When a person thinks of the fine wine countries, Canada may not be in the forefront for many people. For a while now I have been broadcasting the fantastic Pinot Noir’s made here – the grape loves our cool Canadian climate. Inniskillen makes a beauty for under $20. However, the past couple of weeks I have tried several Canadian wines and they have wowed me! And I don’t wow easily!
On Thursday the Benjamin Bridge Vineyard in Gaspereau, Nova Scotia released the 2012 vintage of the Nova 7 with much anticipation. I had never tried this wine before and I don’t drink a lot of sparkling wines, but this one was fantastic. Beautiful salmon color in the glass, the 2012 vintage is made of 8 different grapes, mostly Muscat and all the grapes were grown here in Nova Scotia. In the mouth its lively and crisp with flavors of ruby-red grapefruit, lychee and a bit of a floral note. Spicy food, oily fish, turkey or all by itself – this wine will wow your friends. I regret only buying one bottle and may have to change that today.
Apparently, some Canadian Merlot’s have won me over. Last week I wrote about the 2009 Burrowing Owl Merlot from the Okanagan Valley. A fantastic Merlot and beautiful vintage. The 2010 vintage got released earlier this week and I will be ordering a case of it. I have a case coming of the Cabernet Sauvignon from Burrowing Owl, and will be writing about that one next week.
I had the pleasure this week of trying the 2009 Merlot from the Mission Hill vineyard, also in the Okanagan Valley. It only makes sense. Up until now, my favorite place that makes a Merlot has been the Washington State in the United States. And if you go a few miles north you are in British Columbia. This gorgeous Merlot with its aromas of plums, blackberries and a bit of Mocha. Aged in French oak for 15 months, can you say YUM! This smooth Merlot has hints of coffee on the palate, and is on my menu for tonight. This will make any barbecued food purr in your mouth – I’m having it with a creamy pasta. It’s that good.
I also had the opportunity to try the Mission Hill Chardonnay. This was totally different from many Chardonnay’s and I loved it. It was smooth without the buttery creaminess of some Chardonnay’s. I had a hard time detecting the oak, so every white wine drinker will love this wine. Flavors of pineapple and apricot dance with crisp tropical notes. Not words I normally use to describe a Chardonnay and it did spend 7 months in both French and American oak. A gorgeous wine that is super food friendly.
So, that’s it for this week. Go Canada Go. You are making some fantastic wines – keep up the good work.
Until next week – Cheers
Darlene
Wine-It’s Just My Opinion 