Wine cultivation

Quebec knows this cepage as the source of Madiran wines. Yet it has also seen great success in other soils!

Riding on the prestige of the Grands Crus from Médoc, Cabernet Sauvignon has become the most planted red grape variety on the planet, just ahead of Merlot, another variety that originated in Bordeaux.

An expert gives us the ABCs of organic, biodynamic and natural wines. What exactly do these terms mean?

Rare is a grape variety as multifaceted as this magnificent white originating from the Loire Valley, that can produce dry, lively wines, rich and floral vintages, and even the entire range of sweet wines, including dessert wines and even botyrized wines (those affected by what we call “noble rot”)—not to mention sparkling wines of great quality. Its aromas of pear and sometimes peach, white flowers, and even honey or wet wool, are endowed with remarkable complexity.

An underestimated Mediterranean grape variety! For quite some time, very little merit has been accorded to Cinsault, a grape variety originating from the Rhône and Languedoc regions. Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say it has been granted only a single virtue: its ability to produce a high volume of fruit—perfect for creating inexpensive cuvées or easy-to-drink rosés for guzzling.

When it comes to those lesser-known grape varieties that turn out to be veritable treasures, Mencia is definitely hard to beat. A grape variety primarily found in the Bierzo and Ribera Sacra districts in the northern Spain, Mencia is also known as Jaen in Portugal, where it is used in the production of Dão wines. Some 30 years ago, it had a pretty modest reputation.

Identifying grape varieties: a real challenge!

Le vin grec gagne en popularité au Québec. Pour l’amateur curieux, le pays est un coffre aux trésors riche en découvertes. Il recèle des centaines de cépages indigènes, dont plusieurs sont cultivés depuis des milliers d’années.

Italy produces several excellent types of wine, but only one spirit: the legendary grappa. Transparent or lightly golden when refined, this elixir, the pride of Italians, comes to the table at the end of the meal to be enjoyed by those who love finesse and elegance.

Several lesser-known grape varieties do not qualify as “international”. Such is the case of Verdejo, an indigenous white variety originating from Rueda in the northwest of Spain.

Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Riesling: quite the trio! Very distinct, one from the other, these three grape varieties have contributed to solidifying the image and the taste of white wines. Unique, complex and international, these different grape varieties know how to win over most wine lovers!

Touriga Nacional: It may not ring a bell now, but giving one of Portugal’s lesser-known vintages a try might have you discover your new favourite bottle. Here’s a hint: ever had a glass of Port? Then Touriga Nacional might already be a well-loved favourite!