MALIVOIRE Winery

One of the best Pinot Noir from the Niagara Peninsula

MALIVOIRE is a young winery property on the region of the Niagara Peninsula (Ontario – Canada) founded in 1996. It all began in 1995 with the purchase of a parcel of vines (Moira Vineyard) by Martin MALIVOIRE and Moira Saganski . A year later, in 1996 they acquired a neighboring land to expand the vineyard and build a winery that we know today. Eventually the vineyard has continued to grow by taking leased vineyards or the purchase of other properties such as Mottiar Vineyard in 2003.

Wanting to make the most of the quality of grapes offered this land and taking advantage of the geography of this place (with two hills and a valley) , they built the winery in the ravine with work by gravity and a cellar below . This is why when you are in the tasting room you can see above you the tanks through a glass ceiling.

MALIVOIRE winery is known in this region for innovation. It was indeed the first winery in the Niagara region to use a system by gravity. This process allows it to “increase the fineness of wine with a minimum of fuss therefore less oxidation. This has the effect of better preserve the aromas of fruit and increase the complexity of the wine. »

But that’s not all! In addition to having made innovation its motto, MALIVOIRE Winery is also one of the most eco-friendly properties in the region. Each year it seeks to have the least possible impact on the environment. Also in this objection eco-responsibility the creation of the cave was made by recycling an old small building already on site but with all building materials from recycling. Important work is also in the field of waste water treatment, of energy savings as well as the social management. This policy also affects the vineyard with the establishment of its management following the principles of organic farming (not certified). In addition to all this flower gardens and plants are regularly maintained in order to preserve the biodiversity of the area.

For the “anecdote” and for the movie buffs name MALIVOIRE should probably tell you something. Indeed MALIVOIRE Martin is a producer of special effects work for many Hollywood filmmakers. He worked for example for movies Resident Evil, The Smoking or Charlie Bartlett.

What characterizes the wines MALIVOIRE Winery?

There are several characteristics of the wines from this vineyard have in common. MALIVOIRE Winery wines are lively, with aromas of young (not over- ripe grapes), expresses a hint of acidity and good balance. Shiraz Mottiar (Malivoir Winery winemaker) wants the main flavors of the wines are not due to breeding but the vines. This is why he uses sparingly oak barrels for aging wines. Also, wines are MALIVOIRE rarely exceed the 13.5 % alcohol and is never higher more than 14 months in wooden barrels.

Side anecdote:

Part of the cellar MALIVOIRE Winery was built between two hills. The north-east facing gully side became the location of farm buildings while the side facing south- west has been planted with vines. During the construction of the vineyard hills were landscaped terrace to the vine. The construction of terraces was not finished when the wine recommended persuaded the owner not to grow well but planting the vines so that the rows are vertical to the slope. This will allow better drainage of the rain, the cold air and maximize exposure to sun and wind.

So the first plants were removed, re- leveled the hill as it was at the beginning and then planted again on the advice received. As a result, today this plot produces one of the best Pinot Noir of the MALIVOIRE vineyards and in my opinion one of the best in this region.

Thanks to Kathy Thompson, Eric Nixon and the host team for their time.

Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche

Malivoire Winery