They make wine in Nova Scotia? That is the reaction I typically get when I talk to people about Benjamin Bridge. This winery is putting the Nova Scotian wine industry on the map very quickly. In 2012, the winery was being featured in blind taste tests against some of the best french champagnes in the world. Even though the French wines cost nearly three times more and also were from, you know, France… the Nova Scotian wines triumphed!
What is remarkable, once you get past the initial shock that they make wine in Nova Scotia, you can see there is actually a lot of science that went into establishing a champagne house in the Gaspereau Valley. The climate is very similar to the Champagne region in France, this is key to making world class sparkling wines. If that still isn’t enough to convince you, I’ll be frank, the wines speak for themselves.
Available in the LCBO, is the 2007 Brut Reserve (275396) is available in the LCBO at a cost of $74.95, but there are a couple of more economical options if you want to get a taste of Nova Scotia.
2012 Nova 7 – Vintages 256289 – $25.95 – This is not your normal sparkling wine. Made from Muscat grapes you get a wine that is slightly carbonated that is very easy drinking. Aromas and flavours of Pink Grapefruit dominate the Nova 7. This wine is off-dry and you will notice the higher sugar content, but there is still enough acidity to punch through the sweetness. This is a great patio sipper as the temperatures start to push warmer. The alcohol content is only 6.5% which means you can drink more of it!
2009 Benjamin Bridge Méthode Classique – Vintages TBD – $44.50 – This is another unique sparkling wine made with Acadie, Seyval and Chardonnay. Methode Classique means it was made in the Champagne method and aged in bottle. You get aromas of Apple, Baking Bread and Lemon flavours are distinctly Granny Smith and Lemon with a very subtle floral finish. Great crisp acidity make this one a slam dunk to pair with just about any food you could cook, but this is one of those sparkling wines I would rather sip on its own, so you don’t overpower the floral finish.
