Region: St David's Bench VQA, Ontario
Grape: Chardonnay
Soil type: Silty clay & clam loam over red sandstone bedrock
Harvest: By hand
Winemaking: Spontaneous fermentation on skins for 14 days. Malolactic fermentation
Ageing: 7 months in neutral oak and stainless steel
Winemaker(s): Yvonne Irvine

This Chardonnay was hand-picked from the Niagara College Vineyard in the St. David's Bench sub-appellation, then de-stemmed with partial crushing and fermented on skins for 14 days.  The wine then went through malolactic fermentation in mostly neutral French oak barrels with a small portion in stainless steel.  Aged 7 months before bottling.

This wine’s inspiration is texture! Structure from tannins in the skins, combined with a certain roundness and richness that comes from malolactic fermentation and barrel ageing that creates an overall balance and textural experience. 

Maenads, the female followers of Dionysus were known for their “wild” behaviour, defying the expected role of women. Our creations follow their muse: crafty, non-conformist, interesting and wildly delicious.

Winemaker Yvonne Irvine co-owns Maenad Wine Co. with her husband James Wallace. It’s a project to make some interesting wines on our own terms. The brand is made to celebrate women - as they are, completely unfined and unfiltered.