Wine Man: A coast-to-coast Canada Day toast

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To state the plain, Canada is sort of huge. That stated, the nation’s dimension isn’t usually top-of-mind.

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However then Canada Day rolls round and affords an opportune excuse to ponder the nation’s largesse; on this case in the case of potables.

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An astounding 6,000-plus kilometres separates this week’s West Coast and East Coast picks — to say nothing of the north-south divide.

So right here’s to the nation with this week’s coast-to-coast-to-coast Canada Day toast:

Benjamin Bridge Pet Nat 2021 Artisanal Wine, Nova Scotia ($11.99 for 250 mL can, No. 68282)

The East will get illustration from Nova Scotia’s Gaspereau Valley, house to famend sparkling-wine-focused Benjamin Bridge.

The vineyard’s canned Pet Nat affords an attractive, enjoyable and transportable single-serve celebratory fizz.

Made out of 100 per cent Geisenheim, a cool-climate-savvy hybrid grape crossing Riesling and Chancelor, this sparkler follows the ancestral technique of bottling partway throughout main fermentation. The result’s unfiltered and naturally fermented, and exhibits nice orchard and citrus fruit amid a cloudy and barely funky backdrop.

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A pointy entry results in a sturdy mid-palate, with a mild fizz concluded by a zippy end that includes lingering tannins. 

Backside line: A-. Enjoyable and funky can.

Rocky Creek Vineyard 2022 Pinot Gris, B.C. ($25, out there from the vineyard and choose personal wine shops)

Repping the West — and we’re speaking about as far west as you will get in Canada — is Rocky Creek Vineyard.

Situated within the notable Cowichan Valley wine-growing pocket on Vancouver Island, Rocky Creek was established in 2005.

Their new classic Pinot Gris is created from estate-grown grapes in an “orange wine” model that sees prolonged pores and skin contact after crush — on this case for 16 hours.

The result’s a vibrant pink-coloured wine wafting aromas of crimson berry and citrus peel, juicy with good acidity total.

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Some lip-smacking tannins present on a lingering end, and this vibrant orange/pink wine requires contemporary fish.

Backside line: B+. Vibrant and intense PG.

Ungava Gin, Quebec ($35.99 on sale till July 1, No. 96214)

Lastly, to finish with an actual kick (and correct protection for the complete nation) it’s off to forage for arctic botanicals in northern Quebec. Six, to be particular: Nordic Juniper, Wild Rose Hip, Labrador Tea, Crowberry, Arctic Mix, and Cloudberry.

These uncommon botanicals are hand-foraged, dried, then steeped and later infused in a impartial corn-based spirit for 5 weeks. The rising gin is straight away unmissable because of its distinctive, neon yellow color — derived naturally from the rose hips.

Past the fetching shade, the aromas and elegance total are basic citrus, floral and juniper — with berry and tart notes for good measure. 

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Backside line: B+. A enjoyable twist for traditional gin-based cocktails.

The Swirl: Festa del Dolcetto 2023

Assist have a good time Canada’s wine range by attending Stag Hole’s upcoming Festa del Dolcetto.

Billed as an opportunity to “have a good time this expressive Italian grape and its place within the Okanagan panorama,” the occasion runs 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, at Stag’s Hole Vineyard (2237 Solar Valley Means, Okanagan Falls).

Tickets are $45 (and restricted to 50 company), which incorporates snacking on Italian antipasti and spuntini whereas listening to dwell music and sipping by numerous types and vintages of Dolcetto on the patio overlooking the hole.

For full particulars head to stagshollowwinery.com/Go to-Us/Vineyard-Occasions. 

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