World-Class Canadian Wines for Canada Day as seen on CTV Morning Live

Ottawa, ON

June 28, 2024

Today on CTV Morning Live (and later on CFRA News Talk 580), Sommelier Matt Steeves showcased an impressive line-up of world-class wines from all across Canada that highlight how vibrant the Canadian wine scene has become.   Click here for the link to the TV video and here for the CFRA interview starting at the 55 minute mark.

On the occasion of Canada Day we’re showcasing some of the world-class wines being made across Canada. With over 700 wineries coast to coast, Canadian wineries are producing exceptional wines that rival those from other storied regions of the world.

You don’t need to go to Champagne or Burgundy or Bordeaux to find world-class wines as we are producing them right here in Canada and the world is catching on to this more and more each year.

From crisp sparkling wines, white wines, lighter bodied Pinot Noir, Gamay, and full body reds like Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, you can find world-class expressions of each of these wines in the numerous wine regions across Canada.  

Each region has its unique characteristics producing wines with unique sense of place.   From Nova Scotia’s refreshing traditional method sparkling wines that rival Champagne any day, to Prince Edward County’s Pinot Noir, Niagara’s Riesling and Chardonnay, and the Okanagan Valley with its many strengths including crisp sparkling wines to full bodied big red blends, Canada has arrived on the global stage as a nation capable of producing world-class wines, and what better occasion than Canada Day to celebrate that.

Fun Fact: Canadian wine regions share similar latitudes with storied French and Italian wine regions, something most people may find surprising. Did you know that Niagara shares the same latitude as Tuscany, Italy, whereas Nova Scotia is aligned with Bordeaux, France, while the Okanagan Valley and Champagne, France share similar latitudes. Although these latitudes may be similar, the wines each region produces are so distinctly different which is the exciting thing about the different terroirs each region offers.

Speaking of Canadian wines in an international context, it’s incredible how many Michelin star restaurants overseas are offering Canadian wines on their curated lists of top rated wines.  Wineries such as Norm Hardie from Prince Edward County has wines in over 40 Michelin star restaurants alone, and each of Canada’s wine regions is represented in international fine dining establishments.  This is a great indicator of quality when international markets are seeking out Canadian wines and fine dining establishments are choosing Canadian wines to pair alongside their gourmet dishes. The reason why, well there are many, but Canadian wines offer great acidity, complexity, and value compared to some of the most recognized wine regions of the world. These and many other reasons are helping put Canadian wine on the map for savvy wine enthusiasts around the wor.

Moreover, international wine competitions and wine professionals around the world are acknowledging the quality and potential for Canadian wines as they earn accolades at those competitions and international journalists shed light on our modest yet impressive and growing wine industry.

Like those international competitions that seem to be increasingly awarding Canadian wines with top honours, I’m happy to be here showing some of the best of the best and hoping that you can see for yourself how great our wines have become over the past few decades.

The wines we’re featuring from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward County, Niagara, and the Okanagan Valley showcase some of the best in Canadian winemaking. These regions are renowned for their commitment to producing high-quality wines that capture the unique characteristics of their respective terroirs.

In Nova Scotia, the cool climate and maritime influence result in exceptional sparkling wines and vibrant whites.

Prince Edward County is celebrated for its expressive Pinot Noir and elegant whites, thanks to its limestone-rich soils and cool climate.

Niagara is known for its diverse range of premium wines, including world-class Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Icewine, while the Okanagan Valley boasts bold reds and rich whites in the south with elegant and expressive whites and Pinot in the north, all benefiting from the diverse microclimates and stunning vineyard landscapes throughout the Okanagan Valley. 

Today’s selection of wines represents some of the best vineyards and wineries across Canada, chosen for their dedication to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship, and ultimately how terrific these wines are.

I invite you to experience the breadth of top tier wines being produced across Canada.  I assure you these will impress every palate that tries them!

Blomindon Estate Winery Brut Reserve NV – $45  Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

Norm Hardie County Pinot Noir Unfiltered – PEC Ontario – $59

Dobbin Estate Dry Riesling 2019 – Twenty Mile Bench, ON – $60

16 Mile Cellar Rebel Chardonnay 2020 – Creek Shores, Niagara, ON – $27

Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery – The One Grand Reserve 2017 – Okangan Falls, BC – $50

Mission Hill Quatrain 2018 – Okanagan Valley, BC – $81

Nova Scotia:

Nova Scotia’s wine regions are located in a number of valleys never more than 20km from the ocean, including the Annapolis Valley, Bear River Valley, and Gaspereau Valley.  While Nova Scotia only established their first commercial vintage in 1980, records note that in 1611 Louis Hebert planted a hillside vineyard in Bear River, while the province’s next recorded vineyard was planted in 1633. 

Located at 45 degrees latitude, it shares the same latitude as France’s Bordeaux region but with significantly different climate and overall terroir so don’t expect big Cabernet Sauvignons or Merlots but rather some of the finest and most refreshing sparkling wines and white wines you can imagine.  With a cool climate and maritime influence, it offers unique terroir for grape growing unlike anywhere in the world. The region is becoming increasingly renowned for its vibrant traditional method sparkling wines, which happens to be the style of wine I’m most drawn to and excited about in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia’s winemakers, such as those at Blomidon, embrace the challenges posed by the maritime weather/climate and produce wines with crisp acidity, delicate fruit flavors, and a distinct sense of place. The vineyards, often located near the coast, benefit from the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean and Bay of Fundy, resulting in wines that are refreshing and expressive.

Nova Scotia’s wine scene is exciting, growing, and catching-on across Canada and internationally! A testament to the world-class wines they’re producing and how well placed they are to become a great wine region of the world.

Blomindon Estate Winery Brut Reserve NV – $45  Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

In the realm of traditional method sparkling wines, few bottles can evoke a sense of place as vividly as Blomidon Estate Winery’s NV Brut Réserve. Crafted amidst the dramatic landscape of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, where the world’s highest tides and oceanic breezes shape the vineyards, this sparkling wine showcases distinct maritime terroir at its finest.

From the first glance, it’s clear this wine embodies its coastal origins. A pale straw hue shimmers in the glass, reminiscent of sunlight dancing on the Atlantic’s surface. The nose captures your attention: crisp orchard fruits mingle with a distinct sea breeze salinity, harmonizing with nuanced nutty tones that speak of its 4.5 years aging on lees. It’s an olfactory journey that transports you to the edge of the continent, where land meets sea in perfect harmony.

On the palate, Blomidon NV Brut Réserve continues to impress with its richness and crispness held in elegant balance. Citrus fruits burst forth, accompanied by delicate floral notes, lime cordial, and salinity that underscore its Nova Scotian pedigree. There’s a toasty hint of brioche that adds depth and sophistication, a hallmark of wines aged with meticulous care.

A cool-climate wine blended from the warm vintages of 2016, 2017, and 2018, this cuvée showcases 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir sourced exclusively from the estate’s finest parcels. The meticulous winemaking process, including gentle whole-cluster pressing and extended aging on lees, has resulted in a sparkling wine of exceptional character and finesse.

This is more than just a sparkling wine; it’s a declaration of the heights that Atlantic Canada’s winemaking can achieve. It stands proudly among the world’s best, a true rival to renowned sparkling wines from a certain French region. For those seeking a glimpse into the greatness achievable in maritime sparkling wines, look no further than Blomidon Estate Winery’s NV Brut Réserve — a wine that embodies the essence of its origins, a pure reflection of the maritime terroir enhanced by the craftmanship of its makers, and one that continues to secure Blomidon’s reputation as a world-class sparkling wine producer. Put this on your radar when its released this year, date TBD, likely late summer. And in the meantime checkout their 2016 Brut Réserve ($45 winery-direct), another top notch traditional method sparkling wine you’ll enjoy!

Tasted the Brut Réserve NV in June 2024. 95 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Prince Edward County:

Nestled on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County wine region is a charming and rapidly emerging wine destination in Canada. Known for its picturesque landscapes and limestone-rich soils, this cool-climate region is gaining recognition for its exceptional wines, with references to France’s renowned Burgundy region when it’s described by some. Prince Edward County is becoming renowned for producing elegant and vibrant cool-climate whites, including Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, as well as expressive Pinot Noir. The region’s winemakers employ sustainable practices and a focus on terroir-driven winemaking, resulting in wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the area. With a growing number of boutique wineries, breathtaking vineyard views, and a convenient 2-3 hour drive from Ontario’s largest cities, Prince Edward County offers a delightful and distinct wine experience for enthusiasts and visitors alike.

Norm Hardie County Pinot Noir Unfiltered – PEC Ontario – $59

Norman Hardie (Prince Edward) County Pinot Noir from the impressive five star 2020 vintage. As soon as you pour it in the glass there’s a pronounced flinty limestone influence that emerges from the bouquet. The nose shows expressive cherry, raspberry, dried cranberry, floral and dried herbs, cured meat and that PEC signature flinty limestone minerality. The palate repeats with incredible harmony – this Pinot is in such a sweet spot now – all components beautifully integrated, in perfect harmony and at a delightfully low ABV (12.5%) for the intensity of the wine. One of the best offerings I’ve tasted from PEC over the past two decades and a fantastic example of the high quality wines being produced in PEC. If you enjoy premium Burgundy, you’ll want to keep your eyes on this up and coming region and the expressive limestone influenced cool-climate wines they’re producing. Enjoy over the next five years, but no need to wait to experience the greatness of this vintage. Tasted June 2024. 96 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Niagara:

The Twenty Mile Bench wine region, nestled within Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula, is a renowned destination for cool-climate winemaking. Stretching approximately 20 miles along the southern edge of the Niagara Escarpment, this region benefits from a unique microclimate influenced by Lake Ontario. Limestone-rich soils, combined with the moderating effects of the lake, create an ideal environment for grape cultivation. The Twenty Mile Bench is celebrated for producing exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines known for their vibrant acidity, distinct mineral character, and expressive fruit flavors. With picturesque vineyards and a commitment to quality, the Twenty Mile Bench is a testament to the Niagara Peninsula’s winemaking prowess.

Dobbin Estate Dry Riesling 2019 – Twenty Mile Bench, ON – $60

This is one of the most exciting wine projects to emerge in the premium wine scene in Ontario. Dobbin Estate is located along the renowned Twenty Mile Bench sub-appellation of Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula.

It’s here where oenologists/winemakers Peter Gamble and Ann Sperling worked with the Dobbin principals (Wade Dobbin and his nephew Nathan) to complete a geological assessment of the terroir across the Estate which validated that they had the perfect terroir to realize their ultra premium wine project. As Gamble says, crafting Cru quality wines is all about “location, location, location”, and it turns out that’s exactly what the Dobbin Estate provides. A property of ~50 acres along the Twenty Mile Bench, including mature woodlands, a 7 acre water feature, and just over a third under vine, all organically farmed. While Twenty Mile Bench provenance led them to this land, it was the characteristics of that Bench soil, including the high concentration of calcium carbonate they discovered which confirmed their vision for greatness could be realized there.

Empirical evidence has shown that high levels of calcium carbonate in a vineyard contributes significantly to the minerality, structure, and overall complexity of wines grown in those conditions, often resulting in wines with balanced acidity, pronounced minerality, and distinctive expressions of the specific terroir. Since many of the world’s finest wines (including top quality Champagne and Burgundy) originate from vineyards with similarly high calcium carbonate content, Gamble was confident this land had everything he needed to launch one of the most interesting high quality focused wine projects around.

Fast forward to present day, and the launch of the inaugural vintage of Dobbin Estate Dry Riesling (2019). A wine most in-the-know would expect to have a relatively high level of quality thanks to its Twenty Mile Bench provenance, but winemaker Peter Gamble took it to the next level with labour intensive viticultural practices he first learned decades ago in Germany. Those labour intensive practices that Gamble refers to, coupled with exceptional terroir, are responsible for producing many of the finest German wines available, typically fetching hundreds of dollars a bottle. This is what guided Gamble, following a similar approach, Gamble notes that grapes were harvested on four separate occasions over several weeks in October and November 2019 to pick the best bunches with the best characteristics at various stages of their ripening. Without a predetermined recipe to follow, or logistical pressures of picking a certain percentage/volume on any given day to accommodate facility constraints, they instead opted to select the best bunches showing the best characteristics to incorporate in their wine, then carrying-out separate fermentations on each of those batches throughout the fall, some of which were ridiculously small, and each batch getting unique treatment to suit the characteristics of the wine (such as managing different levels of Botrytis), and finally assembling the components to produce a wine with remarkable flavour and textural complexity. After a few years in bottle, Gamble decided it was time to release it in 2024.

The nose shows rich stone fruits, wildflower honey, citrus, petrol, flinty wet stone minerality and subtle sweet spices. The palate repeats while bringing an impressive weight and body with a creamy mid-palate that’s contrasted by remarkable freshness with its vibrant acidity and minerality that persists on the long and textured finish. While the 2019 vintage has now benefitted from a few years of bottle refinement, and is showing beautifully at the time of this review, the reality is, it’s still in its early days and the best is yet to come. Recommend to cellar for a few more years while it unwinds and opens up then enjoy over the next decade with charcuterie, spicy Asian cuisine, Ceviche or Tartare. A wine I’d highly recommend starting a vertical with and if you’re lucky, taking advantage of the large format option too while they’re available given the limited quantities. Drink 2027 to 2035(+). Tasted June 2024. 95-97 points. Matt Steeves – www.quercusvino.ca

16 Mile Cellar Rebel Chardonnay 2020 – Niagara, ON – $27

16 Mile Cellar’s Rebel Chardonnay from the wonderful 2020 vintage. Golden yellow colour with a super expressive bouquet. The nose shows tropical fruit, exotic fruit, key lime pie, floral blossom, ginger and biscuit notes. Medium-full bodied with a creamy mouthfeel, the palate reveals layers of delicious orchard fruit and tropical fruit with ripe orchard fruit and spice persisting on the long refreshing finish. Great value for this expressive and highly textured cool-climate Chardonnay from one of the best vintages in the past decade. Ultra low production wine from this up and coming boutique winery – that’s right, only one barrel was produced from the three blocks of Chardonnay they have planted on their property in the Creek Shores VQA sub appellation of the Niagara Peninsula. This is a winery to keep on your radar as they’re delivering high quality wines that deliver exceptional value. Highly recommended. Tasted June 2024. 92+ points. Matt Steeves

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

The Okanagan Valley stands as a beacon of exceptional winemaking in Canada. Located in British Columbia, this picturesque region is renowned for its world-class wines. The valley’s diverse microclimates, ranging from hot and arid to cooler mountainous areas, create ideal conditions for the production of a wide range of grape varieties. From luscious reds to crisp whites and expressive Pinot Noir, the Okanagan Valley showcases the breadth and potential of Canadian winemaking. Wineries in this region combine their passion for the craft with the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, resulting in wines that are expressive, balanced, and truly reflect the spirit of the Okanagan Valley.

Okanagan Falls

Nestled within British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Falls stands out for its exceptional production of sparkling wines, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Central to its renown are the geographical blessings of Peach Cliff and McIntyre Bluff, which flank the valley, creating a unique terroir. These dramatic cliffs, remnants of ancient volcanic activity, alongside the kettle-shaped features formed by glacial deposits, contribute to the region’s diverse soils and microclimates. Such geological diversity, coupled with the moderating influence of nearby Skaha and Vaseux Lakes, fosters optimal conditions for cool-climate grape varieties. As a result, winemakers in Okanagan Falls harness this natural bounty to craft wines of remarkable character: sparkling wines celebrated for their crisp acidity and fine bubbles, Chardonnays known for their purity and elegance, and Pinot Noirs prized for their complexity and finesse. This convergence of natural beauty and viticultural expertise makes Okanagan Falls a celebrated destination for wine enthusiasts seeking expressions that harmonize the Valley’s picturesque landscape with its rich winemaking tradition.

Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery – The One Grand Reserve 2017 – Okangan Falls, BC – $49.99

Situated in breathtaking Okanagan Falls, Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery offers unparalleled views of the iconic McIntyre Bluff, which define the southern edge of the Okanagan Valley Sub-GI. The terroir of this region is truly exceptional, shaped by the remnants of the glacial era and dotted with pristine vineyards where some of the finest wines are born in the Okanagan Valley. Distinctive geological formations, including kettles, dot the vineyards and serve as host to specific single vineyards that yield award-winning wines each year. One of those single vineyards is Noble Ridge’s Home Vineyard, where they sourced the grapes for their “The One” Grand Reserve traditional method sparkling wine. 2017 vintage is a blend of Chardonnay (78%) and Pinot Noir (22%), picked September 15, 2017, at 18 Brix to retain that critical acidity. The nose shows delicious orchard fruit, freshly picked apples, along with apple crumble, with a flinty minerality. Fine bubbles carry the richness of the fruit, more orchard and stone fruit on the palate, with subtle baking spices, a touch of tannins too while the crisp acidity leads to a long refreshing finish. OK Falls produces some of the best Chardonnay and Pinot in the Okanagan so naturally their traditional method sparkling wines are impressive and The One Grand Reserve 2017 is a fantastic effort from the team at Noble Ridge. Enjoy over the next 5+ years. Tasted June 2024. 94 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Available winery-direct $49.99

Views from Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery in Okanagan Falls, BC

Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s picturesque Okanagan Valley, Mission Hill Winery stands as an iconic beacon of the region’s winemaking prowess. From its early days Mission Hill has garnered international acclaim for its commitment to producing wines that reflect both the terroir and the innovative spirit of the region. Perched atop stunning vineyards overlooking Lake Okanagan, the winery combines old-world winemaking traditions with state-of-the-art technology, crafting wines that showcase the essence of the Okanagan’s unique microclimates. With a dedication to quality and a portfolio that spans from approachable everyday wines to flagship Bordeaux-style blends, Mission Hill continues to define the standard of excellence in Canadian winemaking, drawing visitors and enthusiasts alike to experience the beauty and sophistication of Okanagan wine country firsthand. If you haven’t had the chance to visit their West-Kelowna winery, or one of their sister-wineries throughout the Okanagan, I highly recommend as they consistently deliver top quality wines with unparalleled guest experiences.

Mission Hill Quatrain 2018 – Okanagan Valley, BC – $81

In 1981, the Okanagan was largely undiscovered as a wine region, instead it was renowned for the quality of its stonefruit orchards. Grape growers were just beginning to take risks, planting vines in unproven terrain. Despite these risks, the glacier-formed valley offered varying soil profiles, long, hot growing days, and diverse microclimates. These distinct subregions posed an opportunity to cultivate wine with unmistakable terroir. This potential inspired Mission Hill Family Estate’s vision for the future of Okanagan wine.  Now, after being recognized as Canada’s only five-time winner of Winery of the Year and receiving multiple best varietal awards on the international stage, Mission Hill continues to draw inspiration from the Valley and the vineyards where they produce award winning wines year after year.

Mission Hill’s Quatrain brings together four popular varietals from the south of the Okanagan in Osoyoos and along the Black Sage Bench to produce an Okanagan version of a Bordeaux blend but with Syrah playing the lead role. Syrah from the Black Sage Bench and the far south in Osoyoos East are some of the best you’ll taste anywhere. The Okanagan’s desert-like conditions in the far south, with their warm days and cooler evenings allow these big red varietals to ripen whilst preserving their freshness, creating a unique terroir for these varietals that in my opinion produces the best expressions available anywhere across Canada. The eastern side of the valley gets considerably more daylight than the west does, this further enhancing the characteristics of the grapes ensuring full phenolic ripeness and avoiding any harsh tannins, rather producing fine grained and often silky textured tannins. The 2018 growing season, marked by early warmth and followed by a cool summer and an exceptionally cool September, saw an extended fall harvest which concluded with the final grapes being picked the second week of November. These conditions allowed for the slow, balanced development of fruit which is evident in every sip. Quatrain 2018 blends 47% Syrah, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 8% Cab Franc, producing a full bodied and beautifully integrated wine with exceptional structure, complexity and harmony. Dark plum, red currant, dark chocolate, Black Sage, pepper, graphite and cedar on the nose and palate. Full bodied with silky fine grained tannins, the finish is long with dark plum, pepper and graphite minerality persisting. Enjoy over the next decade with braised dishes, charcoal grilled steak, game, or firm cheeses. Tasted June 2024. 94 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Celebrate Canada Day by raising a glass of these extraordinary wines, and toast to the continued success and growth of the Canadian wine scene.

If you’re looking to experience these and dozens of other world-class Canadian wines then mark your calendars for the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4c24) in Niagara from July 18-21. This is a must-attend event for wine enthusiasts offering unparalleled access to countless world-class wines from across Canada and many international markets too. It’s also a great opportunity to tour one of the most up-and-coming wine regions in the world right here in Canada. Hope to see you there!

Cheers!

Matt