Next up we explore another exciting wine producing province in which temperatures dip well below zero. Nova Scotia.
Benjamin Bridge, Nova Scotia.
Happy 150th Birthday Canada! We continue our celebrations from coast to coast with birthday bubbly!
We are so blessed in this beautiful and bountiful country we call our home.We honour you Canada with bubbly from across the nation! Last issue we highlighted the two major wine growing regions here in Canada, Ontario and British Columbia. Together these two provinces produce over 90% of our wines. In the vinous world a great source of pride. Our wines consistently garner major awards in international competitions and the admiration from many a wine critique across the globe. Way to go Can-a-da! We make amazing wine eh? Yes, we do and it doesn’t stop there, hold onto your tuque!
Next up we explore another exciting wine producing province in which temperatures dip well below zero. Nova Scotia.
Strong winds prevail and there is often snow enough to igloo the vines! We are talking about Nova Scotia. The province that hugs the Atlantic side of the continent. It’s very much about location, location, location! Nova Scotia’s positioning makes it one of the most challenging places in the world to grow grape vines. However, it works and works extremely well! So much so that this region, one of the smallest and oldest in North America is being touted as “Canada’s next great wine region”. Situated on one of the cooler climate limits for vines. Those very elements allow for cooling breezes during the warm summer months and a moderating affect on the vineyards not too far from the coast. This makes for near perfect climatic conditions for grapes to hang longer on the vine and develop more intensity and brilliance. However still allowing for that omni important acidity, critical for good structure and balance. All of this helps contribute to the style of wines Nova Scotia is becoming best known for. Wines with great acidity, lively and crisp and with bright aromatics and characteristic minerality.
Nova Scotia has been producing wines since as early as the 17th century.
It is only in the last 25 years that it has taken a foothold commercially and in the last decade or so is showing the world increasingly what it is capable of! While small in scope in terms of Canada’s total wine production, the province is big in heart, dedication and talent when it comes to the wineries and their winemakers! Garnering huge accolades and international attention this burgeoning wine region is producing very impressive whites as well as outstanding bubbly that many connoisseurs are saying rival those of Champagne!
In terms of other wines Nova Scotia has a single appellation called Tidal Bay.
A signature white wine that applies to the entire province. Just as with VQA regulations in Ontario and BC, certain conditions must be met in order to be labeled Tidal Bay. These include the use of 100% Nova Scotia grown grapes, specific grape varietals, and a blind tasting evaluation to ensure the wines show the distinctive Nova Scotian taste profile. The future shines brightly for Nova Scotia wine with one critic and co-author of The Wine Lover’s Guide to Atlantic Canada, Craig Pinhey seeing “the future of Nova Scotia wines rising as high as the Bay of Fundy’s tides”. Incidentally the highest tides in the world. A toast to you Nova Scotia and to Canada’s 150th birthday with one of your finest!
Back to bubbly! Fabulous Fizz from Benjamin Bridge, Canada’s most lauded sparkling wine house!
Our introduction to Benjamin Bridge came to us via a casual blind tasting of sparkling wines on a sunny afternoon. We were a little surprised, and absolutely delighted when we learned that one of our favorites came from Nova Scotia. Upon a little more investigative work including of course enjoying it first with fresh oysters and later with a light desert we felt compelled to share our latest discovery.
Benjamin Bridge, located in the Gaspereau Valley on the Bay of Fundy was founded by Gerry McConnell and his late wife Dara Gordon.
Long time foodies and lovers of fine wine their passion was ignited after a tour of South African vineyards. In 1999 they purchased a property with the dream to create world-class wines, back home in their native country. For the McConnells, building a successful business was not the driving force. As Gerry has said “It was a love and passion for the land, a love and passion for seeing things grow and to show that there could be a viable industry in Nova Scotia producing acclaimed wines” And so the journey began, with management maintaining if world class wines couldn’t be produced, Benjamin Bridge would cease to exist.
Benjamin Bridge starts with a successive hire of some of the best in the business.
JEAN-BENOIT DESLAURIERS
From the first with Peter J. Gamble, a Canadian winemaking icon to assess the potential of the vineyard. Soon after joined by the late Raphael Brisbois former Chef du Cave for Piper Heidsieck, a leading authority on Champagne. In 2004 Benjamin Bridge releases its first sparkling wine vintage to rave reviews. In 2008 Jean-Benoit Deslauriers comes on board as head winemaker. The vineyards are officially certified organic, and the winemaker along with Gamble and Brisbois produce Deslauriers’ first Canadian wine, the lightly sparkly Nova 7 knocking it out of the ballpark!
The final analysis, the vineyards lie in an enviable position for one wanting to produce premium sparkling wines.
Nova Scotia’s climate and terroir are being likened to that of Champagne, sitting within just one degree of latitude. The Benjamin Bridge vineyards are located in the heart of the Gaspereau Valley on the The Bay of Fundy enjoying a micro climate especially suited to the production of sparkling wine. Said Peter Gamble of the temperature parallels between Champagne and the Gaspereau Valley “. “It’s so close to Champagne it’s frightening,” “It all starts in the vineyards” it is often said. With the dedication and uber talent of head winemaker Jean-Benoit, his assistant and cellar master, plus the guidance of Peter Gamble. The results are heavenly bubbly and award winning wines. The team of winemakers craft the sparkling wines in the time consuming and very expensive method used in Champagne called the Methode Classique. Very laborious in the vineyards and in the cellars where the wines are bottled and aged on their lees for up to four years, patience is a virtue as the wines are carefully monitored as they develop and ready to be released.
Here are a few quotes extolling the sparkling wines of Benjamin Bridge.
Mind blowing sparkling wines that would challenge any highly –rated French Champagne” Anthony Gismondi They are without question the best sparkling wines I have tasted in Canada “ Tony Aspler “It’s a sparkler that rivals Champagne…one of the best Canadian wines I’ve tasted. Beppi Crosariol We must agree whole heartedly, Nova Scotia you are a star and Benjamin Bridge you too are a star shining so bright for all of us fans of fine fizz and of supurb wine. Congratulations! Happy Birthday Canada, a toast to you and all of us on our sesquicentennial birthday!
Please find below a review of the Benjamin Bridge Brut and the Nova 7.
Benjamin Bridge Sparkling Brut 2011
Benjamin Bridge Sparkling Brut 2011 Vintages: 381533 $49.95 Ontario.
Produced in the Méthode Classique, or traditional Champagne method, using exclusively one of the three permitted grape varietals in Champagne Chardonnay. This luscious bubbly spent four years on the lees before its release and definitely hits all the high notes. Elegant and alluring on the nose with a fresh and bright aroma of citrus, lemon and lime, a hint of smoke and of bisquit. On the palate it is crisp, with mouth watering acidity, flavours of baked apple, more brioche and a long finish.
We enjoy with lobster and freshly shucked oysters … simply divine just like in the Maritimes! The Mermaid and the Oyster in Kerr Village, Oakville. Picture here of us in shop Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 Sparkling 2016 Vintages: 256289 $24.95 Ontario.
Rare terroir, classic techniques. Uncompromising wines from Nova Scotia and Benjamin Bridge
La Dolce Vita With Celebrity Chef Massimo Capra.
La Dolce Vita With Celebrity Chef Massimo Capra
Celebrity Chef Massimo Capra
From the historic Italian city of Cremona where the most famous violin hails, begins the culinary journey of a man who would become one of Canada’s most celebrated chefs, Celebrity Chef Massimo Capra.
Massimo Capra’s passion for embracing life, for enjoying food, good drink, friends, family and the community is unparalleled. He simply draws you in to this world, his world, la dolce vita, or the sweet life!
And what an extensive world it is. Massimo came to Toronto in 1982 starting out at family owned Archers restaurant. By 1989 he became an acclaimed chef at Prego della Piazza where he remained until 1997. That year he opened with Paolini, formerly of Splendido, Mistura Restaurant.
Skyrocketing from there!
Hit after hit Sopra Upper Lounge, Rainbow Room, Boccone and Soprano to name a few. Pleasing the palates of international travellers at Pearson airport and Hamad International Airport in Doha Qatar. This charismatic mustachioed chef is a force, with his latest venture Capra’s Kitchen recent opening in his hometown of Mississauga. Author and television host of many TV shows; Gourmet Escapes, Chef host on Restaurant Makeover, judge on hit show Chopped Canada and more. We salute Celebrity Chef Massimo Capra here!
Massimo grew up in a small town Cremona located in Lombardy northern Italy. We learn from Massimo, over a delicious glass of chilled Bersano 2015 Gavi di Gavi, that in Cremona most folks raised their own chickens. Like many folk Massimo lived on a dairy farm raised their own meat and lived off the land.
A story that was to be his first and his family’s first introduction to a fine cut of meat.
With only three butchers in his village butchering one animal each per week, it was only plentiful enough to serve the folks with better “means”. “For us the farmers, we went to buy the meat that was second grade, you know the kind of meat you had to boil for close to four hours to become tender”, Massimo explains.
After spending some time cooking and in cooking school, a new world of food opened up to him and ignited his passion.
Upon securing his first job, at the age of fifteen, he saved up enough money to buy four entrecote for himself and his family. “The butcher was skeptical at first”, said Massimo but accepted Massimo’s pre-order only with prepayment. After a two week wait for delivery of this superior beef Massimo’s entrecôte was finally masterly cooked, served and applauded, from there Massimo never looked back!
Chefs Massimo and Daniel Capra dishing up the pizza at ” Capra’s Kitchen”.
Capra’s Kitchen
Easily accessible, you can find Massimo today at “Capra’s Kitchen”, his latest restaurant venture located in Clarkson Village, in the heart of Mississauga. Opening to rave reviews, Capra’s Kitchen does not disappoint. The menu is creative, the dishes mouth watering and the presentation a feast for the eyes. Therefore, Massimo can be found either busy in the kitchen or on the floor chatting up the customers and posing for selfies.
What do they say? Behind every successful man is a woman. The point is Rosa, partner and wife is a big part of the magic here at Capra’s. Super talented, generous in spirit and warmth, everyone loves and respects Rosa! Clearly all the patrons enjoy a slice of Capra’s dolce vita.
The menu is focused on Massimo’s mouthwatering pastas, pizza and antipasto. We treated ourselves to a classic pizza, prepared by the hands of gifted Chef Daniel, son of Massimo! Yes, it is all in the family. The pizza Margherita was delish!
We are completely content, ready now to bid farewell. We will be back. Alas not so fast! Massimo motions and a glorious desert arrives, quintessentially Italian, a mouth watering Tiramisu. Not like we needed any kind of a lift,if you will, but tiramisu translates literally to “pick me up”, “cheer me up” or “lift me up”. We are already on cloud nine with such a fabulous evening of amazing food, great wine and in such an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. Thank you everyone at Capra’s Kitchen, you all made it a special time. We will be back!
Over the years with Massimo, we look back and remember a few choice times we have spent together!
Check out…The Wine Ladies TV at Sopra Lounge, Toronto with Celebrities Massimo Capra and Emilio Fina.
Bersano Gavi di Gavi 2015 $17.95
Gavi di Gavi comes from the district of Gavi located in Piedmont in northwestern Italy. It is made from the indigenous white grape Cortese, which dates back to the 17th century. These wines are known for its wonderful acidity from the lime-scented soils in this area. As a result, the wines are generally fresh, crisp and mouth watering when done well.
We enjoyed this Gavi di Gavi from the producer Bersano founded in 1907, crisp and inviting, lots of citrus with hints of white flowers and touch of mineralality, delightful.
Allegrini, Palazzo Della Torre 2012 $24.95
From the most acclaimed winery in the Veneto region, Allegrini, going back nine generations and known the world over for this particular wine, we discover the Palazzo della Torre 2012. From the Valpolicella Classica region, the grapes are sourced from a single vineyard situated in the foothills of Fumane, it is named after the adjacent villa, Palazzo della Torre, an important part of the Italian renaissance. Unique to this wine is how it is crafted, a small percentage of the grapes are left to dry out for a few months and then added to the previously vinified fresh grapes. The wine is deep ruby red in color, is velvety, smooth and full bodied, rich with dried fruit aromas of raspberry and plum, great fruit with chewy tannins and a lingering finish.
Penfolds Grange…The crescendo of our “Ultimate Penfolds Experience”
Penfolds Grange…The crescendo of our “Ultimate Penfolds Experience”
Nestled in the foothills of Adelaide with views over looking the city, Magill Estate is one of the world’s few urban single vineyards only fifteen minutes drive from Adelaide, capital of South Australia. Here lie historic vineyards of the iconic wine Penfolds Grange. With sturdy and gnarly Shiraz vines that date back over sixty years. They thrive in rich chocolatey red-brown soils over limestone bearing exceptional fruit for both Grange and Magill Estate Shiraz.
Penfolds Grange, a remarkable wine with a remarkable story. This wine is sought after and relished by wine collectors and aficionados around the world, paralleled to the First Growths of Bordeaux and Grand Cru of Burgundy. This is Australia’s most celebrated wine, officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. A vinous star that has been described by Robert Parker’s wine Advocate as “the leading candidate for the richest, most concentrated dry red wine on planet earth”.
It all began with British physician Doctor Christopher Ralston Penfolds and wife Mary.
In 1844 the couple settled in Adelaide on a vast parcel of land and the inaugural Penfolds wine was created. Recently we had the opportunity to take a step back in time and tour the Magill Estate Cottage, the Penfolds’ home. And learned a little about the family and the history of these storied precious vineyards. We were honoured with a personalized tasting of several Penfolds wines. A suburb afternoon, punctuated by the tasting of the great Grange.
Old age is much respected in this world, the world of wine.
“It all starts in the vineyards” they say. Our visit which began with our tour guide, the truly eloquent Danielle Flower guiding us throughout the grounds and introducing us to the estate’s old vine Shiraz. Old age is much respected in this world, the world of wine. These smaller concentrated fruit will deliver little in yield yet intense and concentrated flavours in the glass. Where one may drink history. The estate was once comprised of over 500 acres but over time has been diminished to just 12. These grapes, we learn will contribute to the iconic Penfolds Grange. Grange, Penfolds flagship wine, the most collectible wine on the continent is a multi-vineyard, multi district blend, yet it has a unique personality, flavour, structure, experience coveted by wine lovers the world over.
The good Doctor, perhaps ahead of his time…
The Penfolds, Christopher and Mary, immigrated to Australia at the ages of 33 and 24 and were supported by their family members on what was approximately 500 acres of land. Doctor Penfolds a believer in the medicinal properties of wine cultivated a portion of the land with plantings of French grape vine cuttings brought over from England. Initially fortified wines were the choice prescription but in time, responding to increased demand the winery expanded in output and selection of varietals planted until 1844 when the winery was officially established. Over the years, under the direction of Christopher up until his passing at age 59 and then under that of wife Mary Penfolds the winery continued to grow and prosper. By 1903 Penfolds was the largest winery in Adelaide.
It is Max Schubert, Chief Winemaker for Penfolds in the forties and fifties who must be greatly credited to the development of the iconic wine, Grange, originally called “Grange Hermitage”. It was he, after travelling to Europe and spending time in Bordeaux who created and ultimately became responsible for the development of this iconic wine.
To the tasting room!
And an extraordinary experience featuring a perfect blend of Penfolds offerings.
Penfolds produces a range of wines that come from a variety of regions, whether they are blends, or singular varietal. They also produce estate wines of single vineyard. All the wines however showcase the Australian heritage including the diversity and the great history.
Our tasting included a blend of all of the above.
One of our personal standouts on this day was the 2008
St Henri Shiraz.
A multi district blend including fruit from the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley. St Henri Shiraz differentiates itself from high quality Australian reds by not relying on any new oak.
Maturing instead in large old 1460 litre vats the wine’s character develops with little impression of oak. We comment on the seductive nose of intense blueberry and blackberry layered with dark chocolate. With a deep rich flavour of more dark fruit and chocolatey notes, it is rich and opulent with a long lasting finish! Drinking window suggestion is 2016-2035. Available on occasion at the LCBO and/or featured at Winemaker’s dinner as recently as October 26th of this year.
We tasted the 2011 Cellar Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coonawarra, exceptional! And to start the 2008 Yattarna Chardonnay, also multi regional.
The crescendo of our “Ultimate Penfolds Experience” was of course Grange.
Suffice to say an ethereal taste experience. Where wine is not simply a drink, it is history, it is place, it is magical, on this day it is Grange.
Of this wine says Chief Winemaker Gago, “Aromatically captivating/convincing— similar to the 1987 in its formtive years, stronger than the 1997!”
At the conclusion of our tasting, as we sipped on what little treasure remained in our glasses. Danielle shared with us Penfolds’ latest unique and extraordinary offering to its most devoted fans.
This most recent project allows one to purchase their own personal barrel of Penfolds wine for $198,000. Magill Estate will house your barrel under 24 hour/day security. Your wine will be available for you to check in on at any time from anywhere in the world. The custodian of this barrel is invited at any time to taste, assess the wine and determine when and how it should be bottled under the guidance of course of Chief Winemaker Peter Gago.
Gago who started at Penfolds in 1989, is himself a celebrity winemaker, in high demand internationally, only the fourth custodian of iconic Grange. Peter succumbed to his love of wine and as he puts it “the grip of the grape” … we guess was just too great!
For those of whom we have whet your appetite, the 2008 Grange is available here at the Tasting Room in the Olde Oakville location. Here we ponder the purchase of one of three remaining bottles priced at $499.00.
Finally, there are a number of Penfolds wines available at varying price points, something for everyone. Note to Heather, one of our favorite consultants, we’ll be back!
Georgia and Susanne
The Wine Ladies
