Here is a selection of some of the best sparkling wines made in Quebec. The selected products are all from the traditional method, that is to say from a second fermentation in bottle, as in Champagne. These sparkling wines, of exceptional quality, have nothing to envy to the great champagnes, even if they have their own taste. And there's something for everyone.
The pioneer
One of the oldest wineries in Quebec, Le Cep d'Argent is also a pioneer in sparkling wines in the province. And for good reason, the brothers Scieur, who are at the head of this vineyard of Magog, are from the Champagne. Their "Sélection Blanc de Blancs" cuvée is made from Seyval, the emblematic grape variety of the Eastern Townships. A lot of fruit on the nose, and freshness in the mouth despite its 21 grams of residual sugar. A Quebec classic to discover or rediscover.
Price: 28,60$
Availability: At the vineyard, 1257 chemin de la Rivière, Magog
And in some SAQbranches
Brut
Le Domaine les Brome is best known for its white wine made from the grape variety St-Pépin. Winemaker Léon Courville now offers a "sparkling" version of this beautiful grape variety. The cuvée "Muse" is a sparkling Brut, that is to say relatively dry. It is distinguished by its versatility, since it will appreciate as much in the aperitif as with a meal.
Price: 34,00$
Availability: At the vineyard, 285 chemin de Brome, Ville de Lac-Brome
Brut Nature
The difference between a "Brut" and a "Raw Brut" is essentially the residual sugar level. Brut Nature means there is no dosage after disgorging, ie no added sugar. These sparkling wines therefore contain less than 3 grams of residual sugar per liter. They are rather rare on the market, and it is becoming one in Quebec. Developed by the Vignoble Sainte-Pétronille, on the island of Orléans, it is in the image of its winemaker, Louis Denault, which is mostly in dry whites. Its brioche side, due to an aging on the lees of 18 months, brings a nice balance in the mouth. It also offers pleasant linden notes, typical of the Vandal-Cliche grape variety. For lovers of dry wines only!
Price: 30,00$
Availability: At the vineyard, 8705 chemin Royal, Sainte-Pétronille
The half-dry
For those who like less dry wines, there are also great options, such as the wine "World, Bubbles", the Vignoble la Rivière du Chêne, St-Eustache. This sparkling wine has the particularity of being dosed with icewine, which gives it a pleasant sweetness, however supported by a nice freshness to not fall too much on the heart. Rich in the mouth, in a persistent finish with honey aromas, it is a must for your holiday foie gras canapés.
Price: 30,00$
Availability: At the vineyard, 807 Rivière Nord, St-Eustache
And in some SAQ branches.
The rosé
Do you want to add color to your parties? Try the sparkling rose Château de cartes. This family vineyard in Dunham has built a good reputation around this Brut made from Ste-Croix and Radisson. Its nose is very charming, mainly dominated by strawberry aromas, with slight animal notes. A sparkling wine simply festive, for the eyes as for the taste buds!
Price: 32,00$
Availability: At the vineyard, 1285 Bruce, Dunham
And in some SAQ branches.
Organic
Lovers of "organic" wines? Here is a vineyard that has chosen to adhere to 110% of this practice, working even in biodynamics. But what makes Domaine Bergeville's strength is that it only produces sparkling wines. Needless to say, the vineyard is the specialist of the traditional method in Quebec. Their "Gross White" is definitely worth the detour. Made from white Frontenac and gray Frontenac, it has everything to please, both on the nose and in the mouth. Here is an unmissable Quebec sparkling wine.
Price: 28,00$
Availability: At the vineyard, 1030 chemin Sherbrooke, Canton de Hatley
And in some SAQ branches.
The unfiltered
In addition to being certified organic, the vineyards of the Négondos produce an unfiltered sparkling wine. The Preamble, based on Seyval, is a comforting and refreshing sparkling wine with aromas of apple and pear, with notes of toast. It is not filtered, so yes, there is deposit. It is better to drink it with the deposit than to decant it, which may damage the fine, persistent bubble. Limited quantities!
Price: À venir
Availability: At the vineyard, 7100 rang St-Vincent, Mirabel
Le Montréalais
Although located in Dunham in the Eastern Townships, the Orpailleur vineyard has developed a special cuvee for the 375th of Montreal. A gourmet Brut from Seyval, Vidal and ... Chardonnay (main grape of Champagne)! Aromas of apple compote nose, freshness in the mouth. Like other wines produced by Charles-Henri de Coussergues, this Brut is a safe bet.
Price: 28,75$
Availability: At the vineyard, 1086 Bruce, Dunham
And in some SAQ branches.
Cheers, and happy holidays!
Le Sommelier du Nord