From Niagara to the World Stage: Two Sisters Vineyards Wins Gold at Decanter World Wine Awards
“Receiving a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards is one of the most exciting medals we have ever received. We recognize the pedigree of this competition and feel truly honoured to awarded among such talented colleagues,” tells Two Sisters Vineyards Winemaker Adam Pearce.
One could only imagine the type of reaction a Niagara winemaker would have after learning that one of their wines won gold at this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards and achieved a highly commendable 95-point score!
An Ontario, Cool-climate Red Wine Shines at the Decanter Wine Awards
The awarded Eleventh Post 2020 is a cuvée that consists of 40% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 26% Cabernet Franc from Two Sisters estate vineyard within the Niagara River sub-appellation. It shows perfectly how the cool-climate magic coincides with quality of Niagara vineyards in a near-perfect vintage to achieve balanced, fuller-bodied reds, something beyond the crisp whites and sparkling wines the region is best known for.
“The Eleventh Post 2020 Decanter World Wine Awards gold medal redefines fine wine in Niagara.”
Two Sisters Vineyards, Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Two Sisters Vineyards Gains Global Recognition for Premium Canadian Wine
Two Sisters Vineyards began with a family goal of crafting ultra-premium Canadian wine. The winery, led by sisters Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta, planted its first vines in 2007 in Niagara-on-the-Lake. After acquiring the strong winemaking team they have today, including winemakers Adam Pearce and Emily Royal, the winery has successfully carried out the family’s vision of providing a luxury food and wine experience securing their position as one of Canada’s leading wineries.
In addition to their gold medal win, Two Sisters obtained 8 other medals from the world-renowned wine competition, achieving 4 silver and 4 bronze.
Two Sisters Decanter World Wine Awards
Gold Medals:
2020 Eleventh Post, 95 pts
Silver Medals:
2020 Stone Eagle, 92 pts
2021 Eagle Eye, 90 pts
2022 Eagle Eye, 93 pts
2022 Chardonnay, 90 pts
Bronze Medals:
2023 Margo Rose, 89 pts
2022 Riesling, 88 pts
2020 Cabernet Franc, 86 pts
2023 Sauvignon Blanc, 88pts
2020 Eleventh Post
Hailing from the optimal 2020 vintage comes this Niagara River sub-appellation blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The wine sees 30 months of elevage in 70% French oak and 30% American oak, with only 15% new. Attractive notes of blueberries, minerality and soft oak drive the aromas, while the palate reveals balanced dark fruit with savoury earth nuances integrated with juicy acidity and polished tannins. Tobacco and fresh cocoa add even more complexity towards a flavourful, persistent finish.
“Eleventh Post is the epitome of everything we do, as each varietal comes together to represent the incredible 2020 vintage. It is meant to be our most approachable wine, yet still age worthy, and is meant to be enjoyed while our single varietals continue to rest in the cellar.”
The Eleventh Post 2020 Decanter World Wine Awards gold medal redefines fine wine in Niagara. Pinpoint accuracy on quality for a wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Noir wouldn’t surprise most Niagara wine enthusiasts, but this Two Sisters medal is the next step in proving to the world that luxury wine from the region stretches far beyond Burgundian varietals. This high acclaim proves that when it comes to ultra-premium fuller-bodied reds, don’t count Niagara out!