Canadian wine culture is a mosaic of diverse, elegant, and robust flavours, reflecting the country’s vast and varied landscapes. From the sun-kissed vineyards of British Columbia to the emergent wine regions in Ontario and Quebec, Canada has crafted a vintner’s story that’s as unique as it is palatable. This guide delves into some of Canada’s best wines, each a symbol of the region’s dedication to winemaking.
White Wines
Joie Riesling
💲Price range: $25-$35
🍷 Tasting notes: Bright, refreshing acidity, flavors of lemon, lime, green apple
This Riesling showcases the finesse of Canadian white wines with its bright acidity and delightful medley of lemon, lime, and green apple. It pairs beautifully with seafood and light summer salads, offering a crisp and refreshing experience.
Obrigado 2014 Early Harvest Chardonnay
🍷 Tasting notes: Distinct aromas of chalk, wet stone, and gunflint, complemented by fruity notes of peach, grapefruit, and lime
The wine is crafted entirely from early harvested Chardonnay grapes, picked on September 6. It undergoes whole cluster pressing and cold settling for two days. A portion of the juice is then racked to stainless steel tanks for fermentation using indigenous yeast from the vineyard.
Arrowleaf Pinot Gris
💲Price range: $20-$25
🍷 Tasting notes: Light-bodied, notes of pear, apple, melon
A testament to subtlety, this light-bodied wine graces the palate with soft notes of pear, apple, and melon. Ideal alongside light pasta dishes or creamy cheeses, it’s celebrated for its approachable and aromatic nature.
Bench 1775 Sauvignon Blanc
💲Price range: $20-$25
🍷 Tasting notes: Crisp, notes of grapefruit, lime, tropical fruit
Vibrant and zesty, this Sauvignon Blanc bursts with flavors of grapefruit, lime, and tropical fruits. Its crisp texture makes it a perfect companion for grilled chicken or fresh oysters.
Gehringer Riesling
💲Price range: $20-$30
🍷 Tasting notes:
- Classic Riesling: Unique acidity, stimulating, increases appetite.
- Private Reserve Dry Riesling: Structured acidity, rich fullness, peach, honey, apple, and kiwi notes.
This Riesling from Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery is a fine example of Canadian craftsmanship in winemaking, offering a unique and enjoyable wine experience that reflects the rich terroir of the Okanagan Valley. Available in both classic and dry styles, catering to different preferences.
Red Wines
Blasted Church Big Bang Theory
💲Price range: $30-$40
🍷 Tasting notes: Full-bodied, notes of black cherry, plum, spice
A robust blend with a full body, featuring a rich tapestry of black cherry, plum, and spice. It pairs exquisitely with hearty meat dishes and stews, embodying the bold spirit of Canadian reds.
Moraine Pinot Noir
💲Price range: $30-$40
🍷 Tasting notes: Medium-bodied, notes of cherry, plum, earth
This medium-bodied wine presents a harmonious blend of cherry, plum, and earthy notes. It’s a versatile choice that complements mushroom risotto or roasted duck, known for its balanced acidity and depth.
Black Hills Estate Winery Nota Bene
💲Price range: Premium (specific price not available)
🍷 Tasting notes: Intense aromas of raspberry, Morello cherry, blackberry, cassis, complemented by subtle hints of clove, spice, cedar, and sagebrush
This Nota Bene is a testament to Canadian winemaking excellence, celebrated for its elegant blend and traditional crafting methods. Ideal with rich dishes such as rosemary and thyme braised lamb shoulder, grilled steaks, or wild boar stew, and pairs well with strong cheeses.
Gray Monk Latitude 50 Red
💲Price range: Premium (specific price not available)
🍷 Tasting notes: Juicy red berries and cherries, intertwined with nuances of pepper, cinnamon, and subtle earthiness
More than a wine, Latitude 50 Red is a homage to Gray Monk’s storied past. It reflects the winery’s commitment to crafting wines that embody the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley and its dedication to quality and tradition.
Arrowleaf Pinot Noir
💲Price range: $25-$35
🍷 Tasting notes: Expect vibrant flavours of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, with hints of cranberry or pomegranate
Arrowleaf Pinot Noir is a highly regarded wine known for its delicate balance, vibrant fruit notes, and elegant character. This makes it a fantastic choice for everyday enjoyment, pairings with poultry or salmon, or simply savoring on its own.
Rosé and Sparkling Wines
Alive Rose
💲Price range: $20-$25
🍷 Tasting notes: Dry style, flavors of strawberry, watermelon, citrus
A dry rosé with a lively palette of strawberry, watermelon, and citrus. It’s a fantastic choice for summer gatherings, pairing well with salads or light appetizers.
Cipes Brut Rose
A sparkling gem, this wine, though details are elusive, promises to be an effervescent and elegant rosé.
Blended Wines
Blasted Church Cabernet Merlot
Anticipate a bold and fruity experience from this blend, a testament to the skilled winemaking at Blasted Church.
💲Price range: $30-$40
Unique and Specialty Wines
Kismet Karma Wine
💲Price range: $25-$35 (varies depending on specific wine)
🍷 Features: Offers red, white, and rosé wines from the Okanagan Valley
Reflecting the diversity of the Okanagan Valley, Kismet offers various types of wines, each a narrative of the region’s rich grape varieties.
Vista d’Oro
💲Price range: $25-$35 (varies depending on specific wine)
🍷 Features: Offers red, white, and rosé wines from the Okanagan Valley
This winery produces red, white, and rosé wines, each distinguished by unique characteristics, suitable for diverse pairing options.
Cider and Other Beverages
Canadian expertise isn’t confined to wine alone. Beverages like Wards Cider, produced by a family with deep roots in apple farming, and Woodward Cider, known for small-batch, handcrafted ciders, represent the growing popularity of cider in Canada. These ciders provide refreshing alternatives to traditional wines, each with a distinct character and a reflection of Canada’s diverse agricultural bounty.
Premium and Collector’s Wines
For connoisseurs and collectors, wines like Mission Hill Oculus, an iconic wine that symbolizes the pinnacle of Okanagan Valley’s winemaking, and Osoyoos Larose 2016, a product of a joint venture between Canada and France, epitomize the height of Canadian winemaking. These wines are renowned for their complexity, depth, and the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.
The Canadian wine scene offers a range of choices for every wine enthusiast, from crisp whites and bold reds to elegant rosés and sparkling wines. Each bottle is a testament to the unique climates, terroirs, and winemaking philosophies across Canada. Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or new to the world of wine, Canadian vineyards have something special to offer, inviting you to explore their diverse and high-quality offerings.