At a glance

Producer

13th Street Winery

Region

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

Grape variety

Merlot

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$20 - $30

Tasting profile

Notes of ripe cherry, plum, subtle cedar and herbal nuances, with soft tannins and a smooth finish

Evolution: Will develop more integrated oak influence and tertiary aromas (earth, leather) over 3-5 years

At peak: Complex fruit and spice interplay with balanced acidity and soft tannins

Structure

Acidity

Medium acidity, providing freshness and balance

Tannins

Medium, soft and smooth from Merlot varietal character

Alcohol

Approx. 13-14%

Aging potential

Moderate, 5-7 years from vintage, suitable for medium-term cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2029

Optimal window

2024 to 2030

Current status

Young and fresh, suitable for early drinking

Current condition

Fruit-driven with moderate tannins and acidity, approachable now but benefits from short-term aging

Merlot from Niagara Peninsula typically offers moderate structure allowing approachable drinking early, but quality producers like 13th Street craft wines with ripe fruit and balanced acidity that benefit from short-term aging to reveal more complex layers without losing vibrancy.

Food pairing

Pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted pork, mushroom risotto, mild cheeses, and medium-bodied pasta dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

15-17°C / 59-63°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — To allow softening of tannins and enhanced aromatic expression

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Implement water conservation techniques, integrated pest management, energy-efficient winery operations, and use of lighter glass bottles and recyclable packaging

13th Street Winery employs sustainable viticulture and environmentally conscious winemaking practices certified by Sustainable Winegrowers Ontario; use of energy-efficient technology and reduced-impact packaging contributes to an overall strong sustainability score.