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Wines of Canada

The Elite

 

The Elite is a small list of wineries we feel produce outstanding wines year after year after year. They have a proven, well earned reputation. Their wines are made with a passion Their owners and winemaking team extremely dedicated. The wineries are listed in random order.

 


Benjamin Bridge
Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia

Benjamin Bridge has distinguished itself as one of Canada's ( perhaps the world's) top producers of sparkling wine. In 1999 Gerry McConnell and his late wife Dara Gordon purchase 60 acres of land bordering on the Gaspereau River by the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. They Benjamin Bridge engages leading international winery consultant and winemaker Peter J. Gamble, along with his partner, winemaker Ann Sperling.

Raphaël Brisbois, the world's foremost Champagne authority and former chef de cave for Piper Heidsieck, was asked to tour and assess the vineyard. He joins the team as a consultant. After a few years of experimentation Benjamin Bridge releases its inaugural vintage in 2004

In 2008 Jean-Benoit Deslauriers joins the winemaking team and the Vineyards are officially certified Organic. The era of amazing Sparking wines had begun. Accolades were received from wine writers and critics world wide. “They are, without question, the best sparkling wines I have tasted in Canada,” says Tony Aspler, Canada's most renowned wine authority.

Nova Scotia's Gaspereau Valley, home to Benjamin Bridge, is one of the rare grape-growing regions with a growing season remarkably similar to Champagne, France. The valley's geography and cool climate foster extremely low natural cropping levels — leading to a precious, expensive yield of grapes with rich flavours, texture, and length.

It is not only terroir that puts these wines at the level of the French prestige cuvées . Benjamin Bridge sparklings are made in the laborious and time-consuming Méthode Classique , using the classic Champagne grape varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The precious berries are hand-picked in small baskets, delicately pressed, and finally bottled for extended aging on their lees

“ The most complete and flawless sparkling wine that I have ever reviewed.” Daenna Van Mulligen

“ Mind-blowing sparkling wines that would challenge any highly-rated French Champagne.” Anthony Gismondi

L'Acadie Vineyards
Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Winemaker Bruce Ewert was among the first to recognized the potential of Nova Scotia's Gaspereau Valley's for producing Sparking wines. In 2004 Bruce his wife PAuline Scott and his family moved to Nova Scotia and founded L"Acadie Vineyards. In 2008, he released the first traditional method sparkling wine in Nova Scotia

Prestigae Brut was awarded Gold in 2010 in Canada. At the prestigious 2011 Effervescents du Monde Prestige Brut was awarded a silver medal.

The winery is certified Organic. Bruce also produces white, red, dessert wines and Appassimento wines, They have also made an award wining Organic cider.

The BBC Lonely Planet has cited Nova Scotia's organic wines in its 2012 Best in Travel Guide.

L'Acadie Vineyards plays an important role in placing Nova Scotia on the world made of Best Wine regions.

Next addition Domaine de Grand Pré

The Elite

We welcome your thoughts and recommendations bobbell@winesofcanada.com

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