2021 Pearl Morissette "Racines du Ciel" Cabernet Franc, Creek Shores, Canada
ABOUT THIS WINE
Pearl Morisette uses biodynamic farming with a focus on low-intervention. 2021 brought high humidity and rain, forcing winemaker François Morissette to harvest grapes earlier with rigorous, precise sorting of grapes, eliminating 50% of the potential crop to ensure quality. The grapes are typically fermented using native yeasts and aged in neutral oak barrels to maintain purity and express terroir.
The result is a lighter, "transparent" style, characterized by bright, cool-climate red fruit and high aromatic complexity, rather than raw power.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Pearl Morissette was founded in 2007 by winegrower François Morissette and developer Mel Pearl, based in Jordan on the Twenty Mile Bench in VDQ. Farming began in 2008, with 35 acres of older vines and 50 more planted in 2010. François, trained in Burgundy, practices natural winemaking with minimal sulfur, influenced by early exposure to no-sulfur wines in Montreal.
In the winery, he favors concrete and wood over stainless steel to enhance texture, emphasizing the importance of grape skins and lees. He even recycles lees in a solera-like system and holds back 20% of production for later release to ensure wines are ready to drink. He avoids new oak when it interferes with the wine’s character.
The vineyards are densely planted, and adapted for the region’s humidity by raising fruit wires. François focuses on achieving optimal grape skin quality, carefully managing sunlight in what he describes as “extreme viticulture."
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Description
ABOUT THIS WINE
Pearl Morisette uses biodynamic farming with a focus on low-intervention. 2021 brought high humidity and rain, forcing winemaker François Morissette to harvest grapes earlier with rigorous, precise sorting of grapes, eliminating 50% of the potential crop to ensure quality. The grapes are typically fermented using native yeasts and aged in neutral oak barrels to maintain purity and express terroir.
The result is a lighter, "transparent" style, characterized by bright, cool-climate red fruit and high aromatic complexity, rather than raw power.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Pearl Morissette was founded in 2007 by winegrower François Morissette and developer Mel Pearl, based in Jordan on the Twenty Mile Bench in VDQ. Farming began in 2008, with 35 acres of older vines and 50 more planted in 2010. François, trained in Burgundy, practices natural winemaking with minimal sulfur, influenced by early exposure to no-sulfur wines in Montreal.
In the winery, he favors concrete and wood over stainless steel to enhance texture, emphasizing the importance of grape skins and lees. He even recycles lees in a solera-like system and holds back 20% of production for later release to ensure wines are ready to drink. He avoids new oak when it interferes with the wine’s character.
The vineyards are densely planted, and adapted for the region’s humidity by raising fruit wires. François focuses on achieving optimal grape skin quality, carefully managing sunlight in what he describes as “extreme viticulture."
