When I asked her about the name Melissa Marynissen told me the following: “The name Ressac refers to the feelings of waves across the palate as you enjoy the wine. Ressac is the movement of waves as they retreat. It has always been Cab Franc.”
There is so much to explore and enjoy with this wine. First, it smells bloody with iron. If that’s not appealing enough for you, the aromas continue on with crushed dark berries, spice and rhubarb leaf. This is leather wing chair wine.
It has an animal pungency that reminds of the reds from France’s Cahor (rustic Malbecs) or Madiran (grippy Tannat) regions.
On the palate, you’re struck with cedar, graphite, blueberries and ripples of fine tannins. Like the Primesautier, it has a wild side but remains supremely elegant due to expert winemaking and top-quality fruit.
It’s a wine that suggests boneless lamb shoulder from a charcoal grill or a bistecca alla Fiorentina as an accompaniment.
This is a red for serious oenophiles and experienced collectors. It will reward further with another three years of cellaring, but will easily drink well until 2035.
Website: Pearl Morissette
Winery address: 3953 Jordan Rd. Jordan, Ontario
Price: $60
Grape variety: Ressac Cabernet Franc 2020
Alcohol, residual sugar: 12.5%, 2 g/l