2023-07-22 04:00:38
This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Bon vivants passing through this maritime province which has so much to offer will not fail to fall under the charm of the vineyards of the Annapolis Valley. Nova Scotian wines, which flourish in the salty air, have nothing to envy in this regard to those produced in Quebec, Ontario or British Columbia.
The unmissable Tidal Bay
Located south of the Minas Basin of the Bay of Fundy, the Annapolis Valley enjoys a mild microclimate, particularly favorable to wine production. The expansion of vineyards is such that Nova Scotia, under the leadership of oenologist Peter Gamble, launched its own signature white wine, Tidal Bay, on the occasion of the Atlantic Canada Wine Symposium in 2012. Already 11 years ago, 6 winemakers presented their 2011 cuvée, a true reflection of the terroir, and today, there are 14 different Tidal Bays. It is also rumored that each bottle is a wonderful accompaniment to local seafood, such as lobster, scallops, mussels and oysters, and that each sip evokes the essence of the province, fresh and dynamic.
For example, Jost Vineyards’ Tidal Bay is reminiscent of apple and pear aromas, while Lost Bell’s reveals more floral and citrus notes. Also to try: the Tidal Bay from L’Acadie Vineyards, dry and tropical, and that of Domaine de Grand Pré, enhanced by Ortega and New York Muscat grapes, with its minerality and notes of ripe peach. Quite frankly mouth watering!
It should be noted that the Tidal Bay must be composed of at least 51% of the L’Acadie blanc, Seyval blanc, Vidal and/or Geisenheim 318 grape varieties, which may or may not be blended. The remaining 49% is left to the discretion of the winegrowers: Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Frontenac Blanc or even Petit Milo, the choice can be made from around twenty varieties that correspond to the standards of the appellation. The main thing is that 100% of the grapes used for the famous elixir were grown in Nova Scotia, no matter where, and that the alcohol content of the wine does not exceed 11%. Since last year, it is even possible to buy Tidal Bay in a new format, either in a 250 ml can, on site in the vineyards or in the branches of the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, the equivalent of our SAQ.
Three areas to visit in Wolfville
One hour from Halifax, nestled in the hollow of the Annapolis Valley, is Luckett Vineyards, a 92-acre property opened in 2010 by grocery store founder Pete’s Frootique and now managed by his daughter Geena. With its red telephone box, reminiscent of Pete Luckett’s native England, it is impossible to miss the vineyard. We stop there, among other things, to stroll among the vines while enjoying an unobstructed view of the sea. Of course, we then sit down on its magnificent terrace to enjoy a good chowder accompanied by excellent Prince Edward Island potato fries while toasting.
With around twenty wines made from L’Acadie, Osceola Muscat, Seyval Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Lucie Kuhlmann, Leon Millot, Triomphe d’Alsace and Castel grape varieties, the choice is vast at Luckett Vineyards. There is one, all the same, that quickly piques curiosity… The Buried White, aged in Hungarian oak barrels for 28 months underground, is as surprising, with its smoky aromas, as it is exquisite.
Not far, the Lightfoot Wolfville welcomes lovers of good food in an authentic and comforting setting, and offers them a fine range of perfectly mastered organic and biodynamic wines. A farming family established in the Annapolis Valley for eight generations, the Lightfoots began viticulture in 2009 and firmly believe in a connection between people and the land. In fact, it is essential for them to carry out a vinification that requires only minimal human intervention, in harmony with the fruits of nature, while thinking of the descendants. A favorite for their remarkable bottles of bubbles, white or pink, which are enough to make champagne blush.
Finally, let’s not forget the vineyard Benjamin Bridge, which has been operating since 1999 and makes it a point of honor to offer wines that are part of a philosophy of sustainability and community. In addition, the head winemaker of the house is Quebecer Jean-Benoît Deslauriers. While their Nova 7 — a fresh, floral blend of seven grapes, dominated by Muscat — quickly became a classic when it was released in 2007, their pet nat and brut cuvées are simply impeccable. The plus: sip them by the fire on their patio at sunset.
• Luckett Vineyards, 1293, Grand Pre Road, Wolfville
• Lightfoot Wolfville, 11143, Evangeline Trail, Wolfville
• Benjamin Bridge, 1966, White Rock Road, Wolfvill
This content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.
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