Must-Drink: The Three Best Canadian Wines

Award-winning sommelier and restaurateur Jeremy Bonia fills us in on the best wines to start your Canadian collection.

1. Benjamin Bridge, Nova Scotia (Left)
“Without a doubt, Benjamin Bridge is producing the greatest sparkling wines in Canada, using the usual suspects (pinot noir and chardonnay grapes) and employing the traditional method — think champagne — from the Gaspereau Valley. The recurring themes with these wines are what I call ‘electric acidity’ and incredible precision and focus. They’re brilliant.”

2. Norman Hardie, Ontario (Middle)
“Norm is the king of pinot noir and chardonnay. You’d think you’re drinking Cru Burgundy, but it’s all fruit from Prince Edward County and the Niagara. He’s the humble and soft-spoken prophet of Ontario Wine. The quality lies within — you just need to drink it to believe it.” 

3. Tantalus Vineyards, British Columbia (Right)
“Off to the West Coast, Tantalus is the benchmark of quality wines. Their chardonnays and pinot noirs are wonderful, but my personal favorites are the rieslings — grown on old vines — for their complexity, acidity, and balance. An absolute must-find if you’re in the province.” 

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