Author: A Layman's Wine Musings

2024 National Wine Awards

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Photo credit: winealign.com

The WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada (NWAC) is the country’s largest competition, involving only 100 percent Canadian-grown and produced wines. The judging involves a select group of Canadian wine writers, educators, sommeliers and two international judges who spend a week assessing some 2000 wines and ciders. This year’s competition took place near Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Double Honour

The Winery of the Year and Small Winery of the Year is Kelowna British Columbia’s SpearHead Winery. In addition to the twin honours this year, they also had unprecedented success in an individual category (Pinot Noir), winning a total of seven medals for their Pinots, including three platinum, one gold, three silvers and a bronze. In total they earned a total of twelve medals.

Top 10 Wineries

Six of the top ten wineries this year are from British Columbia, with the remaining four from Ontario. The top ten are:

  1. SpearHead Winery, British Columbia
  2. Meyer Family Vineyards, British Columbia
  3. Henry of Pelham, Ontario
  4. Black Hills Estate Winery, British Columbia
  5. Thirty Bench Wine Makers, Ontario
  6. Quails’ Gate Estate Winery, British Columbia
  7. Nostalgia Wines, British Columbia
  8. Peller Estates Niagara-on-the Lake, Ontario
  9. Lake Breeze Vineyards, British Columbia
  10. Vieni Estates, Ontario

The Top 10 Small Wineries

Seven of the top ten small wineries are from British Columbia, with the remainder from Ontario. The top ten are:

  1. SpearHead Winery, British Columbia
  2. Meyer Family Vineyards, British Columbia
  3. Nostalgia Wines, British Columbia
  4. Lake Breeze Vineyards, British Columbia
  5. The Organized Crime Winery, Ontario
  6. Corcelettes Estate Winery, British Columbia
  7. Black Bank Hill, Ontario
  8. Kismet Estate Winery, British Columbia
  9. Fort Berens Estate Winery, British Columbia
  10. Lailey Winery, Ontario

Regional Top 10 Winners

British Columbia

  1. SpearHead Winery
  2. Meyer Family Vineyards
  3. Black Hills Estate Winery
  4. Quails’ Gate Estate Winery
  5. Nostalgia Wines
  6. Lake Breeze Vineyards
  7. Corcelettes Estate Winery
  8. Nk’Mip Cellars
  9. Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
  10. Kismet Estate Winery

Ontario

  1. Henry of Pelham
  2. Thirty Bench Wine Makers
  3. Peller Estates Niagara-on-the-Lake
  4. Vieni Estates
  5. The Organized Crime Winery
  6. Black Bank Hill
  7. Two Sisters Vineyards
  8. Lailey Winery
  9. Hidden Bench Estate Winery
  10. Marynissen Estates

Platinum and Gold Medal Winners

Only 1% of the wines entered earn a Platinum Medal. This year, 18 out of 1,800 wines received this recognition. Every Platinum winner has passed through a minimum of two tastings and a review by a minimum of five judges. These wines must be put forward by at least three judges in the first round and re-considered by at least five judges in the second round. 

Earning a Platinum Medal greatly increases a winery’s performance score based on the mathematical degree of difficulty in reaching Platinum. This helps to decide the Winery of the Year and the Top 25 list.

Platinum and Gold medals were awarded in the following categories, presented alphabetically below:

Cabernet Franc

Platinum Medal

  • Black Bank Hill 2020 Cabernet Franc, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Vieni Estates 2022 Cabernet Franc, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Gold Medal

  • Bordertown 2020 Cabernet Franc Reserve, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Domaine Queylus 2022 Cabernet Franc Réserve du Domaine, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Fielding 2022 Cabernet Franc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Megalomaniac Wines 2020 To Be Frank Cabernet Franc, Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Organized Crime 2020 Cabernet Franc Unfiltered, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Stonebridge 2020 Reserve Cabernet Franc Single Vineyard, Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Thirty Bench 2022 Winemaker’s Blend Cabernet Franc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Vieni Estates 2020 Cabernet Franc Reserve, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Watchful Eye Winery 2022 Cabernet Franc, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Cabernet Sauvignon

Platinum Medal

  • Peller Estates 2020 Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Gold Medal

  • Chaberton Estate Winery 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, British Columbia
  • Colio Estate Wines 2020 Small Lot Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Corcelettes 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
  • Hillside Winery 2020 Howe Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Kismet 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Nk’Mip Cellars 2020 Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Sprucewood Shores 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Ha

Chardonnay

Platinum Medal

  • Henry of Pelham 2022 Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Meyer 2022 Chardonnay McLean Creek Road Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Quails’ Gate 2021 Rosemary’s Block Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Gold Medal

  • CedarCreek 2022 Platinum Jagged Rock Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • CedarCreek 2022 Platinum Lake Country Chardonnay, Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Cloudsley Cellars 2021 Chardonnay, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Domaine Queylus 2020 Chardonnay Tradition, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Fort Berens 2022 White Gold Chardonnay Reserve, Lillooet, British Columbia
  • Gray Monk 2022 Odyssey Chardonnay, British Columbia
  • Konzelmann 2022 Reserve Series Chardonnay Barrel Aged, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Le Clos Jordanne 2021 Le Grand Clos Chardonnay, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Meyer 2022 Chardonnay Old Main Rd Vineyard, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Meyer 2022 Dekleva Clone Chardonnay Anarchist Mountain Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Monte Creek 2022 Living Land Chardonnay, British Columbia
  • O’Rourke Family Estate 2022 Twisted Pine Chardonnay, Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Organized Crime 2022 Sacred Series Cuvée Krystyna Chardonnay, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Quails’ Gate 2021 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Redstone Winery 2021 Chardonnay Limestone Vineyard, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Solvero 2022 Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Tawse 2021 Quarry Road Chardonnay, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • The Good Earth 2021 Chardonnay, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Thirty Bench 2021 Small Lot Chardonnay Extended Barrel Aged, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Trius 2022 Showcase Chardonnay Wild Ferment Watching Tree Vineyard, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Westcott 2021 Block 76 Chardonnay, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Gamay

Platinum Medal

  • No medal awarded

Gold Medal

  • 13th Street Winery 2023 Gamay, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Deep Roots 2022 Reserve Gamay Noir, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Malivoire 2023 Gamay, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Malivoire 2023 Le Coeur Gamay, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Stratus 2022 Gamay, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Three Sisters Winery 2022 Gamay, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Gewürztraminer and Viognier

Platinum Medal

  • No medal awarded

Gold Medal

  • Hillside Winery 2023 Gewürztraminer, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Magnotta 2022 Gewürztraminer Venture Series, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Meyer 2022 Gewürztraminer McLean Creek Road Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Icewine & Late Harvest

Platinum Medal

  • No medal awarded

Gold Medal

  • Inniskillin Niagara 2022 Vidal Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Jackson-Triggs Niagara 2022 Reserve Vidal Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Two Sisters Vineyards 2023 Riesling Icewine, Niagara River, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Malbec and other Red Single Varieties

Platinum Medal

  • No medal awarded

Gold Medal

  • Blasted Church 2022 Small Blessings Grenache, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Corcelettes 2021 Malbec Micro Lot Series Estate Vineyard, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
  • Fox & Archer 2021 Malbec, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Lailey Winery 2021 Wild Ferment Malbec Lailey Vineyard, Niagara River, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Rainmaker Wines 2020 Malbec The Risk Taker Rattlesnake Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Road 13 2021 John Oliver Selection Malbec, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Valley Commons 2021 Malbec Single Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Van Westen 2021 Violeta, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Merlot

Platinum Medal

  • No medal awarded

Gold Medal

  • Black Sage Vineyard 2020 Merlot, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Marynissen Estates 2020 Platinum Merlot, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Nk’Mip Cellars 2021 Qwam Qwmt Merlot, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Nostalgia Wines 2020 Merlot, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Pinot Gris/Grigio

Platinum Medal

  • No medal awarded

Gold Medal

  • EastDell 2023 Pinot Grigio, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Henry of Pelham 2023 Pinot Grigio, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Inniskillin Niagara 2022 Reserve Pinot Gris, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Marynissen Estates 2023 Pinot Grigio, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Mayhem 2023 Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Unsworth Vineyards 2023 Saison Vineyard Pinot Gris, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Pinot Noir

Platinum Medal

  • Meyer 2022 B Field Blend McLean Creek Road Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • SpearHead 2022 Club Consensus Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • SpearHead 2022 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • SpearHead 2022 Saddle Block Pinot Noir, East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Gold Medal

  • 1 Mill Road Winery 2022 Pinot Noir Black Pine, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • 1 Mill Road Winery 2022 Pinot Noir Home Block, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Blue Grouse Estate Winery 2021 Pinot Noir, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
  • CedarCreek 2022 Estate Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Domaine Queylus 2020 Pinot Noir La Grande Réserve , Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Fort Berens 2022 Pinot Noir, British Columbia
  • Hidden Bench 2021 Pinot Noir Unfiltered Felseck Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Hidden Bench 2021 Pinot Noir Unfiltered Locust Lane Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Meyer 2020 Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Meyer 2022 Micro Cuvee Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Meyer 2022 Old Block Pinot Noir McLean Creek Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Monte Creek 2022 Living Land Pinot Noir, British Columbia
  • Organized Crime 2020 Sacred Series Tara Block Pinot Noir Unfiltered, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Riverview Cellars 2021 Pinot Noir, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Rosehall Run 2022 Pinot Noir, Ontario
  • SpearHead 2021 Golden Retreat Pinot Noir, Summerland Lakefront, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Tightrope 2022 Pinot Noir Rubis, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Unsworth Vineyards 2022 Cowichan Valley Pinot Noir, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Red Blends

Platinum Medal

  • Black Hills 2022 Bona Fide, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Burrowing Owl 2021 Athene, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Hester Creek 2022 GSM, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Nostalgia Wines 2020 Malbec Petit Verdot, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Gold Medal

  • Black Hills 2022 Ipso Facto, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Black Hills 2022 Addendum, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Colio Estate Wines 2020 Small Lot Series Meritage, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Corcelettes 2020 Talus, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
  • Foolish Wine 2020 Hooligan Meritage, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Henry of Pelham 2020 Speck Family Reserve Cabernet-Merlot, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Hidden Bench 2020 La Brunante Unfiltered, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Kismet 2020 Moksha, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Magnotta Pzazz N/V Merlot Cab Limited Edition, Ontario
  • Mt. Boucherie 2020 Summit, British Columbia
  • Nk’Mip Cellars 2021 Winemakers Talon
  • Nostalgia Wines 2020 Meritage, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Nostalgia Wines 2022 Rockabilly Red, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Organized Crime 2020 Pipe Down, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Peller Estates 2021 Signature Series Estate Red, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Pentâge Winery 2018 GSM Dirty Dozen Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Road 13 2022 Honest John’s Bold Red, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Stag’s Hollow 2020 Renaissance Meritage Stag’s Hollow Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Stratus 2020 White Label Red, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Tawse 2021 Meritage, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Three Sisters Winery 2022 Bench Red, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Two Sisters Vineyards 2020 Eleventh Post, Niagara River, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Wayne Gretzky 2022 Signature Series Cabernet Merlot, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Riesling

Platinum Medal

  • Thirty Bench 2021 Small Lot Riesling Wood Post Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Gold Medal

  • Henry of Pelham 2023 Speck Family Reserve Riesling, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Inniskillin Niagara 2022 Discovery Series Susse Reserve Riesling, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • La Frenz Winery 2022 Riesling 21B Freedom 75 Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Lailey Winery 2022 Off-Dry Riesling Lailey Vineyard, Niagara River, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Lake Breeze 2023 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Megalomaniac Wines 2021 Narcissist Riesling, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Organized Crime 2023 Riesling, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Peak Cellars 2022 Estate Grown Block 11 Riesling, Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Quails’ Gate 2022 Clone 49 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Quails’ Gate 2023 Clone 49 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Storm Haven 2022 Riesling Boulders, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Synchromesh 2023 Dry Riesling Storm Haven Vineyard White Label, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Tantalus Vineyards 2021 Old Vines Riesling, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Thirty Bench 2021 Small Lot Riesling Triangle Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Two Sisters Vineyards 2021 Riesling , Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Van Westen 2022 Viscous, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Rosé

Platinum Medal

  • Fresh N/V Rosé, Ontario

Gold Medal

  • Culmina 2023 Saignée, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Fox&Archer 2022 Unfiltered Saignée, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Mercator Vineyards 2023 Compass Rosé, Nova Scotia
  • Tinhorn Creek 2023 Reserve Rosé, Okanagan Valley, British Colu

Sauvignon Blanc

Platinum Medal

  • No medal awarded

Gold Medal

  • Peller Estates 2022 Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Sparkling Wine

Platinum Medal

  • Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Brut Rosé, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Gold Medal

  • Huff Estates 2021 Cuvée Peter F. Huff, Prince Edward County, Ontario
  • La Frenz Winery 2020 Aster Estate Grown Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Lightning Rock 2021 Elysia Vineyard Blanc de Noirs, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Liquidity Wines N/V Reserve Sparkling Brut, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Marynissen Estates 2020 Blanc de Blancs, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Noble Ridge 2018 Noble Knights McEachnie Vintage Blanc de Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Noble Ridge 2019 The Pink One, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Queenston Mile Vineyard 2018 Blanc De Blanc, St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Ravine Vineyard N/V Brut, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Redstone Winery 2022 Sparkling Rosé, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Road 13 2019 Select Harvest Old Vines Sparkling Chenin Blanc, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Thirty Bench N/V Sparkling Riesling, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Township 7 2020 Seven Stars Polaris, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Two Sisters Vineyards 2021 Lush Sparkling Rosé, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Syrah

Platinum Medal

  • Lake Breeze 2020 Cellar Series Mistral, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Gold Medal

  • Black Hills 2022 Syrah, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Corcelettes 2021 Syrah , Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
  • Creekside 2020 Broken Press Syrah Reserve Queenston Road Vineyard, St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Fielding 2020 Syrah Lowrey Vineyard, St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • JoiRyde Winery 2022 Syrah, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Kismet 2021 Family Select Syrah, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Konzelmann 2022 Syrah Barrel Aged Reserve, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
  • Laughing Stock 2021 Syrah , Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Le Vieux Pin 2022 Syrah Cuvee Violette, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Phantom Creek 2020 Kobau Vineyard Syrah, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Roche Wines 2021 Amulet Syrah, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Tantalus Vineyards 2022 Syrah, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
  • The Wine Umbrella 2020 Co-Syrah
  • Tinhorn Creek 2021 Reserve Syrah, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

White Blends

Platinum Medal

  • No medal awarded

Gold Medal

  • Lake Breeze 2022 Roussanne Viognier, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Terravista Vineyards 2022 Figaro, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Terravista Vineyards 2023 Fandango, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Other White Single Varieties

Platinum Medal

  • No medal awarded

Gold Medal

  • Black Hills 2022 Roussanne, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Fort Berens 2023 Small Lot Grüner Veltliner Red Rock Vineyard, British Columbia
  • Peak Cellars 2022 Gruner Veltliner, Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Quails’ Gate 2022 Clone 220 Chenin Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Terravista Vineyards 2023 Albariño, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

The complete list of this year’s results can be found at winealign.com/awards.

Sláinte mhaith

The Potential Benefits of Whiskey

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I am not sure how much credence I am willing to put in this, but there are those who say there is evidence to prove that there are health benefits to be gained from moderate whiskey or other alcohol consumption.  I am a true whiskey fan but I am skeptical of at least several of the claimed health benefits.

Photo credit: vinepair.com

I think everyone will agree that too much of anything can be bad for you.  It is argued that alcohol can be both a tonic and a poison. The difference seems to depend on the amount consumed. It is debated that moderate drinking can be good for the heart and circulatory system, and possibly protects against Type 2 diabetes and gallstones.

On the other hand, heavy drinking is a major cause of preventable death.  Heavy drinking can damage the liver and heart, harm an unborn child, increase the chances of developing some cancers, and can lead to depression amongst other things.

The active ingredient in alcohol, ethanol, affects the body in many ways. It directly influences the stomach, brain, heart, gallbladder, and liver. It affects the level of cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin in the blood, as well as causing inflammation and coagulation. It also alters mood, concentration, and coordination.

All the various studies base their research on what the researchers refer to as moderate alcohol consumption.  However, the definition of moderate consumption is not consistent throughout the scientific community.  In some studies, the term “moderate drinking” refers to less than 1 drink per day, while in others it means 3 to 4 drinks per day, a significant difference. Exactly what constitutes “a drink” also varies. In fact, even among alcohol researchers, there’s no universally accepted standard drink definition.  Many consider a drink as consisting of 1½ ounces of alcohol, but even then, the alcohol level by volume can vary from whiskey to whiskey.

Even moderate drinking is known to have some risks. Alcohol can disrupt sleep, as well as may interact in potentially dangerous ways with a variety of medications, including acetaminophen, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, painkillers and sedatives. It is also addictive, especially for people with a family history of alcoholism.

One serving of alcohol on average contains 100 to 150 calories, so even a moderate amount of 2 drinks a day can contribute 200 to 300 calories to your daily caloric intake. Mixed drinks that add juice, tonic, soft drinks or syrups will increase the calorie intake even further, increasing the risk of weight gain over time.

So what are the potential health benefits to be gained from whiskey or other forms of alcohol consumption?  To start with, there are more than 100 prospective studies that suggest an inverse association between light to moderate drinking and risk of heart attack, ischemic (clot-caused) stroke, peripheral vascular disease, sudden cardiac death and cardiovascular related death.  

Research indicates that there is a relationship between moderate drinking and lower risk of cardiovascular disease in both men and women. It applies to people who do not have heart disease, and also to those at high risk for having a heart attack or stroke or dying of cardiovascular disease, including those with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and existing cardiovascular disease.

Moderate amounts of alcohol raise levels of the “good cholesterol”, high-density lipoprotein (HDL).  Higher levels of HDL are considered to provide greater protection against heart disease. Moderate alcohol consumption is also linked to better sensitivity to insulin and improvements in factors that influence blood clotting. Such changes would tend to prevent the formation of small blood clots that can block arteries in the heart, neck, and brain, the ultimate cause of many heart attacks and ischemic strokes.

Other claimed health benefits include helping to maintain body weight, using as an antibiotic on scrapes and cuts, protection against dementia, reduction of high levels of uric acid, which in turn lowers the frequency and risk of gout attacks, and lastly it is gluten free.

This is all well and good but there are some essential factors to keep in mind.  Having 7 drinks on a single day and then not drinking the rest of the week is not considered the same as having 1 drink a day. The weekly total may be the same, but the health implications are not.

The potential social and psychological benefits of alcohol cannot be easily quantified. A drink before a meal can improve digestion or offer a soothing reprieve at the end of a stressful day and an occasional drink with friends can be a social refresher.

There is one more caveat to add to this debate and that is, given the complexity of alcohol’s effects on the body and the complexity of the people who drink it, all-encompassing statements about the benefits of whiskey consumption cannot be made. Because each of us has unique personal and family histories, alcohol offers each of us a unique variety of benefits and risks.  So, are there health benefits to be gained from whiskey consumption?  Maybe.

Sláinte mhaith

Aging and Wine Vintage

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Before I begin let’s be clear on what ‘vintage wines’ are. Vintage wines are wines that are produced from grapes harvested during a single growing season as opposed to non-vintage wines, which can be produced from grapes grown in two or more growing seasons.

Photo credit: stlukes-glenrothes.org

Vintage wines that are cellared go through ongoing chemical effects that will continue until a bottle is uncorked. These outcomes are the result of continuous interactions between the wine’s alcohol, sugar and acid compounds, which combine in the bottle to create new complex flavours, textures and aromas. However, these results are not random. Skilled winemakers understand the chemistry behind aging wine and will manipulate the cellar environment to encourage various flavours and aromas that result in an appealing good vintage.

During cellaring the varietal’s natural flavours do not significantly change. A wine’s primary flavours will always be preserved regardless of cellaring timelines. These flavours are a result of the grape varietal and the conditions the grapes grew in.

However, aging a vintage varietal will affect the secondary and tertiary flavours and aromas. Both notes result from the winemaker’s techniques as well as the chemical interactions between a wine’s natural compounds. These activities define an aging wine.

White wines, especially dry whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, tend to become oily, heavy and stickier over time. Red wines, particularly those with naturally high tannin levels such as Nebbiolo, Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, tend to soften with time. This creates sediment that collects at the bottom of a bottle. As a result, the wine becomes smoother and less sharp, resulting in a gentler drinking experience.

The final characteristic affected by aging wine is colour. To see if a red wine has been properly aged, first look at the outer edge where the poured wine meets the glass. At that meeting point, which is referred to as the rim, the wine will appear lighter in colour. A young red wine, on the other hand, will have a rim that appears murky or opaque.

As red wines oxidize with age, their colours often change to deep shades of ruby-purple to softened mauves and then finally to tawny, deep browns. As white wine ages it tends to move from paler, straw-yellow shades to deeper golden hues. White vintages aged three or more years can eventually darken to the point of turning a golden amber color.

These changes in colour are the result of oxidation. When a wine bottle is properly sealed the only oxygen in a bottle will be the small amount trapped in the bottle’s neck, as well as what little oxygen passes through the cork or seal. Most cellared red and white vintages will be sealed with a traditional cork, which allows minimal oxygen to permeate. However, given that cork is itself a natural non-uniform product, oxygen permeation will vary significantly even between bottles cellared and cased at the same time.

Not all wines are created with the ability to be aged. The wine maker’s notes are often a good indication of a wine’s aging capability. Red wines that generally age well include:

  • Bordeaux and Loire Valley Cabernet Franc, aged 2 to 4 years
  • Chianti Riserva, aged 2 to 4 years
  • Petite Syrah, aged 2 to 5 years
  • New World Nebbiolo, aged 2 to 6 years
  • Australian and Californian Grenache, aged 2 to 10 years
  • Italian or Californian Cabernet Sauvignons, aged 3 to 15 years
  • Italian Barolo, aged 3 to 15 years

White wines with aging capability include:

  • Dry White Bordeaux, aged 2 to 3 years
  • Alsace Pinot Gris, 2 to 5 years
  • White Rioja, aged 2 to 5 years
  • Alsace Gewürztraminer, aged 2 to 10 years
  • Californian Fume Blanc, aged 2 to 10 years
  • New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, aged 3 to 10 years
  • Australian Chardonnay, 3 to 10 years
  • German Riesling, 3 to 15 years

These lists are only a suggested guideline, not an exclusive list.

Sláinte mhaith

Vintage versus Non-vintage Wine

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On the surface, the difference between vintage and non-vintage wines is simple. Vintage wines are made from grapes harvested during a single growing season, while non-vintage wines can blend a few different harvests. Non-vintage wine, sometimes referred to as stylized wine, is where the winemaker often aims to match the flavour of the wine to be the same as previous years. On the other hand, vintage wines are based on the characteristics of the vineyard and climate. Due to climatic conditions, some years produce wines that are considered better than others.

Photo credit: vinepair.com

Finding a bottle’s vintage is relatively straightforward. Simply look for the year printed on the label of the bottle. This tells you when the grapes were grown and the wine produced was made. Wine labels containing the description “single vintage” indicate that the wine was produced exclusively from grapes from a single harvest. Depending on the producing country, that ratio must be comprised of 75% to 95% of same-crop grapes. As long as a producer abides by that percentage, they can label their bottle as vintage.

The vintage is an indication of the quality of the wine. The wine flavours, textures, mouthfeel, aroma and bouquets are fundamentally determined by the weather and climate conditions during its specific growing season. Since vintage tells you what year those grapes were grown, you are provided with an accurate distinction between “good” crop years yielding delicious, balanced wines from “bad” crop years hindered by poor weather.

Non-vintage wines are wines created by blending grapes from multiple crops. As a result, they will not have a year printed on the label or will simply have “N.V.” to denote the fact its contents are not from a single harvest. Non-vintage wine quality will vary, as with vintage wines. Many are raved about for their consistency and cost-consciousness and represent good value for more casual wine drinking.

Which is better? The answer depends on what you are looking for from your drinking experience. There are wonderful single vintages and non-vintages available. Non-vintages will offer more diversity and flexibility, particularly when it comes to blends combining several complementary grape varietals. In contrast, vintages provide the opportunity to discover a specific wine region, a micro-climate and even a winemaker’s bottling skills and expertise in ways non-vintages cannot.

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Biodynamic Wine

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While visiting a winery in the Beaujolais district of France a few weeks ago I was introduced to a new term. I was told that the winery I was visiting was a biodynamic winery. This was a description I had not heard before, so I decided to research the topic in more depth when I returned home from my trip.

You may be familiar with what organic farming entails (if not, see my post Organic Wine from August 8, 2020), however the biodynamic movement is somewhat different. According to the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association, biodynamics is “a spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to agriculture, gardens, food production and nutrition.” Biodynamic wine is made with a set of farming practices that views the vineyard as one solid organism. The ecosystem functions with each portion of the vineyard contributing to the next. Conceptually, everything in the universe is interconnected and gives off a resonance or ‘vibe’. This interconnectivity even includes celestial bodies like the moon, planets and stars. Biodynamic viticulture is the practice of balancing this resonance between vine, human, earth and stars. Biodynamics is a holistic view of agriculture.

As with organic farming, natural materials, soils, and composts are used to sustain the vineyard. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are not permitted. A range of animals from ducks to horses to sheep live on the soil and fertilize it, creating a rich, fertile environment for the vines to grow in. Biodynamic farming also seeks sustainability, leaving the land in as good or better condition.

Biodynamic farming has been met with skepticism by many scientists as some of the practices are difficult at best to prove they work. In addition to organic practices, biodynamic farming takes other factors into account, such as the lunar calendar and astrology. This method of farming considers all aspects of life in the vineyard — other plants, insects and animals. It’s not just about the grapes.

Photo credit: winefolly.com

Farming practices from pruning to harvesting are controlled by the biodynamic calendar. It breaks all the tasks associated with farming into four types of days: root days, flower days, fruit days and leaf days. Each of these categories has certain tasks associated with it that are reflective of the earth’s four classical elements. Fruit days are meant for harvesting, leaf days for watering, root days for pruning. On flower days, nothing is done in the vineyard.

Biodynamic farming calls for specific and sometimes strange compost and field preparations. One of these is known as cow horn manure. Cow horns are stuffed with manure compost and buried into the ground all through the winter, then excavated the following spring. When excavated, the stuffed material is spread throughout the vineyard.

Biodynamic wines must be certified and adhere to strict rules and regulations. The wineries are overseen by 2 governing bodies, Demeter International and Biodyvin.

Biodynamic wines can be found in the United States, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Eastern Europe, Chile, Argentina, India and Australia. Those who believe in the philosophy feel that the wines are more characteristic to the terroir where they originate. However, wine experts say there is no noticeable difference in the taste of biodynamic wine from organically produced wines. Is the difference worth the additional effort? You be the judge.

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Speyburn 16 Scotch

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While cruising down the Rhône River through the heart of one of France’s noteworthy wine regions, I discovered a Scotch whisky that quickly became one of my favourites, Speyburn 16 Year Old.

Photo credit: ScotchWhisky.com

The whisky is aged for 16 years in American ex-bourbon barrels. The resulting spirit is a delicate golden colour with the aroma of fruit, vanilla and toffee. The flavour is medium bodied with hints of vanilla, chocolate and honey. The finish is long with a touch of oaky spice. I found it to be close in comparison to Glenlivet 18, but at a more comfortable price point.

Speyburn distillery is more than 125 years old and is located in the heart of Scotland’s Speyside whisky region. A fellow by the name of John Hopkins started whisky production in late 1897. The distillery shut down in 1939 so that the Scottish Artillery Regiment could utilise the facility during World War II, but it was back up and operating again by 1947.

In 1992, Speyburn was sold to Inver House Distillers and the two have been working together ever since. The distillery began expansion work in 2014 in order to double their production capacity. However, even with doubling the amount of whisky being produced, Speyburn has yet to appear on Canadian whisky store shelves. Hopefully it will one day soon.

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2024 All Canadian Wine Championships

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The All Canadian Wine Championships (ACWC) were held earlier this month. It is open to all Canadian licensed wineries, cideries and meaderies and content must be grown and made in Canada. This year there were 995 entries submitted by 173 wineries.

The panel of judges consisted of wine writers, sommeliers, and professional wine judges from the Wine Judges of Ontario. There were 10 judges from Ontario, 2 from Alberta and 1 from each of Quebec and New Brunswick.

The 2024 trophy winners were as follows:

The Best Sparkling Wine of the Year was presented to British Columbia’s (BC) Bench 1775 Winery, for their 2020 Blanc de Blanc ($39.75 CDN).

The Best Red Wine of the Year was BC’s Sunrock Vineyard’s 2021 Shiraz ($40.24 CDN).

The Best White Wine of the Year was awarded to BC’s Van Westen Vineyards, for their 2022 Viscous ($27.40 CDN).

The Best Dessert Wine of the Year was Quebec’s Vignoble du Marathonien, for their 2021 Vin de glace ($50.00 CDN).

The Best Rosé Wine of the Year was awarded to yet another BC winery, Hester Creek Estate Winery, for their 2023 Rosé Noir ($32.19 CDN).

The Best Fruit Wine of the Year was presented to another BC winery, Maan Farms Winery, for their N/V Raspberry Dessert ($29.99 CDN).

The Best Cider of the Year was Nova Scotia’s Domaine de Grand Pré, for their N/V Vintage Sparkling Cider ($29.00 CDN).

The Best Mead of the Year was presented to Manitoba’s Shrugging Doctor Beverage Co, for their N/V Apple Cinnamon Mead ($18.47 CDN).

Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals may be awarded in each category. Double Gold and Gold medals were presented to the following participants:

Sparkling Wine-Traditional Method

Gold

  • Two Sisters Vineyards, ON – 2021 Lush Sparkling Rosé – $57.80
  • Two Sisters Vineyards, ON – 2020 Blanc de Franc – $63.80
  • Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, ON – N/V Brut – $44.80

Sparkling Wine–Charmat Method

Double Gold

  • Bella Terra Vineyards, ON – N/V Sparkling Rose – $24.95

Gold

  • Three Dog Winery, ON – 2023 Debut Sparkling – $27.80
  • Harbour Estates, ON – 2023 Sparkling Riesling – $25.00

Sparkling Wine–Frizzante Method

Double Gold

  • Planters Ridge Winery, NS – 2022 SEK – $22.43

Gold

  • Jost Vineyards, NS – N/V Luvo Sparkling White – $5.89

Chardonnay, Unoaked

Double Gold

  • Calamus Estate Winery, ON – 2023 Unoaked Chardonnay – $18.95

Gold

  • Kacaba Vineyards and Winery, ON – 2023 Select Series Unoaked Chardonnay – $15.95

Chardonnay Under $35.00

Double Gold

  • Wending Home, ON – 2021 Chardonnay Estate Vineyards – $34.95

Gold

  • Chaberton Estate Winery, BC – 2022 Barrel Aged Chardonnay – $27.05
  • Solvero Wines, BC – 2022 Chardonnay – $34.60
  • Magnotta Winery, ON – 2020 G. Marquis Chardonnay VQA – The Silver Line – $19.75

Chardonnay Over $35.00

Double Gold

  • Nk’Mip Cellars BC – 2022 Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay – $41.39

Gold

  • Kacaba Vineyards and Winery, ON – 2022 Premium Series Barrel Fermented Chardonnay – $49.95
  • SpearHead Winery, BC – 2022 Chardonnay Clone 95 – $41.40

Riesling Dry

Double Gold 

  • Four Shadows Vineyard & Winery, BC – 2023 Riesling Dry – $28.74

Gold

  • Broken Stone Winery, ON – 2023 Riesling – $21.75

Riesling Off Dry

Gold

  • Gaspereau Vineyards, NS – 2023 Riesling – $23.79
  • Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, ON – 2020 Riesling Loved By Lu – $18.75

Sauvignon Blanc

Double Gold

  • Dirty Laundry Vineyard, BC – 2023 Sauvignon Blanc – $25.29

Gold

  • River Stone Estate Winery, BC – 2023 Sauvignon Blanc – $27.49
  • Alderlea Vineyards, BC – 2023 Sauvignon Blanc – $27.60

Gewürztraminer

Double Gold

  • Wild Goose Vineyards, BC – 2023 Gewürztraminer – $19.99

Gold

  • Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, ON – 2022 Gewürztraminer – $20.75
  • Chaberton Estate Winery, BC – 2023 Gewürztraminer – $21.80

Pinot Gris Style

Double Gold

  • Alderlea Vineyards, BC – 2023 Pinot Gris – $26.45

Gold

  • Hillside Winery & Bistro, BC – 2023 Unoaked Pinot Gris – $25.00
  • River Stone Estate Winery, BC – 2023 Pinot Gris – $27.49
  • Villa Romana Estate Winery, ON – 2023 Pinotino – $24.95

Pinot Grigio Style

Double Gold

  • Kismet Estate Winery, BC – 2023 Pinot Grigio – $26.44

Gold

  • Three Dog Winery, ON – 2023 Pinot Grigio – $19.75
  • Inniskillin Okanagan Estate, BC – 2023 Okanagan Estate Pinot Grigio – $20.69

Viognier

Double Gold

  • Hester Creek Estate Winery, BC – 2023 Viognier – $27.59

Gold

  • Bordertown Vineyard & Estate Winery, BC – 2023 Viognier – $21.90

Other Single Vitis Vinifera Whites

Double Gold

  • Scorched Earth Winery, BC – 2023 Pinot Noir Blanc – $22.95

Gold

  • Wild Goose Vineyards, BC – 2023 Pinot Blanc – $21.99
  • Bonamici Cellars Ltd., BC – 2022 Observatory Gruner Veltliner – $28.74

White Vitis Vinifera Blends

Double Gold

Nk’Mip Cellars, BC – 2022 White Mer’r’iym – $41.39

Gold

  • Hillside Winery & Bistro, BC – 2023 Chef’s Whites – $35.00
  • Alderlea Vineyards, BC – 2023 Valerie – $26.45
  • River Stone Estate Winery, BC – 2023 Splash – $26.34

Single White Hybrids

Double Gold

  • Monte Creek Winery, BC – 2023 Living Land Frontenac Gris – $25.29

Gold

  • Planters Ridge Winery, NS – 2022 L’Acadie – $18.52
  • Valley of the Springs, BC – 2023 Epicure – $25.30

White Hybrid Blends

Double Gold

  • Monte Creek Winery, BC – 2023 Hands Up White – $22.99

Gold

  • Forbidden Fruit Winery, BC – 2023 Dead End Skrewd – $25.00

Pet Nat

Double Gold

  • Bench 1775, BC – 2022 Blanc de Blanc Ancestral – $39.99

Gold

  • Trail Estate Winery, ON – 2022 White Pét Nat – $36.00

Orange Wines

Double Gold

  • Byland Estate Winery, ON – 2021 Skin Fermented White Chardonnay – $28.00

Gold

  • Last House Vineyard, ON – 2021 Electrum – $29.00

Rosés Dry

Gold

  • Creekside Estate Winery Ltd., ON – 2023 Rosé – $15.95
  • Chaberton Estate WInery, BC – 2023 La Fleur de Chaberton – $27.55
  • Lakeview Wine Co., ON – N/V 20 Bees Rosé – $13.95

Rosés Off Dry

Double Gold

  • Gaspereau Vineyards, NS – 2022 Rosé – $23.79

Gold

  • Richibucto River Wine Estate, NB – 2020 Camrose – $16.63
  • Chaberton Estate Winery, BC – 2023 Chaberton Pink – $21.80
  • Three Sisters Winery, BC – 2023 Rosé – $25.00

Cabernet Sauvignon Under $35

Double Gold

  • Chaberton Estate Winery, BC – 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon – $31.00

Gold

  • Paglione Estate Winery, ON – 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon – $21.95

Cabernet Sauvignon Over $35.00

Double Gold

  • Colio Estate Wines, ON – 2020 Small Lot Series Cabernet Sauvignon – $40.00

Gold

  • Kismet Estate Winery, BC – 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – $68.99

Merlot Under $35

Double Gold

  • Four Shadows Vineyard & Winery, BC – 2020 Merlot – $33.34

Gold

  • Nk’Mip Cellars, BC – 2021 Winemaker’s Merlot – $34.49
  • Alderlea Vineyards, BC – 2020 Merlot – $32.20

Merlot Over $35.00

Double Gold

  • Wesbert Winery, BC – 2021 Merlot – $45.94

Gold

  • Priest Creek Family Estate Winery, BC – 2020 Merlot – $52.90
  • De Simone Vineyards, ON – 2021 Merlot – $59.80

Pinot Noir Under $35

Double Gold

  • The Grange of Prince Edward, ON – 2022 County Pinot Noir – $34.00

Gold

  • Cherry Point Estate Wines, BC – 2022 Pinot Noir – $32.90
  • Inniskillin Okanagan Estate, BC – 2022 Okanagan Estate Pinot Noir – $25.29

Pinot Noir Over $35.00

Double Gold

  • Wending Home, ON – 2020 “Up Above” Pinot Noir – $42.95

Gold

  • Solvero Wines, BC – 2020 Pinot Noir – $40.35
  • SpearHead Winery, BC – 2022 Pinot Noir Okanagan Valley – $41.40

Cabernet Franc Under $35

Double Gold

  • Inniskillin Okanagan Estate, BC – 2022 Okanagan Estate Cabernet Franc – $29.89

Gold

  • Monte Creek Winery, BC – 2022 Living Land Cabernet Franc – $31.04
  • Three Sisters Winery, BC – 2022 Cabernet Franc – $30.00

Cabernet Franc Over $35.00

Double Gold

  • Watchful Eye Winery, ON – 2021 Cabernet Franc Reserve – $41.95

Gold

  • Privato Vineyard and Winery, BC – 2022 Cabernet Franc – $40.24
  • Bordertown Vineyard & Estate Winery, BC – 2020 Cabernet Franc Reserve – $49.90

Bordeaux Blends Under $35

Double Gold

  • Bench 1775, BC – 2021 Groove –  $22.75

Gold

  • Clos du Soleil Winery, BC – 2021 Celestiale – $34.39
  • Sunrock, BC – 2020 Red Meritage – $34.49
  • Magnotta Winery, ON – 2019 Meritage Gran Riserva -$ 31.95

Bordeaux Blends Over $35.00

Double Gold

  • Moraine Winery, BC – 2021 Meritage – $42.00

Gold

  • Vanessa Vineyard Estate Winery Inc., BC – 2019 Right Bank – $57.49
  • Colio Estate Wines, ON – 2020 Small Lot Series Meritage – $40.00
  • Hainle Vyds Estate Winery Ltd., BC – 2022 Hainle’s Red Cuvee – $40.24

Syrah/Shiraz Under $35

Double Gold

  • Oxley Estate Winery, ON – 2020 Syrah Reserve – $32.95

Gold

  • Terralux Estate Winery, BC – 2018 Syrah – $34.99

Syrah/Shiraz Over $35.00

Gold

  • Nk’Mip Cellars, BC – 2020 Qwam Qwmt Syrah – $49.44
  • Moon Curser Vineyards, BC – 2022 Syrah – $37.94

Single Red Hybrids

Double Gold

  • Potter Settlement Artisan Winery, ON – 2020 Frontenac Rouge – $35.00

Gold

  • Front Road Cellars, ON – 2022 Marquette Canadian Oak – $23.95
  • Magnetic Hill Winery, NB – 2023 Terroir Generator TP 1-1-12 – $30.00

Red Hybrid Blends

Double Gold

  • Jost Vineyards, NS – N/V Luvo Simply Red – $5.89   

Gold

  • Monte Creek Winery, BC – 2022 Hands Up Red – $25.29
  • De Simone Vineyards, ON – 2023 De Simone Red – $24.80

Other Single Red Vitis Vinifera

Double Gold

  • Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery, BC – 2022 King’s Ransom Touriga Nacional – $74.75

Gold

  • Bonamici Cellars Ltd., BC – 2022 Sangiovese – $36.80

Other Red Vitis Vinifera Blends

Double Gold

  • Hester Creek Estate Winery, BC – 2022 GSM – $39.19

Gold

  • Kacaba Vineyards and Winery, ON – 2023 Select Series Cabernet – $15.95
  • Nk’Mip Cellars, BC – 2021 Winemaker’s Talon – $37.99

Marechal Foch

Double Gold

  • Alderlea Vineyards,BC – 2022 Clarinet – $27.60

Gold

  • Skimmerhorn Winery, BC – 2022 Estate Reserve Foch – $31.00

Malbec

Double Gold

  • Nostalgia Wines Inc., BC – 2020 Malbec – $42.00

Gold

  • Moon Curser Vineyards, BC – 2022 Malbec – $43.69

Gamay

Double Gold

Deep Roots Winery, BC – 2022 Reserve Gamay – $34.90

Gold

  • Deep Roots Winery, BC – 2022 Gamay – $25.90
  • Monte Creek Winery, BC – 2022 Living Land Gamay – $33.34

Appassimento Style

Double Gold

  • De Simone Vineyards, ON – 2019 Stallion – $154.80              

Gold

  • Magnotta Winery, ON – 2020 Enotrium Gran Riserva – $59.75

FRUIT WINES

Soft Fruit Dry

Double Gold

  • Black Bear Farms of Ontario Estate Winery, ON – 2015 Black Currant – $30.00

Gold

  • Black Bear Farms of Ontario Estate Winery, ON – N/V Red Raspberry & Red Currant – $20.00

Soft Fruit Off-Dry

Double Gold

  • Maan Farms Winery, BC – 2022 Raspberry Table – $23.08

Gold

  • Maan Farms Winery, BC – 2023 Strawberry Rhubarb – $22.51
  • Applewood Farm Winery, ON – 2021 Trio – $18.00

Soft Fruit Dessert

Gold

  • Maan Farms Winery, BC – N/V Blackberry Dessert – $29.99

Tree Fruit Dry

Double Gold

  • Muskoka Lakes Winery, ON – 2022 Georgian Bay Rose – $18.75

Gold

  • Forbidden Fruit Winery, BC – 2023 Speachless White Peach – $22.00

Tree Fruit Off Dry

Double Gold

  • Forbidden Fruit Winery, BC – 2023 Cherysh Cherry Rose – $22.00

Gold

  • Shrugging Doctor Beverage Co., MB – 2022 Carmine Jewel Cherry Wine – $21.99

Tree Fruit Dessert

Double Gold

  • Black Bear Farms of Ontario Estate Winery, ON – 2019 Apple – $20.00

Gold

  • Forbidden Fruit Winery, BC – 2023 Pomme Desiree Iced Apple – $28.00

Fruit Sparkling

Double Gold

  • Krause Berry Farms and Estate Winery, BC – N/V Strawberry Sparkling – $27.00

Gold

  • Coopérative Forestière du Nord Ouest Ltée., NB – N/V Noaska Jazzy Sparkling Red –  $18.90

Fruit Fortifieds

Double Gold

  • La Vallée de la Framboise Inc., QC – N/V Douce Anna – $20.00

Gold

  • La Vallée de la Framboise Inc., QC – N/V Le Fabuleux – $20.00

DESSERT WINES

Late Harvests

Double Gold

  • Vignoble du Marathonien, QC – 2021 Vendange tardive sélective – $28.00

Gold

  • Bench 1775, BC – 2022 Paradise Ranch Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc Semillon – $29.75

White Icewines (Riesling, Vidal, Other)

Gold

  • Magnotta Winery, ON – 2019 Riesling Icewine Niagara Peninsula Limited Edition  – $39.95
  • Magnotta Winery, ON – 2021 Vidal Icewine Niagara Peninsula Limited Edition –       $34.75

Red Icewines

Double Gold

  • Magnotta Winery, ON – 2019 Cabernet Franc Icewine Niagara Peninsula Limited Edition – $44.95

Gold

  • Lakeview Wine Co., ON – 2022 Lakeview Wine Co. Cabernet Franc Icewine – $60.00

Grape Fortified

Double Gold

  • Moraine Winery, BC – 2021 O’Port – $45.00

Gold    

  • Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery, BC – 2017 The Crown – $45.99

The complete listing of this year’s results is available from the All Canadian Wine Championships website at https://allcanadianwinechampionships.com/acwc-2024-results

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Info Seminar or Infomercial?

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An American wine club operator from Napa Valley, California had arranged for a group of his members to take part on our recent river cruise aboard the Scenic Sapphire, through the Burgundy and Rhône wine regions. The group excursion included the CEO of Cuvaison Estate Wines of Napa, California, Dan Zepponi.

While sailing down the Rhône River between ports, Zepponi treated the passengers to two seminars; the first was an exploration of Chardonnay wine. The presentation included tastings of two different Chardonnays from Cuvaison which were compared to two French Chardonnays that are regularly served as part of dinner service on the ship.

The tastings were conducted as a head-to-head comparison. First, his unoaked Methibiton Chardonnay, was compared to an unnamed, unoaked French wine. The second comparison was between two oaked Chardonnays, Coeurtina from his winery against a second unidentified French.

In each comparison I found the flavours of the Napa wines to be extremely close to the French, though to me the French was slightly more mellow and smoother. The Cuvaison wines are priced at $70 US each and are only available directly from the winery.  In comparison, the ships wines would have an equivalent price of approximately $15 – $20 US per bottle.

During the second seminar Zepponi discussed micro-lots as they pertain to the wine industry. When a winery wants to produce a type of wine but does not have enough of the varietal in their own vineyard they may purchase the varietal from another grape grower.   The purchased grapes are then used to make a specific wine exclusively from that purchased micro-lot. This allows the winemaker to better control the grapes being used and the wine produced, in a similar manner that would be done if the vintner was using their own estate grown grapes.

Two taste comparisons were conducted, the first was with Cuvaison’s 2022 En Cigar Chardonnay Blanc and the ship’s undisclosed Sauvignon Blanc house wine. The second comparison was conducted using their 2022 Fiddlestix Pinot Noir and an undescribed French Pinot Noir. I favoured the French Sauvignon Blanc over the Cuvaison but did find Cuvaison’s Pinot to be smoother and less fresh that the French Pinot. Once again though, the price between the American and French wines was significantly different – $70 US for both Cuvaison’s versus under $20 US for the French wines.

Unfortunately, the two seminars lacked substance and honesty as they were actually marketing presentations for Cuvaison wines. Zepponi would have had more credibility in my eyes if he had presented his talks as being an introduction to Cuvaison wines. There was no value in conducting taste comparisons with wines that are not even identified by name, let alone any information about where or how the wines were produced. He should have simply talked about how his wines are produced.

Based on information presented about the various Cuvaison wines, they are producing decent wines at a reasonable price point. However, the feeble attempt at conducting product comparisons was an insult to the intelligence of the ship’s passengers.

Sláinte mhaith

The Châteauneuf-du-Pape District of France

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While on a river cruise that was part of my recent trip to France, I overheard someone say that Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a famous French winery. Well, that is not exactly true. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a French Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) located around the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhône wine region in southeastern France. It is one of the most renowned appellations of the southern part in the Rhône Valley, and its vineyards are located around Châteauneuf-du-Pape and in the neighboring villages of Bédarrides, Courthézon and Sorgues, between Avignon and Orange. The region covers more than 3,200 hectares or 32 square kilometres and produces over 110,000 hectolitres of wine each year.

The primary grape grown in the district is Grenache, but Cinsault, Counoise, Mourvèdre, Muscadine, Syrah, Terret noir, Vaccarèse, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette blanche, Picardan, Roussanne, and Picpoul are also cultivated.

The terroir consists of white limestone. The stones absorb the heat of the sun and transfers it to the roots of the vines. The stones also help with allowing rain to penetrate the roots. This is critical since temperatures rise to about 45 degrees Celsius in the summer and irrigation is not permitted.

The harvest takes place from late August to early September. There are 323 vineyards in the district, all of which are family operated companies. Given the conditions, production yields are low and this is reflected in the price at your local wine store. However, the higher cost does not deter buyers as some wineries are selling their wines two years in advance.

Selections at Maison Bouachon

I visited Maison Bouachon winery, which has been in operation since 1898. The vines on the estate generally range from 80 to 100 years in age. Wine production is completed following the methods and rules established by the AOC.

While there I sampled three of their wines, 2023 Côtes du Rhône white, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021 and the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Special Edition. My personal favourite was the Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021, which is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre grapes. I purchased a bottle which was later enjoyed by my wife and me. Unfortunately, like so many of the French wineries, Maison Bouachon wines are not available outside of France. Such a pity.

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The Beaujolais Wine District

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My wife and I recently returned from an excursion to France, which included exploration of several wine regions including the Beaujolais district of Burgundy. Beaujolais is a French Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) wine, generally made from Gamay grapes.  The grapes are thin skinned and are low in tannins.

The soil (terroir) consists of granite, schist, clay and sandstone. The vines are pruned using the goblet method, which is mainly practiced in the Mediterranean regions because having a foot close to the ground shelters the vine from the wind and the falling vegetation protects the grapes from the sun. This method of pruning only allows 3 to 5 branches to be kept on the vine. The branches end with a spur of 3 or 4 buds.

Goblet pruning is a drought-resistant and berry-protected method but prohibits the use of mechanized harvesting methods. Economically, the reduction in yields can be significant. The cost of production can be high due to an increased need for labour and the drop in production.

Climate change has been presenting a variety of challenges during recent years. Netting has had to be installed to protect the grapes from summertime hailstorms that have been regularly occurring since 2007. Very wet spring seasons, like this year, are threatening to delay the start of the growing season, thus reducing the yield potential and increasing the risk of mold on the vines.

The wines produced in the Beaujolais district include Beaujolais, Beaujolais Villages, cru Beaujolais and Beaujolais Nouveau. The region also produces a small amount of Chardonnay (about 4%) but none of that wine is sold outside of France.

Isabelle Brossard

We visited Château de Pravins, a 12th century winery. The current owners acquired the winery in 1941. The purchaser was Joseph Mathieu, whose descendant, Isabelle Brossard, operates the winery today. It is a biodynamic winery (uses organic processes) that expands across 26 hectares. The grapes are still crushed by feet, but pipes and pumps are also now used. One kilo of grapes is required to produce a single bottle of wine.  The AOC limits the Beaujolais wineries from producing any more than 6,000 litres of wine per hectare and allows only cement vats to be used in the production process.

While there we sampled three red wines, l’argile ardente No 2, les moraines, and l’argile ardente. I found all tree wines to be as equally as nice.

Based on the slow soggy start to the 2024 growing season, don’t be surprised if the 2024 vintage of Beaujolais wine is limited and thus more expensive than some previous years.

Sláinte mhaith