Canadian Wines

[Cashew]

Would any of you have any favorites, whether Okanagan, Niagra or other Canadian wines? Also, would a bubbly that becomes oxidized not lose, or have affected, it's fizziness?
Thanks.

[winer]

Hi Cashew. Being from BC, I can give you a few tips about wines from this fair province, as I have tried a fair number of different wines. One tip: You might have a look at the web site for the Vancouver Sun, one of the local papers here. Anthony Gismondi ha a wine column every Friday, and he frequently reviews local BC wines.

My own favourites:
- virtually anything from the Sumac Ridge winery. They have won more awards than any other winery in BC.
- Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris. This one is to die for, and its cheap! However, as you might expect, you can almost never find it, because it is in such demand.
- Gray Monk Pinot Gris
- Hester Creek Pinot Gris

(As you can see I am partial to Pinot Gris! But it is a grape that does very well in the Okanagan climate, and there are a number of truly excellent vintages - both 2000 and 2001 have been superb.)

- Quails Gate 2000 Family Reserve Chardonnay
- Calona Artist Series Pinot Blanc
- Hester Creek 1999 Cabernet - Merlot

Thats a sampling of my favourites. If you let me know what BC wines are available in NB, I'll give you comments on the ones I know.

[Innkeeper]

Everytime I'm behind a Canadian Wine List, I get sad. All of my experiance is in Eastern Canada, from Quebec on east. Being two hours away, we get up your way regularly. The sadness comes from the selection of Canadian Wine. Just as Irving is the pervasive oil dealer in these parts (You know your a Mainer if you know what an Irving is and where twelve of them are), Inniskillin is the pervasive wine dealer.

Whether in Montreal or Grand Manan Island, that is the brand that will be on all lists. Most frequently it is the only Canadian brand. Like Gallo, they do put out some good stuff. We enjoy one of their slightly off dry rieslings. So, that's the answer to your question.