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Canada
with Rachel Kenworthy
Rachel Kenworthy
Ontario’s
bubbles are rising
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Hockey, maple syrup and our humble nature—these are
probably the things that come to mind when you think of
Canada. But it’s time for Canadians to put their modesty to
one side and let the world in on our best-kept secret: Ontario
is quietly producing such world-class sparkling
wines that the Champenois should be shaking
in their proverbial boots.
While Ontario may lack centuries-old
vineyards, the province has an ace
up its sleeve: its Niagara peninsula is
possibly the closest match to the grapegrowing
conditions of Champagne
than anywhere else in the New World.
Bitterly cold winters, met with a grimace
by even the toughest of Canadians, are a
reason to smile among the region’s vintners,
who also enjoy the same limestone-based soils
and grape varieties, including chardonnay
and pinot noir. It’s the cooler climes that are
particularly important, though—the grapes
take longer to ripen, and therefore achieve
wonderfully rich flavour and high acidity, all
of which adds up to a winning formula for
truly exceptional bubbly.
Many of the talented wineries take
advantage of the region’s spectacular
grapes by producing their sparkling
wines in the méthode traditionelle,
which again draws comparisons
to Champagne. In fact, quality is
at the heart of every wine produced
in province. For a wine to even be
labelled as ‘made in Ontario’, it must
not only contain 100 per cent locally
grown grapes, but also adhere to rigorous
Photo Credits: Angels Gate Winery
winemaking standards that are enforced by an independent
authority called the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA). The
notoriously difficult approval process, which includes intensive
laboratory analysis and a blind panel taste test, ensures that you
can expect the highest quality from every drop of wine
you buy from Ontario.
And this hasn’t gone unnoticed by the
province’s seasoned wine drinkers. Last
year, domestic sales of premium VQA
sparkling wine grew by a staggering
59 per cent, according to the Liquor
Control Board of Ontario (LCBO).
Even Ontario’s younger consumers,
aged 18 to 31, have a flourishing appetite
for locally produced wines, according to
Canadian market-research company Abacus
Data. In a 2013 survey, they ranked their region’s
wines as the highest for value worldwide.
In 2014 and beyond, the Ontario government
plans to make it even easier for consumers—both
domestic and international—to choose VQA
wine by investing CA$75 million in a five-year
strategy. It will help wineries to become more
competitive through funding and support,
including enhanced marketing for the
province’s wines, both locally and
globally.
With increased emphasis being put on
exportation, you can expect Ontario
sparkling wines to become more readily
available in Europe and beyond over the
coming years.
@rachelkenworthy champagneslob.com
Meet Handsome Brut
Sparkling personality. Dry wit. At home in pinstripes, equally dapper in denim.
Chilled out and charmingly tasteful. Grab a glass, pop the cork and treat yourself.
You can take this Handsome Brut anywhere.
“My only regret in life is that I didn’t drink enough Champagne,”
said British economist John Maynard Keynes. A wise declaration,
and yet far too many people save fizz for special occasions.
Handsome Brut, a new sparkling wine brand hailing from
Ontario, Canada, is on a mission to prove that bubbles are the
perfect tipple—for any occasion. From a casual backyard barbecue
to a glamorous black-tie event, the brand showcases that sparkling
wines are perfect served on their own, paired with food or even
mixed in a cocktail. With a sleek, masculine bottle complemented
by a tongue-in-cheek name, Handsome Brut aims to attract a new
demographic of sparkling wine drinkers—including men.
But don’t let the friendly demeanour fool you—quality and
heritage are at the heart of Handsome Brut. Produced with 100%
Ontario Chardonnay grapes in the méthode traditionelle, this
VQA-approved wine is aged for two years at the locally revered
Angel’s Gate Winery in the Niagara region.
Tasting notes
A complex nose—pear, red apple and a toasty note—comes from
the more than two years sur lie. Finely textured bubbles are crisp
and refreshing. The acidity is balanced against a backbone of ripe
tree fruits, which include peach, apple, lemon and a touch of
grapefruit. The wine finishes dry and with excellent length.
handsomebrut.com
@areyouhandsome
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