This entry is part of my mini-series on Nova Scotia wine. In case you missed it, here is my overview of Nova Scotia’s wine region, and here’s my post about Luckett, Blomidon, and Gaspereau Vineyards. Lastly, on to two wineries who’ve made a name for themselves with traditional method sparkling wine…
L'Acadie Vineyards
Winemaker Bruce Ewert began making sparkling wine in his native BC, in the Okanagan Valley. But when he saw the potential for making sparkling wine in Nova Scotia, he moved his family there. Rather than planting the traditional grapes used for sparkling wine, he chose to focus on Nova Scotia’s signature white grape, l’Acadie Blanc. He also decided to focus on traditional method sparkling wine, meaning he employs the methods used to make Champagne.
Founded in 2004 in the Gaspereau Valley, L’Acadie Vineyards released their first sparkling wine in 2008. The vineyard is certified organic (the first in Nova Scotia) and is planted almost entirely with the l’Acadie Blanc grape. The name of the winery is a reference to the grape, but also to the historical region of Acadia (Acadie in French).
Winemaker Bruce Ewert
The 2008 Prestige Brut had soft, fine bubbles (they weren’t aggressive, more like a caress) and nice fruit, with a touch of sweetness and good complexity. It was aged on its lees (the dead yeast cells and other grape material that remains after fermentation) for 3-4 years. (Champagne is traditionally aged on the lees to give it additional complexity, a creamier mouthfeel, and a toasty or nutty flavour.) A lovely wine.
I also really liked the 2009 Vintage Cuvée Rosé, a pink sparkling wine made from a blend of l’Acadie Blanc, Seyval Blanc, and Marechal Foch that had captivating red berry flavours. There was a bit of mustiness on the nose that I found added complexity. The bubbles were more present that the previous wine, and it had a rich mouthfeel.
In a nutshell: great sparkling wine at affordable prices (at the winery, the Prestige is $34.99 and the Vintage Cuvée Rosé is $25.99).
