Invest in Nova Scotia Wines

Mature and Consistent Performers

Nova Scotia grape growers have succeeded in developing hybrids that are mature and consistent in their taste and performance. Several Vinifera have also been shown to flourish in our cool climate.

White Hybrids

L'Acadie Blanc

• The signature white grape of Nova Scotia.
• Created in Vineland, Ontario, this grape proved unsuitable to the Ontario climate but produces excellent wines in Nova Scotia.
• The grape is hardy, early-ripening and disease resistant.
• Fresh and refined, L'Acadie Blanc typically produces dry, medium bodied white wines with fresh flavours such as citrus fruit, and a slight herbaceous character. Oak-aged versions often develop buttery nuances, pear and apple flavours, and creamy textures – the perfect match to Digby Scallops or Atlantic Smoked Salmon.

New York Muscat

• This large, blue skinned grape was bred in Geneva, New York. It is intensely flavoured and extremely popular in Nova Scotia.
• The grapes are used in dry wines and Icewines.
• Bold and exotic, New York Muscat produces aromatic but dry full-bodied white wines with intense aromas of roses, grapefruit and exotic fruit such as lychee.

Seyval Blanc

• This grape is hardy and versatile and performs well in Nova Scoia's warmer regions.
• Crisp and clean, Seyval Blanc produces light to medium-bodied white wines with crisp citrus fruit aromas and flavours – a great aperitif or to enjoy with simply prepared mussels or light white fish such as sole.

Vidal Blanc

• Lively and versatile, Vidal Blanc's fresh lemony flavours and vibrant acidity make it well suited to making dry, off-dry or impeccably balanced Icewines.

White Vinifera

Chardonnay

• Newer to Nova Scotia because of winter hardiness concerns, Chardonnay is performing quite well and ripening into nice quality grapes.
• A classic vinifera, elegant and refined, Nova Scotia Chardonnay is crisp and clean with green apple and mineral notes on the nose and palate. Oak aged versions develop toasty notes on the nose and rich, creamy textures – a must with grilled Nova Scotia seafood such as salmon.

Riesling

• Hardy but late ripening.

Red Hybrids

Baco Noir

• Rich and smoky, Baco Noir produces full-bodied dry red wines with earthy, smoky and game-like aromas and flavours – a must with local game such as venison.

Leon Millot

• A red wine grape that is hardy, vigorous and disease resistant.
• Vibrant and fruity, Leon Millot produces dry medium-bodied wines dominated by black cherry, berry fruit and peppery characteristics – ideal with most meats and dishes with tomato based sauces.

Lucie Kuhlmann

• A sister variety of Leon Millot that produces a slightly bigger crop and is earlier ripening.
• The wines are bold in colour but with lower tannins.
• Big and fruity, Luci Kuhlmann produces full flavoured dry red wines with berry fruit and smoky notes on the nose. On the palate, they are rich and often have slightly spicy finishes – a Nova Scotia red to enjoy with grilled beef or hearty stews.

Marechal Foch

• This grape is reliable, hardy and common in Nova Scotia vineyards.
• Refined and characterful, Marechal Foch produces medium to full-bodied red wines with distinctive berry and bell pepper aromas and flavours. Oak-aged versions offer a great balance of fruit character with dry, slightly tannic finishes – enjoy with Nova Scotia lamb.

Red Vinifera

Pinot Noir

• Though still in the experimental stages, the grapes are able to ripen and over-winter. Two wine vintages have been produced locally.
• Light and earthy, Nova Scotia Pinot Noir is light and elegant with subtle berry and earthy aromas. On the palate it is light with dry, crisp finishes – a Nova Scotia red wine to match with salmon.

Icewines

The precious juice for Icewine is pressed from grapes that have been subjected to the harshness of winter, temperatures of at least -8 C for several days. You use six times the volume of grapes to make Icewine.

The grapes used to produce Icewine are picked during the coldest mornings in December (temperatures between -8 C and -14 C). The grapes are harvested frozen on the vine and pressed. A cool, slow fermentation results in a very complex, full bodied dessert wine. Depending on the variety of grape, the pressing can yield a golden nectar high in sugar, flavour and balance giving acidity to one full of spicy tangerine, apricot and melon flavours.

Nova Scotia has several local winemakers achieving great success with their Icewines, including Jost, Grand Pré and Saint Famille Wines.

Sparkling Wine

Nova Scotia sparkling wines are inspired by the European tradition of lightly sparkling, off-dry wines. Winemarkers here say that Nova Scotia has near perfect climatic conditions for making aromatic and sparkling wines. The cool growing season encourages the flavours to develop brilliance and uncommon intensity while still retaining the all important acidity required for balance and structure.

Fruit Wines

Nova Scotia is famous for its fruit. Our fruit wines, like some of the Nova Scotia grape wines, are sassy and bold. Examples of Nova Scotia fruit wines include Apple, Arctic Kiwi, Blueberry, Cranberry, Elderberry, Pear and Raspberry. They display a balance of light acidity and fresh fruit flavours. Served as aperitifs or creatively paired with food, we suggest a crisp Arctic Kiwi or Blueberry wine with poultry or pork, or a Pear or Apple wine with apple torte.