Growing up in Saskatchewan when we would talk about Canadian wine the discussion would arise who was superior … BC or Ontario. It seems this rivalry may be premature as Nova Scotia is making it’s way onto the map and now into the LCBO. This week my White wine comes from Benjamin Bridge (www.benjaminbridge.com) it is called Nova 7. Before I get to my tasting notes about this very interesting unique wine I have to give a back story to why I am talking about a wine from Nova Scotia.
I found an article on Twitter from Konrad Ejbich. It describes a blind tasting in Toronto putting Nova Scotian sparkling wines up against some heavy hitters in the world of French Sparkling Wine. They put two wines from Benjamin Bridge (2004 Brut Reserve and 2004 Brut Reserve LD) against David Les Clappart 2005 L’Apôtre Champagne and Louis Roederer 2004 Cristal. Needless to say the 2004 Benjamin Bridge Brut Reserve came out on top. Interesting not only because the winning wine was Canadian but also one quarter the price of the Cristal (the 2005 Cristal can be found at the LCBO for $287.95 in the Vintages section 268755). You can read more about the tasting here.
http://www.winefox.ca/articles/nova-scotia-bubbly-smokes-luxury-champagnes/
2011 Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 – VINTAGES 256289 -$25.95 – But this one goes to eleven. The immortal quote from Spinal Tap was all I could hear in my head when I tried this wine. Sweeter than most regular table wines that I have reviewed but also with acidity to balance. Flavours of grapefruit and something I can only describe as electricity cover your palette while you enjoy this wine. I say this is everying at 11 because even though it feels like the flavours, sugar and acidity are all cranked up they form an interesting balance that leaves your mouth feeling refreshed. Coming it at 6.5% alcohol gives you a license to enjoy even more of this wine. There isn’t much of this left at the LCBO so check it out while you still can.
2011 Rosehall Run Defiant Pinot Noir – LCBO 307769 – $18.95 – Cheap Pinot Noir … is that an oxymoron? Not anymore and certainly not according to Prince Edward County (see my review from a few weeks ago of another great Pinot Noir http://tmblr.co/ZZ_vXwTUdrAK) This is a heavier Pinot Noir that is filled with wonderful Cherry flavours and a heavier earthy finish that doesn’t linger too long. Bone dry and easy drinking this wine benefits from being decanted. The heavier finish on this wine gives it versatility with food pairings. I would serve this with Roast Lamb or grilled beef.
