STRATUS wine dinner at Alder Toronto
bernardinopaula
Apr 3
2 min read
It was an exciting evening at Alder restaurant in Toronto. With the dedication of Chef Patrick Kriss and its passionate team, Alder was honored to be recognized for the third year in the 2025 Toronto Michelin Guide.
On March 31 it welcomed the incredible wines from Stratus Vineyards, for a special evening with a four course prix fixe menu from Chef Patrick Kriss, with pairings from the renowned Niagara Estate, with the presence of winemaker Dean Stoyka from Stratus and Charles Baker from Charles Baker Wines.
1st - scallop crudo with avocado, blood orange and jalapeño paired with the 2023 Charles Baker Riesling, Laundry Vineyard, Vinemount Ridge
2nd - red snapper with mussels, mustard greens and N’duja, marvellously paired with the 2023 Stratus ‘Unfiltered’ Chardonnay, Niagara-on-the-Lake
main - short rib with jingle bell pepper, black garlic, almond salsa macha in chimichurri jus, paired with the awesome 2022 Stratus Red, Niagara-on-the-Lake - 2022 vintage first time presented - a blend produced with 46% Cabernet Franc, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Syrah, 8% Petit Verdot and 8% Merlot
dessert - apple coppetta with almond streusel and ricotta gelato, paired with the lovely 2023 Stratus ‘Botrytis Affected’ Semillon, Niagara-on-the-Lake
A fun evening with a nice concept having Stratus winemaker Dean Stoyka going around the tables and presenting his wines. All guests felt like VIPs.
Stratus Wines is a must discover - I’m left wondering what their wines with Sangiovese planted and grown on their Estate must taste like. Located in the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Stratus Vineyards is known for its signature assemblage wines.
J-L (Jean-Laurent) Groux, their founding winemaker and Canadian wine industry pioneer, trained in the vineyards of Burgundy and Bordeaux and has long been celebrated for his passion for the art of assemblage. Winemaker Dean Stoyka continues to further Stratus’ precision viticulture and sustainable practice. J-L’s spirit of innovation has inspired Dean to push the boundaries with his ardent curiosity and passion for experimentation. It was clear listening to Dean that J-L has been an inspiring mentor to him.
Comments