It is an unusual time in the world and imagining how we get back to normal still seems strange. There are so many inspiring stories of people using this time to reinvigorate their creativity and to focus on the things that bring them joy. For many this means gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of their favourite beverage – wine; and to adapt to this new world we find ourselves in many of the wineries have pulled together to provide deliveries right across Canada.
The time may not yet be right to visit the beautiful wine regions in Nova Scotia but here are some fun tastings you can order and have delivered safely to your door.
Bubbles across the board
Sparkling wine is what Nova Scotia does best, and nothing brightens up a day quite like a bottle of bubbles. This tasting demonstrates the different methods, grapes, and aging techniques our winemakers are using to craft world recognized sparkling wines. If you can pick out a common tasting note among them all, then you are tasting the unique Nova Scotian terroir that makes our sparkling wines so fantastic.
Benjamin Bridge NV Rosé $27.95 – Luscious cherry and strawberry, with sea mineral undertones.
Gaspereau Vineyards 2011 Cuvée Brut $34.99 – Distinct minerality, rich hints of brioche, and apple.
Blomidon Estate Winery 2014 Blanc de Noirs $45 – Elegant baked apple, almond, and spice notes.
Lightfoot & Wolfville 2018 Small Lot Riesling Pet Nat $30.43 – Cloudy with juicy tropical citrus and savoury flavours.
Sainte-Famille Wines 2017 Sparkling Rosé $19 – Ripe melon and pear.
Hybrids vs. vinifera
Vitis Vinifera is the family of grapes we are accustomed to seeing on the shelves; they include grapes like Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. However, Nova Scotia has been a pioneer in proving hybrid grapes (crossings of two or more vitis families) can also make truly exceptional wine. Don’t take our word for it, try these fun matchups to compare and contrast vinifera wines vs. hybrids.
Planters Ridge Chardonnay $21.57 – Aromas of honey, pineapple and bright floral notes.
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Luckett Vineyards Buried White L’Acadie $38 – Smoky tones of baked banana and vanilla bean.
Benjamin Bridge Cabernet Franc Rosé $24.95 – Blood orange, red currants, flint and lime.
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Avondale Sky Bin 37 Geisenheim & Marquette Rosé $15.65 – Pink grapefruit and watermelon.
Lightfoot & Wolfville Ancienne Pinot Noir $39.13 – Vibrant wild raspberry and dried cranberry notes.
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Mercator Vineyards Marquette Upper Ridge $25 – Intense black cherry and currant flavours.
Tidal Bays
Tidal Bay is Nova Scotia’s appellation wine (the only appellation wine in North America) this means any winery using only Nova Scotian grown grapes can produce a Tidal Bay as long as they follow a strict set of rules and pass a blind taste test. The end product is an aromatic white wine that tastes truly Nova Scotian and is excellent to pair with any dish that also rides the tides (this means seafood). Here is a list of wineries which offer Tidal Bays online, try them in a blind taste test to see which one you prefer:
Domaine de Grand Pré $17.22 Citrus brightness in the glass that lingers with every sip.
Jost Vineyards $19.99 Crisp notes of peach and apple with a delicate expression of minerality.
Mercator Vineyards $24.99 Bright flavours of apple, custard and fresh peach.
Gaspereau Vineyards $21.99 Distinctive lime aromas, gooseberry and mango.
Blomidon Estate Winery $22 Expressive scents of Granny Smith apple, camomile and key lime.
Planters Ridge $18.96 Aromas of apple blossom, lime and lemon zest.
Luckett Vineyards $22 Zippy hints of lemon zest, green apple and guava.
Avondale Sky $19.13 Fresh apple, peach, and citrus zest.
Regrettably the 12 Tides event celebrating the launch of the 2019 Tidal Bay vintage will not proceed, but our industry is working together to come up with an exciting new concept that will involve a safe celebration of the vintage at a later date. We look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks.
Besides online sales, many wineries are offering shipping promotions and curbside no-contact pick up, as well as online interactive tasting series. Give them a follow on your favourite social media channels to participate in the fun. We are all working together so you can enjoy premier Nova Scotia wine in the comfort and safety of your home. Happy sipping.