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CHARLES BAKER B-Side Riesling 2023
- Jake MacAndrew
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 14
Charles Baker's rieslings are a hidden gem of the GTA wine scene.
Baker is a leader in the new generation of Niagara wine appellation believers that arrived at the turn of the millennium—defining grape expression in the Niagara Peninsula, row by row.
He works in marketing at Stratus Vineyards but his true passion is riesling. His own private label specializes in high-quality, single-vineyard rieslings produced in collaboration with Stratus winemaker J.L. Groux.
Baker, like Thomas Bachelder, is making small-batch, terroir-forward wine in a little-known region on the international stage.
B-Side is what Toronto Life once called "a sommelier's pick" of a wine. And yes, this certified somm would indeed pick this wine. Fruit from the younger vines of the Ivan and Picone vineyards are used for this alternative pick.
For $30, there is much to be had in this bottle. It is fresh, well-structured, and unlike the sweet rieslings of Germany's Mosel region or the petrol-scented labels in Clare Valley, down under. This Niagara riesling is carving out a flavour profile of its own.
Right out of the bottle, notes of green apple and unripe, tart pineapple. Fresh aroma—a bit floral. On the palette, bright fresh lemon juice with the first ripe peaches of spring.
A low alcohol wine, easy drinking, perfect for a spring afternoon or a summer dinner of grilled pork chops with peach jam and asparagus.
FOR THE CELLAR OR FORGET: Not consistently available but very fresh and great value when you can get it.
⅘ bottles in the cellar
VIDEO DESCRIPTION:
In the start of our Ontario exploration series, Happy Hour’s Jake MacAndrew dives into Charles Baker’s brainchild: B-Side Riesling. His own private label specializes in high-quality, single-vineyard rieslings produced in collaboration with Stratus winemaker J.L. Groux.
Right out of the bottle, notes of green apple and unripe, tart pineapple. Fresh aroma—a bit floral. On the palette, bright fresh lemon juice with the first ripe peaches of spring. 🍏🍍🍋🍑🍷
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