Canadian Wine Industry Archives

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

Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2024 Just Revealed

Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants List 2024 paints a vibrant portrait of Canada’s culinary scene. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Canada’s 100 Best.

“The quality of our list and the publication we build around it is better than ever. The result is an asset to discriminating diners – locals and travellers alike,” said Jacob Richler. “It’s a great time to be dining out in Canada.”

How restaurants are selected?
A panel of 150 judges is assembled to vote for restaurants based on the complete dining experience: service, décor, the depth of the cellar — and, above all else, food quality. Each judge must vote for a minimum of three restaurants outside of their home region. The panel includes informed culinary enthusiasts, food writers and critics, chefs, restaurateurs and other food-service professionals.

Here are some of the winners:

THE 2024 TOP 10 BEST RESTAURANTS:

Mon Lapin (Montreal, QC)
Edulis (Toronto, ON)
Alo (Toronto, ON)
20 Victoria (Toronto, ON)
Langdon Hall (Cambridge, ON)
Restaurant Pearl Morissette (Jordan Station, ON)
Published on Main (Vancouver, BC)
Beba (Montreal, QC)
Bar Kismet (Halifax, NS)
Kissa Tanto (Vancouver, BC)

THE 2024 TOP 10 BEST NEW RESTAURANTS:

Marilena (Victoria, BC)
Casa Paco (Toronto, ON)
Sushi Yugen (Toronto, ON)
Bar Prima (Toronto, ON)
Sabayon (Montreal, QC)
Casavant (Montreal, QC)
Espace Old Mill (Stanbridge, QC)
Buvette Daphnée (Ottawa, ON)
Parapluie (Montreal, QC)
Magari by Oca (Vancouver, BC)

Other Awards go to:

Best New Restaurant (sponsored by Tourisme Montréal): Marilena Café + Raw Bar (Victoria, BC)

Best Restaurant (sponsored by Nespresso Professional): Mon Lapin (Montreal, QC)

Best Sommelier team (sponsored by Lingua Franca): Vanya Filipovic and Alex Landry at Mon Lapin (Montreal, QC)

Best Pastry Chef: Kenta Takahashi, Boulevard, Vancouver (3 TIME WINNER)

People’s Choice Award (sponsored by Uber Eats): Änkôr (Canmore, AB)

Best Destination Restaurant (sponsored by Champlain at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac): Langdon Hall (Cambridge, ON)

Best New Restaurant Design: Bar Prima (Toronto, ON)

The American Express Award for Community Leadership: Paul Toussaint at Kamúy (Montreal, QC)

BEST BARS

The 2024 issue also includes Canada’s 50 Best Bars – useful reviews on where to sip across the nation – including a focus on summer patios. 

THE 2024 TOP 10 BEST BARS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE:

Bar Pompette (Toronto, ON)
Civil Liberties (Toronto, ON)
Cloakroom Bar (Montreal, QC)
Atwater Cocktail Club (Montreal, QC)
Bar Mordecai (Toronto, ON)
Library Bar at The Fairmont Royal York (Toronto, ON)
Dear Friend Bar (Dartmouth, NS)
The Keefer Bar (Vancouver, BC)
Cocktail Bar (Toronto, ON)
Proof (Calgary, AB)

Here is the link to all the winners:
https://canadas100best.com/

Source: Canadas 100 Best

British Columbia’s Wine Industry Hit Hard by Wildfires

Compounding an already challenging season, the devastating impacts of climate change are being felt throughout the Okanagan, Similkameen and Shuswap regions once again with active wildfire situations evolving throughout these regions. The wildfires not only have an impact on wine tourism but also the livelihoods of winery staff; many of whom have been evacuated themselves.

“At this time, the safety of our community is the top priority and we’re asking everyone to do their part, be mindful of the conditions, and make safe and responsible decisions. This is a challenging time for our community, impacting individuals, communities, and neighborhoods in the Central Okanagan. We extend our heartfelt thoughts to those who have experienced loss or are displaced and express our gratitude to all of the emergency responders on the frontlines for their tireless efforts to ensure the safety of those in our community.”

It is too early to know whether the wildfires will impact this vintage for select producers in the impacted regions. The study of how smoke impacts finished wine is evolving and depends on many variables and we will provide updates once the situation becomes clearer.

“With so many small businesses and wineries being affected by the fires and tourism impacts, we encourage the public to continue to support your favourite local suppliers and producers directly or via their online boutiques. Your support is crucial during this pivotal time of year and the businesses truly appreciate it.”

To support Wildfire Relief Efforts, the following charitable organizations are providing direct support to those affected:

The Canadian Red Cross
Mamas for Mamas
United Way
Central Okanagan Food Bank

Wine Growers BC will continue to provide updates on wine tourism and the smoke situation as it evolves. In the meantime, we encourage you to follow Wine Growers BC, Central Okanagan Emergency Operations, Destination BC, and Tourism Kelowna for community updates.

Source: Wines of British Columbia