oak, gamey blackberries, and moderately tannic.  The finish is more subtle than standout.

Peller Estates Baco Noir is a fun choice for those looking for something more off the beaten path.  The combination of the gamey flavors, smoke, and blackberry creates an interesting mix of flavors that fans of oaked merlots might enjoy.  While those who like bigger wines will find the body slightly lacking, the overall texture of the wine is quite silky and well done, but never loses the acidity that makes this food friendly.  As wines for the holidays go, if you can track down a bottle of Peller Estates Baco Noir, it’s a worthy addition to your Christmas table, and should compliment the food well.

Verdict:  Blackberry, Smoke, Gamey, Bright
Price: $17.75 CAD (about $13.50 USD)
Niagara On The Lake, Ontario, Canada