Think champagne is the best option for New Years Eve? Think again.
Did you know that both Niagara and Prince Edward County share similar climate, soil and grape varieties as the Champagne region of northern France? Conditions in these areas are ideal for homegrown bubbly!
Here’s a few delicious, perfectly pop-able bottles of Ontario sparkling wine we’re already chilling in anticipation of 2019.
2016 Redstone Sparkling Limestone Vineyard
Redstone Winery, 4245 King S, Beamsville
redstonewines.ca
Crafted in the traditional method from a blend of Pinot Noir (72%) and Pinot Noir (28%) aged 18 months on lees, the Redstone Sparkling displays delicate notes of baked apple, coconut and a fine and persistent mousse.
2017 Whitecap Method Charmat
Hinterland Wine, 1258 Closson Rd, Prince Edward County
LCBO #332809 hinterlandwine.com
Whitecap is a very fresh, aromatic and flavourful sparkling wine with peach and tropical fruit on the nose and balanced acidity on the palate. Its fine creamy texture is exactly what we’re looking for in a celebratory spritz.
2011 Blanc de Blanc
Kew Vineyards, 4696 King St, Beamsville
kewvineyards.com
On lees for two and a half years, this sparkling wine is really special. Oak, vanilla and a touch of almond biscotti are on the nose, while the lively palate is full of vibrant lemon and lime characteristics.
Stardust Brut Cuvee
Rosehall Run, 1243 Greer Rd, Prince Edward County
rosehallrun.com
This dry sparkler from one of Prince Edward County’s oldest wineries is made of an almost equal blend of estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It’s got curious notes of holiday memories like cracking whole hazelnuts and stirring honey into your morning tea- but maybe that’s just us looking for any reason to celebrate when this beautiful bottle is in the room.
Spark Limestone Ridge Sparkling Riesling
Tawse, 3955 Cherry Ave, Vineland
VINTAGES #37036 tawsewinery.ca
Made of Riesling sourced from a certified organic and biodynamic vineyard in Niagara, this the fifth iteration of Spark. This is an easy-drinking, uncomplicated sparkling wine with classic notes of green apples, citrus and a nice minerality we’ve come to love from Tawse.
Lola Blush
Pelee Island Winery, 455 Seacliff Dr, Kingsville
LCBO#450981 peleeisland.com
Who says you need to be shmancy to drink sparkling wine? This cheerful pink sparkler is everything we want to be drinking at this time of year, without breaking the bank. It tastes like strawberries and vanilla, with a hint of citrus. Bonus: it’s so pretty, it hardly needs gift wrap!