Wine Institute Urges Resolution of US-Canada Dispute

The Wine Institute issued the following statement this week in response to the announcements that the United States would be placing tariffs on imports from Canada, and the Canadian government responded with retaliatory tariffs against U.S. wine. Additionally, provincial leaders across Canada’s largest provinces threaten to remove U.S. wine and beverage alcohol from their provinces in response to the U.S. tariffs.

“Canada is the single most important export market for U.S. wines with retail sales over $1.1 billion annually,” said Robert P. Koch, President & CEO of Wine Institute. “Wine is one of the U.S.’s most highly value-added agricultural exports, so any loss of access to the Canadian market will damage the entire US wine sector. Our wineries have spent decades building market share and brand loyalty across Canada. These actions put all of this at risk. In addition, all of beverage alcohol is already facing unprecedented challenges in the marketplace so these tariffs and potential product removals come at a time when their impact will be tough to absorb. We urge both governments to work together to resolve this dispute as soon as possible to minimize the economic harm.”

The U.S. wine industry has long supported the position that wine, as a unique agricultural product, should not be targeted in trade disputes unrelated to wine. Wine Institute strongly advocates for the removal of wine from all trade retaliation lists regardless of the market. Retaliatory tariffs invariably harm U.S. wine producers and impede the growth of the wine sector.

Southbrook Vineyards Announces the Release of an Exclusive Chef-Signed Wine Collection to Honor Canadian Culinary Stars Competing at the Bocuse d’Or Finale

Southbrook Vineyards, a highly acclaimed organic and biodynamic winery renowned for its innovative approach to natural, small-batch winemaking has announced the introduction of “The Southbrook CHEFS CANADA Limited Edition Set”. This collection is signed by both award-winning Canadian Chef Keith Pears, and the founder of Southbrook, Bill Redelmeier.

The Southbrook CHEFS CANADA Limited Edition Set establishes Southbrook Vineyards as the official wine partner of CHEFS CANADA and pays tribute to the Canadian culinary team participating in the Bocuse d’Or Finale, held at the Sirha in Lyon, France January 27, under the leadership of Chef Pears.

The collection includes magnum bottles of the 2020 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 Estate Merlot, and 2020 Poetica Red, presented in an elegant wooden box.. Only 50 sets are available online, HST-exempt until February 15, 2025, at a total price of $442.48. From each sale, $100 will support Team Canada at the Bocuse d’Or.

Link to purchase: Southbrook CHEFS CANADA Limited Edition Set  🏆! Let’s go CANADA🇨🇦

“Representing Team Canada at the Bocuse d’Or is an incredible opportunity to continue striving for perfection in my craft,” said Chef Pears, who hails from Vancouver but resides in Toronto, and is Canada’s Bocuse d’Or candidate. “I’m thrilled about the partnership with Southbrook Vineyards because they share a similar philosophy—approaching their work with thoughtfulness, a dedication to small-batch winemaking, and a focus on the health and vitality of their vineyards”.

Bocuse d’Or was founded in 1987 by legendary French Chef Paul Bocuse and is recognized as the world’s most competitive culinary event. It’s a prestigious platform for nations to spotlight their unique culinary heritage and terroir, while showcasing gastronomical innovation from next-generation chefs.

“We deeply admire the passion, precision, and extraordinary skill that CHEFS CANADA and Team Canada bring to their preparation for the Bocuse d’Or. It’s an honour to support Chef Keith Pears and his team on their inspiring journey toward gold,” said Redelmeier.

Wine Review: 2023 The Grange [Farmer’s Series] County Pinot Noir, and the 2023 Estate Series [Diana Block] Pinot Noir

2023 Farmer’s Series County Pinot Noir
VQA Prince Edward County

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Peppery, with full berry aromas, hints of spice and vanilla, along with an earthy undertone.
Palate: Vibrant and fresh, juicy acidity with light tannins.
Score: 87

This robust, terroir-driven County Pinot is part of The Grange’s Farmer’s Series, which celebrates the friendships with other farmers, growers, and vineyards across Ontario.

Other Details:
Alc./vol.: 12.0%
Residual Sugar: 0.2 g/L
Harvest Date: October 2023
Aging: 10 Months in French Oak (33% new barrel)

 

2023 Estate Series Diana Block Pinot Noir
VQA Prince Edward County

Tasting Notes:

Made with estate grapes from the Diana block, this elegant Pinot Noir displays a complex nose of cherry, strawberry, savoury beet, and earthy leaves, with a light, silky palate, chalky tannin and nice length and well-balanced.
Score: 88

 Other Details:
Alc./vol.: 12.5%
Residual Sugar: 2 g/L
Estate Vineyards: Diana Block
Harvest Date: October 2023

The Estate Series wines are crafted from grapes from multiple blocks across the property. The estate vineyard spans 100+ acres of diverse, natural lands. The five vineyard blocks cover varied soils, ecology, and weather, offering unique terroir influences on the wines’ character and complexity.

For further details:  https://www.grangewinery.com

The Grange of Prince Edward Winery Launches “Massey Hall Wine” Collaboration for 130th Anniversary

The Grange of Prince Edward Winery recently announced Massey Red, a private-label wine commemorating the 130th anniversary of Massey Hall. This collaboration with Roy Thomson Hall and Allied Music Centre highlights the synergy between wine and music.

Michael Leskovec, CEO of The Grange, emphasizes the shared cultural significance: “Massey Hall has been a beacon of Canadian creativity and culture for 130 years, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to honour its legacy with this special wine. Massey Red is a toast to the past, present, and future of this incredible institution and the artists it continues to inspire.”

Massey Red is crafted from grapes grown on The Grange’s 40-acre property in Hillier, Ontario, specifically from the Northfield, Victoria, and Diana blocks. This blend of Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc offers notes of mocha, ripe berry, and on the palate tart cranberry, leather, and tea leaf, delightful acidity, and fine tannins – Overall: Bright, fruit-forward and approachable!

Score:  89

This release is part of The Grange’s Estate Series, showcasing the rich terroir of its vineyards. The partnership with Allied Music Centre and Roy Thomson Hall has featured Grange wines in hospitality spaces and events, celebrating the cultural legacy of Massey Hall.

Massey Red ($27) is available at The Grange of Prince Edward Winery, online at www.grangewinery.com, and at Allied Music Centre and Roy Thomson Hall.

North America’s Six Top Wine Regions for a Cycling Getaway

For wine lovers who love the outdoors, combining the enjoyment of wine tasting with leisurely cycling through some of North America’s most picturesque vineyard regions offers a unique and wonderful experience.

Wine regions like Napa Valley, the Finger Lakes, and Niagara are not only renowned for their exquisite wines, but they also feature some of the most bicycle-friendly routes and amenities.

Here is a guide that takes you through these areas, promising lots of adventure, indulgence, and an appreciation of these wonderful wine regions: https://shorturl.at/zL08Z

Source: Momentum Magazine