2020 “Innkeepers Reserve” Petite Pearl

This cool climate plant was introduced in 2009-10 and is extremely productive on our blue clay in the North Block of the West Vineyard. With a cold hardiness backbone allowing it to withstand up to (-30'c), these plants generally have bud break later in the spring saving it from potential frost.

During the 2020 Vintage, there was enough development of the Grapes natural phenols and polyphenols to enhance the depth of character and assist in the development of this wine through it’s Elevage journey. The Oak Program at Schatz consists of Second Fill, Third Fill and in some cases, Fourth Fill Barrels. There is a variety of American, French, Hungarian and Canadian Oak. This diversity leans to many different expressions coming through each wine - prior to blending and bottling. All these vessels provide their own unique characteristics within the series- in this case the 2020 had x 4 Barrels. Prior to bottling the 2020 Vintage, Innkeeper Frank Ihrig identified Barrel #3 to have a certain expressive nose and mouthfeel and- on that warm August afternoon - the 2020 Innkeeper Reserve was born. Isn’t it fascinating what 1016 Days in an Oak Barrel can do ?!

In the communities that dot Huron County, the Inn was the central feature and heartbeat of a lively crowd. Often times, it was a place for news, celebration, maybe an auction and of course food and libations.

Many have since fallen to the pages of history but there are plenty still standing and as vibrant as ever. Paying respect to the one’s before, we can imagine a time when an Innkeeper would bring out a special bottle from the cellar to share with the room.

The seal on the bottle is tip-of-the-cap from Frank - and an indication of quality and a proof of this Wine’s pedigree