In the middle of winter, we are all looking for warmth and comfort. Here are some wines that provide us with them. Wines that stand out for their concentration, and wines that have body, that is to say, an enveloping texture in the mouth. These sensations will bring you this much sought after comfort, either after skiing, or simply to accompany your favorite simmered dish. From the Eastern Townships to the Laurentians, through the Montérégie and Île d'Orléans, here are 1 white, 7 red, and 2 sweet wines, to make your winter more enjoyable!

Cuvée Natashquan, L'Orpailleur, Cantons de l'Est

A rich white, both on the nose and in the mouth, which stands out with its enveloping aromas of stewed apple and butter, as well as toasty notes and vanilla, due to aging in oak barrels. The fat on the palate makes it a gourmet wine that leaves no one indifferent. Part of the sales of this wine are also donated to the Gilles Vigneault Heritage Foundation.

Price: 28,00$

Available at the SAQ and in several fine grocery stores. Limited quantities..

XP, Domaine Les Brome, Cantons de l'Est

The winemaker Léon Courville is now in its sixth edition for this vintage, which at first had to be an experiment, hence its name, XP. The experiment in question is the technique of passerillage. That is, once the grapes are harvested in the fall, they are then dried in attics for 6 to 8 weeks, concentrating the sugars further. This method is particularly associated with the wines of Amarone della Valpolicella, in Italy. The result is much more intense wines.

Price: 26,60$

Available at the SAQ and in several fine grocery stores.

Réserve rouge, Domaine St-Jacques, Montérégie

For many years, Yvan Quirion's wines have stood out for their quality and consistency, and prove that we are able to produce very good red wines in Quebec. It is bursting with fruit, and its aging in French oak barrels for 12 months gives it its structure and its roundness, as well as spicy and toasted notes. A sure value, which will delight all lovers of red meat.

Price: 19,45$

Available at the SAQ.

Frontenac Noir, Vignoble Gagliano, Cantons de l'Est

The Italian origins of this former politician turned winemaker are undeniable. There is a little Tuscan flavor in this 100% cuvée from Frontenac Noir. This wine is surprising in many respects, both in terms of its concentration and its 14% alcohol content, which is rather rare for a Quebec wine. This wine has it all: fruit, freshness, and a nice general balance.

Price: 24,15$

Available at the SAQ and at several Metro and IGA grocery stores.

Le Bâtonnier, Domaine du Ridge, Cantons de l'Est

Here is another politician who decided to make wine. Denis Paradis is also a lawyer by training, and served as bâtonnier of Quebec in the 1990s, hence the name of this cuvée. A 100% red from the Maréchal Foch grape, it is expressed by aromas of very ripe black berries. Here, the wood is well integrated, which leaves room for fruit, while bringing a nice roundness in the mouth. Excellent value for money.

Price: 16,55$

Available at the SAQ and Metro grocery stores.

Mystère rouge, Vignoble d'Oka, Laurentides

Unlike most Quebec vineyards that bet on white wines, Michel Levac instead decided to specialize in reds. A successful bet with the Red Mystery, the result of a meticulous work, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Aging in new French oak barrels for 20 months forges the character of this wine, dominated by empyreumatic aromas and spices.

Price: 22,95$

Available at the SAQ and some IGA grocery stores.

La Réserve, Vignoble Isle de Bacchus, Ile d'Orléans

Isle of Bacchus is the name given to the current island of Orleans by Jacques Cartier in 1535, because he saw many wild vines. One of the oldest vineyards in Quebec founded in 1982 by the Roy-Bouchard family, it was recently bought by contractor Steve Boyer. The new owner intends to continue the tradition while pushing the vineyard to new heights, especially with La Réserve, a new product available since 2017. A red wine from 18 months of aging in oak barrels. Of great complexity, where fruit, spices and woody notes blend perfectly.

Price: coming soon.

Availability: at the vineyard Isle de Bacchus, and Marché des saveurs at the Jean-Talon Market.

Le Grand Coteau, Coteau Rougemont, Montérégie

No, it's not just apples in Rougemont. We also make very good wine. Talk to the Robert family, who is behind the success of this vineyard. One of his wine buds, Le Grand Coteau, is a very juicy red. Its nose of black cherry, freshly crushed blackberries, and sweet spices makes it a very charming wine. A great balance in the mouth, it is also very versatile in terms of agreements with dishes.

Price: 22,95$

Available at the SAQ.

Vendange tardive, Vignoble du Marathonien, Montérégie

The reputation of Jean Joly is well established. The Marathoner's ice wines are world famous, and have won many medals against the world's best sweet wines. Less known than its ice wine, its late harvest is just as delicious and the image of the quality of this area, but at a price much more goulant than the ice wine! You will appreciate it with foie gras on brioche bread, or with most desserts, especially those made from maple.

Price: 29,20$

Available at the SAQ.

Éraporteross, Vignoble Rivière du Chêne, Laurentides

It is one of the largest vineyards in Quebec, which has already made its mark with its dry wines. But the team of Daniel Lalande also excels in other styles, such as this fortified wine that is reminiscent of Porto. It has the particularity of being flavored with maple syrup, which gives it a touch even more Quebec. It marries particularly with chocolate desserts or blue cheese ... Or just digestive in front of a good fireplace!

Price: 20,35$

Available at the SAQ.

 

Cheers

Le Sommelier du Nord