Proudly Canadian

By / Wine + Drinks / May 31st, 2021 / 6

Summer is around the corner and the pandemic still prevents us to travel internationally. While you may be anxious to go to your favourite wine destinations, Canada has many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Domaine Bergeville, a small biodynamic producer in North Hatley Quebec born in 2008, focuses solely on sparkling wine which is perfectly suited to the high acidity found in the grapes in the region. Pink or white, Bergeville’s bubbles display finesse and elegance.

Tantalus was established in 2004 in Kelowna British Columbia. The vineyard is blessed with a microclimate consisting of warm days and cool nights, resulting in wines with bright acidity. It is on that land that you find one of the oldest continuous producing vineyards in the Okanagan.

Here are some of my tasting notes from both Domaine Bergeville and Tantalus to inspire you.

Domaine Bergeville Le Blanc Brut, 2019, North Hatley Quebec $30 (Vidal, Frontenac Blanc, Seyval, Frontenac Gris, Acadie Blanc)

Elegant with searing acidity and a fine creamy mouse. Delicate aromas of brioche, lemon and white flowers are in symbiosis. A beautiful sparkling wine made from traditional method that shows the potential of bubbles in Québec.

Domaine Bergeville Canonique, 2018, North Hatley Quebec $34 (Sabrevois, Marquette, Frontenac Gris, Frontenac Blanc, Radisson, Louise Swenson, es-10-18-30)

Characterful yet delicate with notes of sour cherries, cranberries and rhubarb and a touch of brioche. Tangy acid with fine creamy mousse. What a great match with a plate of charcuterie and pâté.

Tantalus Rosé, 2020, BC VQA Okanagan Valley $21

Dry with bright acid and generous notes of wild strawberries, pink grapefruit and rhubarb with a gentle touch of wild sage and a pleasant bitter finish. Characterful and ideal with bouillabaisse grilled salmon or salade niçoise.

Tantalus Old Vines Riesling, 2018, BC VQA Okanagan Valley $35

Fear not: the 11.41 g/L of residual sugar balances perfectly the racy acidity. Great tension and energy with juicy and expressive notes of grapefruit, lime and stone fruit. Complex with a lingering finish. So tempting to drink now – I could not resist. But will only get better with time. If you can, wait for 7-9 years. A perfect match with sushi.

Tantalus Chardonnay, 2018, BC VQA Okanagan Valley $28
Riesling might be the flagship grape of Tantalus, but their Chardonnay is just as fine and elegant. Beautiful creamy texture balanced by bright acidity with notes of lemon, butter and hazelnuts that mingle. A natural with lemon chicken or lobster.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After 20 years in Vancouver, Michelle came back to her homeland in Quebec. In addition of teaching the WSET and doing education for numerous wine associations, she has been the sommelier on the popular Quebec TV show ‘Curieux Bégin.’ She recently published her first book ‘Dis-moi qui tu es, je te dirai quoi boire’ at Cardinal editions and founded the international conference Tasting Climate Change. She also contributed as a wine specialist to ‘Le Secret des Vietnamiennes’, a cookbook published by the famous author Kim Thúy. Michelle judges wine competition internationally, speak at the conferences, writes for numerous publications. She is currently in stage 2 of the prestigious Master of Wine program.

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